In the summer of 2002, the Dubai property market was opened up, allowing foreigners to purchase freehold properties for the first time. To buy a real estate in Dubai is now very easy.

The purchase of property on freehold basis means that the property is put in the owner's name for life, and the owner has the right to sell, lease or rent his/her property at their own discretion. Property owners and their immediate family will obtain renewable Dubai residence visas, which can cost AED. 5,000 per person. Freehold property in Dubai is currently limited to the Sheikh Zayed Road and Jumeirah areas.

Below is a list of Dubai real estate developers and the property they have for sale.

Emaar

It is known as the region's largest real estate company, which was started as a public joint stock company in 1997. It was the first company to get into freehold property and their projects are below.

Burj Dubai

Set to be the world's tallest tower surrounded by a combination of residential, commercial, hotel, entertainment and leisure outlets. Dubai Marina

The world’s largest man-made marina and is amongst the world's largest master planned waterfront developments. The first phase of development will be of six waterfront apartment towers (Marina Crown, Al Seef Tower, Sahab Twin Towers) and 64 luxury villas. Golf Towers

Two residentail high-rise towers which will overlook the Emirates Golf Club, which are scheduled to be finished in mid-2007 with 1, 2, and 3 bedroom apartments. Other Emaar Projects

Emirates Living (Emirates Hills, The Meadows, The Springs, The Lakes, The Greens), Arabian Ranches (Gazelle, Savannah, Palmera, Mirador) and Emaar Towers.

Al Nakheel Properties (Nakheel Corporation)

It is a Dubai Government company that is the most popular real estate company dealing in Dubai freehold property. Below is a list of their various projects.

The Palm Islands

Three man-made palm tree shaped islands, the Palm Jumeirah, the Palm Jebel Ali and the Palm Deira, which are also referred to as the 8th wonder of the world.

The World

A collection of 300 manmade islands shaped like the continents of the world, being built on the coast of Dubai Jumeirah Lake Towers

Land developed that will contain man-made lakes, waterways and a beautiful landscape with a series of attractive residences, offices and retail outlets. The project is located between Interchange 5 and 6 off Sheikh Zayed Road and will contain a total of 45 uniquely designed towers, grouped into groups of three. It will cover a total of 730,000 square metres, with man-made lakes covering 116,000 square metres and is expected to be completed by the end of 2005. Towers in this project include (Lake Terrace, Laguna Tower, Wind Tower 1 + 2, Lake View, Fortune Tower, Goldcrest Executive, The Palladium, Indigo Tower, Lake Terrace, Lake City, Global Lake View, Saba Tower 1, Indigo Icon, Dubai Arch Tower, Manchester Star Tower, Concorde Tower, ELAF Tower, AU Gold Tower, Goldcrest Views 2, Bonnington Tower, Pacific Tower, Dubai Star, Manchester Plaza, The Icon, Madina Tower, Armada Towers, Saba Twin Towers, New Dubai Gate, Al Waleed Paradise Tower, Mag 214 Tower, Green Lakes, Seef Tower II, Seef Tower III, Tamweel Tower, Goldcrest Views, Falcon Tower, Flamingo Tower, Bin Lahej Tower, Fortune Executive Tower and the Jumeirah Lake Terrace).

International City

Located in Al Warsan, International City has a country themed architecture of residences, business opportunity, and tourist attractions. Its residential area will contain units of studio, one and two bedroom apartments.

Other Al Nakheel Properties Projects

Gardens Shopping Mall, The Gardens, Jumeirah Islands and Dubai Waterfront.

Damac Properties

Popular freehold company that has property in the Dubai Marina, The Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Lake Towers and The Palm Jebel Ali. Below is a list of their freehold projects.

The Crescent, Terra Del Sol 1&2, Ocean Heights, Park Towers, Lake View, Palm Spring, JBR, Lake Terrace, Palm Terrace, The Waves and Marina Terrace

Diamond Investments LLC The Developers of the Marina Diamond Towers. There is a family of Marina Diamond building consisting of Marina Diamond 1, 2, 3, and 4. Offering superb studio, 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments. All buildings located at the Dubai Marina.