Following Sheikh Zayed Road, the freehold conversion boom has now spread to the Al Jaddaf neighborhood, where new projects are either underway or soon to be completed.
For Dubai real estate investors, particularly those looking to purchase a home for their personal use, this opens up additional freehold residential choices.
“Al Jaddaf could well become one of the locations where end-user property buyers still don’t have to pay a price premium compared to apartments on SZR, the Downtown Dubai or Business Bay,” said an estate agent.
“The other emerging location that end-users are seriously interested in is Dubai Maritime City, again for the same reason of value-for-money.”
Dubai allows freehold conversion
Dubai announced in early 2025 that private investors’ designated plots and buildings on Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf might be turned into freehold. This implied that 329 Al Jaddaf plots may undergo the change.
According to industry sources, these areas enable both new and existing investors to enter the market at prices that have not yet reached the peak of the recent Dubai real estate boom. Additionally, there’s a considerable likelihood that property values will have begun to rise by the time these investors move into their homes in three to four years.
New freehold activity in Al Jaddaf
The “Azizi David” in Al Jaddaf, which is being sold by Azizi Developments this week, will be situated on property that was previously reserved exclusively for GCC investors. It is currently being used as a freehold. “Dubai’s famed Al Jaddaf continues to draw strong demand from local and international buyers,” said Farhad Azizi, Group CEO.
One-bedroom flats at Azizi David cost Dh1.24 million, while two-bedroom homes cost Dh1.6 million. Additionally, the developer has selected emerging places for the second Azizi project that has been launched in consecutive weeks. Azizi Abraham’s prior launch took place in the Jebel Ali Free Zone.
As part of the Dubai strategy to repurpose plots on SZR and in Al Jaddaf, Harbor Real Estate recently announced that it was collaborating with JAD Global Real Estate Development as an advisor to build one of the “first freehold projects launched in Al Jaddaf.”
“We are preparing a new development aligned with a comprehensive vision that reflects the government’s ambition to transform the area into a vibrant, mixed-use urban hub, open to investors of all nationalities,” said Dr. Mohanad Alwadiya, CEO of Harbor in the statement.
What are current Al Jaddaf values?
There have already been a number of developments in the region, including the Culture Village and the D1 Tower. Depending on size and views, secondary market transactions for the D1 skyscraper, which is perhaps the most visually striking project in the neighborhood, are reaching Dh1.1 million for studios and Dh1.7 million to Dh2.2 million for one-bedroom apartments.
Nearer the Al Garhoud Bridge, several projects are in advanced stages of construction. (As additional roads and infrastructure are constructed, the area is likewise becoming more and more attractive for offices.)
“The current pricing for studios and 1-bedroom apartments in the wider Al Jaddaf area start from Dh650,000 and Dh1 million reaching up to AED 1.5m, depending on the finishing and views,” said Aakarshan Kathuria, CEO of RiseUp.
“That would mean a median price per square foot of Dh1,550-Dh1,620.
“The forecast are for 15%-30% increase in property values in the coming years following Dubai’s freehold conversion and redevelopment initiatives. Particularly at prime and ‘well-located’ plots.”
Good connectivity too with Dubai Metro
For those looking to Dubai Metro rides, Al Jaddaf residents have connectivity via the Al Jaddaf and Creek stations. “Plus, there’s the proximity to Downtown, Healthcare City, and upcoming Etihad Rail hub – all of which enhance Al Jaddaf’s appeal,” said Kathuria.
Industry sources indicate that UAE citizens who have been here for three to five years and are prepared to “take a step up” and commit to a longer stay are becoming more interested in real estate.
“Locations such as Al Jaddaf will fit in neatly into the recent Dubai ‘first-time home buyer’ programme,” said a property agent. “if developers assign a certain number of units at reduced prices for such buyers, Al Jaddaf gives them a good entry point.”
New incentives for investors purchasing their first residences in Dubai were announced in July. As a result, developers who participate in this program reserve a specific quantity of units and offer them at a discounted price. This might lead to fresh sales opportunities in Al Jaddaf or other parts of the city, which would keep the demand curve for real estate in Dubai rising.
Developers working on future developments in Al Jaddaf will also be considering those ideas.