Qatar Updates Foreign Real Estate Ownership Zones, Expanding Investment Opportunities

Qatar has updated the list of areas where non-Qataris are permitted to own real estate, pursuant to Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2026. This significant legislative change aims to broaden foreign investment in the country's property sector. The resolution amends provisions of Resolution No. (28) of 2020, which previously designated specific areas for non-Qatari real estate ownership and usufruct rights. The updated resolution officially entered into force on the day following its publication in the Official Gazette, marking a new phase for property acquisition by non-Qatari individuals and entities. It was published on June 7, 2026, at 11:40 pm, with the last update recorded at 11:42 pm on the same date, indicating a swift implementation process.

New Ownership Areas Designated

Non-Qatari individuals are now permitted to own real estate in several newly designated areas across Qatar, significantly expanding the available options for foreign investors. These include the prominent West Bay (Legtaifiya Area – Zone 66), a highly sought-after location. Additionally, The Pearl Island (Zone 66), known for its luxurious residential and commercial properties, has been explicitly opened for non-Qatari property ownership. The Al Khor Resort (Zone 74) has also been added to the list, offering opportunities in a growing tourism and leisure hub.

Further expanding the geographical scope, Dafna features two administrative zones, Zone 60 and Zone 61, where non-Qataris are now eligible to acquire real estate. These additions provide diverse options within established urban areas. Onaiza (Administrative Area – Zone 63) also falls under the updated regulations, making it accessible for foreign property acquisition. The new designations extend to key development areas such as Lusail (Zone 69), Al Kharayej (Zone 69), and Jabal Thuaileb (Zone 69), all part of Qatar's modern urban expansion. The Simaisma Resort and Beach Project (Zone 70) completes the list of new zones where non-Qatari real estate ownership is now permissible, offering investment prospects in coastal and resort developments.

Regulatory Framework and Procedures

Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2026 includes key amendments to the regulatory framework governing non-Qatari real estate ownership. Article (2) of the new resolution specifically replaces Article (6) of Resolution No. (28) of 2020. This change clarifies the procedural responsibilities for real estate transactions involving non-Qataris, streamlining the legal pathway for foreign investors.

The Real Estate Registration Department at the Ministry of Justice is tasked with undertaking all procedures related to the registration of real estate ownership, usufruct rights, and associated transactions under the updated regulations. This centralizes the process for foreign purchasers and investors, aiming to ensure efficiency and transparency. Article (3) of Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2026 replaces Table No. (1) which was attached to the original Resolution No. (28) of 2020, formally detailing the expanded list of approved zones for non-Qatari ownership. This explicit update to the annex of the original resolution provides clear guidance on the newly permissible areas.

Implementation and Enforcement

Article (4) of Cabinet Resolution No. (21) of 2026 mandates all competent authorities to implement the resolution, showing the government's commitment to its enforcement. This stipulation ensures that the updated regulations for non-Qatari real estate ownership and usufruct are enforced consistently across all relevant government bodies. The Ministry of Justice, through its Real Estate Registration Department, is specifically responsible for executing the registration procedures for ownership, usufruct rights, and related transactions. The resolution clarifies the institutional framework for managing these real estate activities, establishing a clear line of responsibility for the processing of foreign property acquisitions in the newly designated zones. This measure is designed to streamline the administrative processes required for non-Qatari individuals and entities to engage in real estate transactions within Qatar, promoting a more accessible and investor-friendly environment.