Can you own property in Dubai permanently (freehold)?

Yes — in designated freehold areas, foreign buyers own the property and the land outright and indefinitely, with full rights to live in it, rent it, sell it, or pass it to heirs. That's genuine permanent ownership, registered in your name at the Dubai Land Department. The alternative is leasehold (a long fixed term, often up to 99 years, without owning the land), found in some non-freehold areas. Most foreign buyers specifically target freehold communities for exactly this reason. Before committing to a unit, confirm it sits within a freehold zone if permanent ownership is what you want.