In January, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) announced a landmark decision allowing private property owners in key sections of Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Jaddaf to convert their properties to freehold status, opening ownership to all nationalities in a move that could reshape investment opportunities across 457 prime plots in these strategic locations. The initiative, affecting 128 plots along Dubai’s main business corridor and 329 plots in Al Jaddaf, aims to boost property values and attract international investment. That said, here is what the decision means for Dubai residents and property owners, and how it aligns with the emirate’s ambitious Real Estate Strategy 2033 targeting a market value of AED1 trillion