Ownership & law
Musataha
Musataha is a long-term right, typically up to 50 years and renewable, to build on and use another party's land.
A musataha agreement grants the holder the right to construct, own, and use buildings or installations on land belonging to someone else, usually for a term of up to 50 years that can be renewed by agreement. It is commonly used for development and commercial projects in Abu Dhabi and is one of the tenures through which expatriates can participate in investment zones. During the term the musataha holder can typically deal with the constructed property, but rights over the land revert to the owner on expiry unless renewed.
Related terms
- Usufruct — Usufruct is the right to use and enjoy a property, including collecting rent, for a long fixed term, without owning it.
- Leasehold — Leasehold is the right to use a property for a long fixed term, often up to 99 years, without owning the underlying land outright.
- Freehold — Freehold is outright, perpetual ownership of a property and its land, giving the owner the right to use, lease, sell, or bequeath it.
- Investment Zone — An investment zone is an Abu Dhabi area designated by law where expatriates and foreign investors can own property under freehold or other tenures.