Buying property in Dubai from Saudi Arabia: steps, transfers and fees
The full journey for an investor based in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam buying an off-plan apartment in Dubai: choosing the project, reserving remotely, transferring riyals from a Saudi bank, DLD fees, and the Golden Visa, with Hilton Residences as the example.
Why Dubai makes sense for an investor in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam
A business owner in Riyadh, a doctor in Jeddah or an engineer in Dammam often already holds property and business interests inside the Kingdom, and looks abroad for an asset in a different currency and a more transparent process. Dubai is the closest major international market to Saudi Arabia, both geographically and in how documented the process is. Individuals in the UAE pay no tax on rental income or capital gains. The off-plan market is supervised by the Dubai Land Department, with every payment held in an escrow account and construction progress that can be checked online. A reservation starts at 20% of the price.
The second reason is the currency. The Saudi riyal and the UAE dirham are both pegged to the US dollar, so there is effectively no currency risk between the two, and a transfer arrives worth close to what it left with.
The third reason is proximity. A direct flight from Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam to Dubai takes around two hours, and a large Saudi community already owns property and visits Dubai regularly, so the market is not unfamiliar before you arrive.
Five steps, all completed from Saudi Arabia
- Work out the full budget. Unit price, the 4% DLD registration fee, developer administrative fees, Oqood registration for an off-plan sale. Your Orven adviser sends a detailed estimate in UAE dirhams.
- Choose the project. A furnished branded residence in Dubai Maritime City or a family three-bedroom on Dubai Islands attract different tenants. Hilton Residences by Prestige One targets the first profile.
- Reserve. The reservation form and the sale agreement are signed electronically. A copy of your Saudi national ID or passport is enough; no UAE residency is required.
- Transfer the first payment. It leaves your bank in Saudi Arabia and lands in the project's escrow account, held at a UAE bank and controlled by the DLD.
- Follow construction to handover. Instalments track building progress, checked through the DLD's Project Status Enquiry service. At handover, the title deed is issued in your name.
Transferring funds from a Saudi bank
Al Rajhi Bank, Saudi National Bank (SNB), Riyad Bank, SABB and Alinma Bank all process international SWIFT transfers. Because the riyal and the dirham are both dollar-pegged, there is little exchange rate movement to plan for between the two currencies, which makes the transfer more predictable than to a floating-rate country.
Your Saudi bank applies its own checks on international payments, especially the first payment to a new payee abroad. Orven does not replace your bank on this point: it tells you which confirmations it needs. In practice, prepare:
- a national ID or passport and proof of address;
- the signed sale agreement with the developer, including the escrow account details and SWIFT code;
- proof of the source of funds (savings, salary, sale of a property, business income), which the receiving UAE bank also asks for.
Two practical points. Speak to your relationship manager before the first transfer so the file is complete when the funds leave. Keep the transfer confirmation and its reference: the developer uses it to match your payment to your unit.
ORVEN PROPERTIES
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Fees to plan for
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| DLD registration fee | 4% of the price |
| Oqood registration (off-plan) | fixed fee, confirmed in the contract |
| Developer administrative fees | depends on the project |
| Bank charges on the transfer | depends on your bank |
Orven charges the buyer no commission: our fee comes from the developer. Brokerage is provided through ORVEN REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE L.L.C S.P.C (Economic License No. CN-6800129, ADRA). Our guide to purchase costs goes through each line.
Tax on the Saudi side
In the UAE, an individual pays no tax on rental income or capital gains. Saudi Arabia does not levy personal income tax on Saudi individuals, though Zakat rules can apply to certain assets depending on their nature. If you are a tax resident elsewhere, or hold another nationality, your position may be different and is worth reviewing with a qualified tax adviser before you buy. Orven supports the transaction, not your tax position.
A worked example: Hilton Residences in Dubai Maritime City
Prestige One is developing Hilton Residences in Dubai Maritime City, 15 minutes from Downtown Dubai, 15 minutes from Dubai International Airport and 25 minutes from Palm Jumeirah. The project offers one- to three-bedroom residences and penthouses, delivered furnished, with hotel-grade amenities operated under the Hilton brand: an infinity swimming pool, a wellness deck, a cinema lawn, a casual sky lounge, a city-view work area and fitness and recreation spaces. The published payment plan is 20% at reservation, 40% during construction and 40% at handover. Starting price and handover date are provided on request.
For an investor in Riyadh, Jeddah or Dammam, the appeal is practical. The Hilton name is familiar to Gulf tenants and visitors, the apartment comes furnished, and management can be handled on site while you stay in Saudi Arabia. The Hilton Residences page shows the current selection.
If your purchase reaches AED 2 million, alone or combined with other properties, you may apply for a Golden Visa, under conditions set by the UAE authorities.
Send your budget and your goal (rental, second home, visa) on WhatsApp at +971 52 776 1939 or to sales@orvenproperties.com. An adviser replies with two or three available units and their actual payment schedule.
FAQ
Do I need a UAE visa to buy from Saudi Arabia? No. A valid national ID or passport is enough to buy freehold in the areas open to foreign buyers. The DLD issues the title deed in your name.
Is there currency risk between the riyal and the dirham? Both currencies are pegged to the US dollar, so there is very little exchange rate movement to plan for between them.
What is the payment plan for Hilton Residences? 20% at reservation, 40% during construction and 40% at handover. Your adviser confirms the exact schedule for the unit you consider.
Can a UAE bank finance part of the price? Yes, for some non-residents, subject to the lender's approval and valuation. Your adviser puts you in touch if your profile fits.
Is the 20% reservation payment refundable? Reservation payments follow the developer's sale agreement and Dubai's off-plan regulations. Ask for the written cancellation terms before making any payment.
ORVEN PROPERTIES
Talk to an Orven adviser
Leave your number: an adviser calls you back or replies on WhatsApp, in your language. No commitment.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a UAE visa to buy from Saudi Arabia?
No. A valid national ID or passport is enough to buy freehold in the areas open to foreign buyers. The DLD issues the title deed in your name.
Is there currency risk between the riyal and the dirham?
Both currencies are pegged to the US dollar, so there is very little exchange rate movement to plan for between them.
What is the payment plan for Hilton Residences?
20% at reservation, 40% during construction and 40% at handover. Your adviser confirms the exact schedule for the unit you consider.
Can a UAE bank finance part of the price?
Yes, for some non-residents, subject to the lender's approval and valuation. Your adviser puts you in touch if your profile fits.
Is the 20% reservation payment refundable?
Reservation payments follow the developer's sale agreement and Dubai's off-plan regulations. Ask for the written cancellation terms before making any payment.
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