UAE expat and retiring in Abu Dhabi? real estate investment is key.

• Position: United Arab Emirates' retirement abroad law

The capital's real estate offerings, the UAE government's new retirement visa rules and new laws on freehold ownership for expats in the capital are helping shape the emirate as an ideal retirement destination. Previously, expats in Abu Dhabi could only buy real estate on a 99-year lease. The new freehold law announced at Cityscape Abu Dhabi in April essentially opens the capital to a whole new segment of buyers and investors in real estate, including those in search of a retirement home. According to this law, foreigners can now own property in specified areas without time limitations, just like UAE nationals.

"Looking at Abu Dhabi as a place to retire makes sense since it is relatively laid-back with a relaxed pace of life and has a cultural touch to it," says Lynnette Abad, director of research and data at...