DOHA: The Real Estate Registration Office for Non-Qataris at the Ministry of Municipality and Urban Planning has issued ownership certificates of residential properties in the Doha area to five expatriates. The certificates were issued in accordance with Cabinet resolution no. 6 of 2006 that permitted non-Qataris to own real estate and residential property.
This was announced by Eng. Abdullah Ibrahim Al Sada, Director of Real Estate and Residential Units for Non-Qataris, during a press conference held at Doha Municipality yesterday.
This is the first batch of beneficiaries acquiring the "right of usufruct", which effectively means purchasing leasehold from the property owner on a 99-year renewable basis. Two of the five expatriates who received the certificates are from Egypt, and one each belongs to Pakistan, Iraq and India. Ten more leaseholders will be given certificates soon, Al Sada said.
Those who lease the property are considered investors and they are entitled to use the properties commercially or for their own benefit, transfer the lease to another party, sublet or rent. They will also have residency rights including that for their family provided the Ministry of Interior's permission is granted. The land or residency unit will act as sponsor, Al Sada explained.
Qatar has allowed non-Qataris to use real estate and residentaial property in 18 areas -- Musheireb, Fariq Abdul Aziz, Doha Al Jadeed, Old Al Ghanim, Al Rufaa/Al Hitmi, Salata, Bin Mahmoud, Rawdat Al Khail, Mansoura/Bin Dirham, Najma, Umm Ghuwailina, Al Khulaifat, Al Sadd, New Mirqab/Al Nasser, Areas around the Doha International airport, Al Dafna/Onaiza/Al Qasser and Lusail.
The Pearl, West Bay Lagoon and Al Khor Resort Project are available for freehold purchase.
By Mohamed Saeed
© The Peninsula 2009
