If you own property in Dubai and live abroad, you generally do not need to pay income taxes on the property. Dubai is known for its favorable tax environment, especially when it comes to real estate. Here’s a detailed breakdown:

1. No Property Tax: Dubai does not impose annual property taxes on real estate owners. This means that once you purchase a property, there are no ongoing property taxes to pay, regardless of whether you live in Dubai or abroad.

   
   

2. No Income Tax: There is no income tax in Dubai. Therefore, if you earn rental income from your property in Dubai while living abroad, this income is not taxed by the UAE government. However, you should check the tax regulations in your country of residence, as some countries might tax foreign income.

   
   

3. VAT on Commercial Property: While residential properties are exempt from VAT, commercial properties in Dubai are subject to a 5% Value Added Tax (VAT). This tax is applicable on the sale and rental of commercial properties, but not on residential properties.

   
   

4. Transfer Fees and Other Costs: Although there are no annual property taxes, there are one-time fees associated with property transactions in Dubai, such as the property transfer fee, which is typically 4% of the property’s value, and registration fees. These are paid during the purchase or sale of the property but do not recur annually.

   
   

5. Municipal Fees: There is a municipal fee levied on tenants, not property owners, which is typically 5% of the annual rental value for residential properties. This fee is usually added to utility bills.