Dubai‘s Land Department has revealed plans to allow non-residents and visitors to register under the “First Property Ownership” initiative. This potential expansion is currently under study, focusing on registration and verification mechanisms after eight new real estate developers joined the program’s second phase. This initiative marks a significant shift in Dubai’s approach to real estate investment, catering to a broader audience.
A Growing Interest in Real Estate
During the “PropTech Connect Dubai 2026” summit, held recently in Dubai, the Executive Director of the Land Registration Sector, Majid Al Merri, stated that over 40,000 individuals have already registered for the “First Property Ownership” initiative. He emphasized the increasing interest from both investors and developers in this program. Additionally, the summit witnessed 100 startup companies in the real estate technology sector taking steps to establish a presence in Dubai.
PropTech Connect Dubai 2026
Majid Al Merri remarked that the PropTech Connect Dubai 2026 summit symbolizes a pivotal moment for the evolution of the real estate sector. This international event is the first of its kind in the Middle East and solidifies Dubai’s position as a global hub for real estate technology. He noted that the event aligns with the wise leadership’s vision and the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), aiming to enhance Dubai’s reputation by showcasing the impact of real estate technology in a rapidly digitalizing market.
Supporting Startups Through Innovation
At the summit, Al Merri connected the inauguration of the Dubai PropTech Hub with the initiative to support startups through collaborations with the private sector. He revealed that their objective is to attract over 100 startups to establish themselves in Dubai, highlighting their commitment to fostering innovation in the real estate tech ecosystem. The selection process for these companies involved rigorous criteria and cooperation with strategic partners to strengthen Dubai’s status as a leading global center for real estate technology.
Future Prospects for First Property Ownership
The “First Property Ownership” program, jointly launched by the Land Department and the private sector, is designed to offer residents discounts facilitated by developers and financing assistance from banks. Currently, only UAE residents holding national IDs can register, but discussions are underway to potentially include non-residents and visitors. Al Merri anticipates that these developments may come to fruition within the current year, highlighting the initiative’s role in attracting a larger demographic of investors.
Historic Real Estate Movements
Al Merri conveyed that Dubai is on track to meet its goal of reaching one trillion dirhams in real estate transactions ahead of schedule. The recorded figures have surpassed expectations, with January 2026 showing historic indicators. The number of new investors in the real estate sector surged by approximately 129,400, driven by significant regulatory easing and the availability of 24/7 digital services.
A Successful PropTech Summit
Reflecting on the outcome of the PropTech Connect Dubai 2026 summit, Al Merri highlighted that the event attracted more participants than anticipated, drawing over 4,000 registrants, including 300 expert speakers. Notably, more than 50% of attendees hailed from outside the UAE, demonstrating the global interest in Dubai’s real estate technology ecosystem. The summit’s synergy with major events, like the World Government Summit 2026, further enhances Dubai’s attractiveness as a leading investment destination.