No more need for millions: Dubai launches a real estate revolution

Real estate tokenisation in Dubai: how $5,000 opens the door to elite investments

Dubai has launched the pilot phase of its real estate tokenisation project — and it’s not just another digital trend, but a real turning point for the market.

The Dubai Land Department (DLD) initiated the project under the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the REES (Real Estate Innovation Initiative) program, which has already attracted global investor interest.

What is real estate tokenisation?

It’s a technology that transforms real estate assets into digital tokens using blockchain. Each token represents a share in a real property, allowing investors to purchase as little as 1% of a luxury villa or apartment — starting at just $5,000.

Key benefits:

• Fractional ownership – no need to buy the whole property, just a share.
  
  

• Accessibility – open market entry for small and international investors.
  
  

• Transparency and security – transactions are recorded on the blockchain, minimizing risks.
  
  

• Speed – the technology simplifies buying and selling, reducing bureaucracy.
  
  

• Liquidity – tokens can be freely traded on specialized platforms.
  
  

Who benefits?

• Private investors – access to real estate without needing millions.
  
  

• Developers – gain an alternative to bank financing.
  
  

• The market – increased capital flow and interest fr om new players.
  
  

Promising segments for tokenisation:

• Luxury real estate – villas, branded residences, beachfront properties.
  
  

• Commercial – offices, malls with stable rental income.
  
  

• Affordable housing – potential to lower entry barriers over time.
  
  

Dubai – the first in the region

The Dubai Land Department became the first government entity in the Middle East to implement tokenisation at the level of official property registration. This creates a new digital infrastructure for real estate deals and strengthens Dubai’s role as a tech hub.

The project is in partnership with:

• Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA)
  
  

• Dubai Future Foundation (DFF)
  
  

• SandBox Real Estate, combining public and private sector innovation.
  
  

It is expected that by 2033, the tokenised real estate market will reach AED 60 billion (around $16 billion), representing up to 7% of all real estate transactions in Dubai.

The first tokenised properties will be available in 2025. After the pilot is evaluated, the project will be scaled. The goal is not just digitalisation, but creating a new investment environment wh ere both institutions and private individuals worldwide can participate.

Real estate tokenisation is more than a new technology — it’s a revolution that makes elite assets accessible, simplifies processes, increases liquidity, and strengthens Dubai’s role as a global hub for digital investment.