The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced it is currently studying the possibility of allowing non-residents and visitors to register under the “First Property Ownership” program. This move comes as part of the second phase of the initiative, which has already attracted over 40,000 participants and now includes eight new property developers.

Speaking on the sidelines of the “PropTech Connect Dubai 2026” summit, Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, confirmed that there’s growing interest from investors and developers alike. He also revealed that more than 100 PropTech startups are in the process of setting up operations in Dubai.

Dubai Leading Real Estate Tech in the Region

The summit, hosted for the first time in the Middle East, serves as a strategic milestone in Dubai’s ongoing development of its real estate sector. It aligns with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, may God protect him, and supports both the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the 2033 Real Estate Strategy.

Al Marri emphasized that Dubai has distinguished itself from other cities in the region through rapid adoption of digital real estate solutions, creating an integrated system that connects government entities, private developers, and tech startups.

100 PropTech Startups Setting Up in Dubai

One of the summit’s key objectives was to attract over 100 PropTech startups to establish their presence in Dubai — a target that has now been met. These companies are completing licensing procedures and will soon begin operations.

Their selection was based on rigorous criteria developed in coordination with strategic partners, all part of Dubai’s larger goal to become a global hub for real estate technology.

Incubators and Innovation Hubs Boost Growth

To support these startups, the DLD has launched specialized PropTech incubators in collaboration with strategic partners. These include hubs within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Silicon Oasis, offering comprehensive training, resources, and business facilitation.

Additionally, the REES (Real Estate Entrepreneurship System) initiative allows both local and international startups to present their ideas to experts and investors, with the potential for adoption and funding. The core objective is to harness PropTech to speed up processes, cut costs, and boost operational efficiency — all while raising Dubai’s global competitiveness in this field.

AI is Revolutionizing Real Estate Management

Al Marri pointed out that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is playing an increasingly important role in construction and real estate management. By enhancing oversight and automation, AI helps reduce operational costs and improve efficiency, while still valuing the human element in property services.

One standout example is DLD’s Smart Valuation System, which uses AI to analyze millions of data points and issue property valuation certificates within seconds — dramatically reducing time and costs.

Expanding the “First Property Ownership” Program

Initially launched in collaboration with the private sector and Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism, the “First Property Ownership” initiative enables UAE residents to purchase their first home through exclusive developer discounts and bank financing options.

Currently, registration requires a valid Emirates ID and must be completed via the UAE Pass platform. Once registered, the buyer’s information is shared with developers to offer tailored property deals.

However, Al Marri confirmed that DLD is now evaluating the possibility of opening the program to non-residents and tourists, with the registration and verification framework expected to be finalized within 2026.

Record-Breaking Real Estate Performance in Dubai

DLD is also on track to hit its AED 1 trillion target in real estate transactions earlier than projected. Al Marri revealed that January 2026 saw historic performance levels, with over 129,400 new investors entering the market — thanks to Dubai’s streamlined procedures and round-the-clock digital services.

He noted that DLD is committed to providing services beyond traditional working hours to meet the expectations of the new generation of investors.

PropTech Connect Dubai 2026 Exceeds Expectations

The “PropTech Connect Dubai 2026” summit attracted over 4,000 participants, surpassing the original goal of 3,000. The event hosted more than 300 expert speakers and welcomed attendees from over 50 countries — making it a truly global gathering.

Over 70 platforms were showcased, and 12,000+ meetings and workshops were held over two days. The summit also coincided with other major events like the World Government Summit 2026, offering international visitors a unique opportunity to engage with Dubai across business, tourism, and economic forums — further strengthening the emirate’s appeal as a global destination.