The Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched the pilot phase of its ‘Real Estate Tokenization Project’ on March 19, 2025. This initiative marks a significant milestone as DLD becomes the first property registration entity in the Middle East to implement tokenization on property title deeds, paving the way for —
- a new era of fractional ownership
- increased market liquidity
The project, part of the broader Real Estate Innovation Initiative ‘REES,’ is being implemented in association with the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) and the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) through SandBox Real Estate. By leveraging blockchain technology, the initiative aims to —
- transform real estate assets into digital tokens, enabling multiple investors to co-own a single property
- open up new investment opportunities in Dubai’s thriving real estate market
Industry experts project that Dubai’s real estate tokenization sector could reach a market value of AED 60 billion by 2033, representing 7% of the emirate’s total property transactions. This innovative approach aligns with Dubai’s strategy to harness cutting-edge technology to enhance transparency, governance, and investor participation in large-scale real estate projects.
The tokenization project will do the following —
- significantly boost Dubai’s competitiveness in local and international markets
- promote investment awareness in virtual asset services
- encourage real estate innovation
By adopting blockchain technology, the DLD aims to simplify and enhance real estate buying, selling, and investment processes, making them more efficient and accessible for a broader range of investors.
With high demand for luxury and mid-market residential properties, the tokenization project is poised to —
- address the increasing interest in innovative investment solutions
- complement the ongoing trends of digital transformation & sustainability in the realty sector
- reinforce Dubai’s vision of becoming a global hub for virtual assets and blockchain technology