Looking to buy property in the UAE? Start with a virtual tour
Once just simple video walkthroughs, virtual viewings have now evolved into fully immersive 3D and VR experiences. Developers like Emaar, DAMAC, and Dubai Properties offer digital walk-throughs where you can toggle finishes or check how the sunset hits the living room, all before the first site visit. Whether you're overseas or buying off-plan, it's a serious time-saver.
But it doesn't stop there. New tools like instant valuation platforms (YallaValue, DLD's Smart Evaluation, and Property Finder's estimators) let buyers and sellers access real-time market data, once only available to brokers. You can now see if a listing is fairly priced and even get a government-backed valuation in seconds. How virtual viewings actually work
So, who's putting on the VR goggles? In most cases, it's the agents. Property developers and real estate brokers use VR headsets in their offices or during presentations to offer immersive 3D walk-throughs of off-plan properties. Buyers can also access interactive versions at home via desktop or mobile. You can tour rooms, test finishes, and even explore balcony views with just a few taps, making it easier to visualise the space long before stepping inside. It's not just a cool feature, for overseas buyers or anyone tight on time, it's become a crucial part of the decision-making process. Mortgages?
Apps like Holo connect with over 20 banks to shortlist real-time offers based on your profile — instantly. That's the paperwork bit made simpler. Contracts?
The Dubai REST app now supports blockchain-based transactions. Title deeds are updated in minutes, payments are secure, and the process is traceable, fast, and fraud-resistant. No stamp runs, no stacks of paper.
Fractional ownership is also on the rise, allowing buyers to own shares of property via blockchain tokens, opening the market to more people.
From virtual tours to real-time valuations, the UAE is building a future-ready housing market. And yes, it's all available from your phone.
> Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
a day ago
- Gulf Business
RAK's one of the fastest-growing markets in the region, say industry leaders
Images: Supplied Ras Al Khaimah is undergoing one of the fastest property expansions in the UAE, backed by long-term planning under the vision of Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The emirate has seen property sales and prices climb sharply over the past three years as new hospitality, commercial and residential projects come online. Its population, currently about 400,000, is forecast to rise to 650,000 by 2030, creating demand for an estimated 45,000 additional homes. Global players such as Emaar, Aldar and Ellington have entered the market alongside domestic developers Marjan, Al Hamra and RAK Properties. Investor-friendly regulations, a diversified economy and rising foreign interest are reinforcing the momentum. Al Marjan Island is at the centre of growth At the centre of development is Al Marjan Island, led by CEO Engineer Abdullah Al Abdooli, which has attracted high-end hospitality brands including Wynn, JW Marriott, Nobu, Missoni and The Address. Marjan is also behind RAK Central, a planned hub for offices, retail and lifestyle that will rank among the Northern Emirates' largest commercial districts and incorporate green building standards aligned with Ras Al Khaimah's 2030 Vision. Developer Al Hamra, headed by CEO Benoy Kurien, is expanding its integrated living model with projects such as Al Hamra Village, Waldorf Astoria Residences, Falcon Island, Al Hamra Waterfront and Manar Mall, the emirate's biggest retail destination. Meanwhile, RAK Properties is pushing ahead with its Mina development, home to Anantara Mina Ras Al Khaimah and InterContinental Ras Al Khaimah. The site will also add Nikki Beach, Staybridge Suites and a planned Four Seasons. 'The vision for Ras Al Khaimah is becoming a reality,' RAK Properties chairman Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Zaabi said. 'We are creating a vibrant, sustainable environment that is attracting global investment while maintaining the unique culture and natural heritage of our Emirate.' CEO Sameh Muhtadi added: 'What we have seen over the past couple of years is remarkable. We are witnessing unprecedented global interest – and this momentum will only continue.' Read: Also read: RAK invests in infrastructure, tourism The emirate has also invested heavily in infrastructure, with eight hospitals including RAK Hospital and a regulated private education system overseen by the Department of Knowledge. Consistently ranked among the world's safest locations, Ras Al Khaimah has strengthened its appeal as a place to live and invest. Attractions include Jais Flight, the world's longest zipline, Bear Grylls Explorers Camp and 1484 by Puro, the UAE's highest restaurant. RAK Hospitality Holding, led by CEO Alison Grinnell, has supported growth through hotel acquisitions and new tourism offerings. Industry executives say Ras Al Khaimah's rise is anchored in its 2030 Vision, which prioritises sustainable urban growth, livability and community development. With international and local developers adding new beachfront apartments, luxury villas and golf communities, the emirate is positioning itself as one of the Gulf's most dynamic real estate and tourism markets.
What's On
2 days ago
- What's On
Looking to buy property in the UAE? Start with a virtual tour
House hunting doesn't have to mean 12 viewings and a week off work. If you're planning to buy property in the UAE, things just got easier. Thanks to Proptech (that's property technology), the UAE's real estate scene is getting smarter, and virtual tours are leading the charge. Once just simple video walkthroughs, virtual viewings have now evolved into fully immersive 3D and VR experiences. Developers like Emaar, DAMAC, and Dubai Properties offer digital walk-throughs where you can toggle finishes or check how the sunset hits the living room, all before the first site visit. Whether you're overseas or buying off-plan, it's a serious time-saver. But it doesn't stop there. New tools like instant valuation platforms (YallaValue, DLD's Smart Evaluation, and Property Finder's estimators) let buyers and sellers access real-time market data, once only available to brokers. You can now see if a listing is fairly priced and even get a government-backed valuation in seconds. How virtual viewings actually work So, who's putting on the VR goggles? In most cases, it's the agents. Property developers and real estate brokers use VR headsets in their offices or during presentations to offer immersive 3D walk-throughs of off-plan properties. Buyers can also access interactive versions at home via desktop or mobile. You can tour rooms, test finishes, and even explore balcony views with just a few taps, making it easier to visualise the space long before stepping inside. It's not just a cool feature, for overseas buyers or anyone tight on time, it's become a crucial part of the decision-making process. Mortgages? Apps like Holo connect with over 20 banks to shortlist real-time offers based on your profile — instantly. That's the paperwork bit made simpler. Contracts? The Dubai REST app now supports blockchain-based transactions. Title deeds are updated in minutes, payments are secure, and the process is traceable, fast, and fraud-resistant. No stamp runs, no stacks of paper. Fractional ownership is also on the rise, allowing buyers to own shares of property via blockchain tokens, opening the market to more people. From virtual tours to real-time valuations, the UAE is building a future-ready housing market. And yes, it's all available from your phone. > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in
Khaleej Times
13-08-2025
- Khaleej Times
Dubai: Barrierless parking drives Salik non-toll revenue to Dh8.7 million in H1 2025
Salik's non-toll revenue reached Dh8.7 million in H1 2025, driven mainly by its parking payment solutions partnerships with Emaar Malls and Parkonic, the company said. At Dubai Mall — where Salik launched its first barrier-free parking payment solution with Emaar Malls on July 1, 2024 — the partnership generated Dh5.6 million in H1 2025, including Dh2.9 million in Q2. The solution was implemented across the Fashion, Grand and Cinema parking zones of the mall. The collaboration with Parkonic — one of the largest private parking operators in the UAE — is a five-year agreement to integrate Salik accounts in all current and future locations it operates across the country. Operations are now live in 73 of 154 planned sites since mid-February. The tie-up also marks Salik's first expansion of services outside Dubai. Salik said its LIVA (formerly RSA) motor insurance partnership continued to gain traction in H1 2025, streamlining policy renewals via reminders that direct customers to a dedicated landing page for quick purchase. Under a Memorandum of Understanding with ENOC, Salik and ENOC plan to enable smart payments for fuel and other services — including Autopro, Tasjeel and Zoom — with the option to deduct transactions from a customer's Salik balance using automatic number plate recognition technology. The company reaffirmed its confidence in expanding ancillary revenue over the medium to long term, citing momentum across parking integrations and digital payments that enhance user experience and diversify income beyond core tolling.
