Latest news with #DubaiLandDepartment


Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Business
- Telegraph
Dubai lures fleeing Britons with first-time buyer scheme – but there's a catch
Are you thinking of leaving the UK for Dubai? Email: money@ Dubai is luring British first-time buyers with cheaper mortgages and flexible payments, despite experts warning of a property price plunge. The United Arab Emirates has become a popular destination for millionaires fleeing stricter tax regimes elsewhere. Now, it has launched a range of perks for those buying their first home in Dubai, as price surges push first-time buyers out of the market. The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer Programme, rolled out earlier this month by the Dubai Land Department and the Department of Economy and Tourism, can be used by any adult resident of the city, including expats, on a property worth up to AED5m (£1m). First-time buyers will be given priority access to new developments, as well as cheaper prices for new-build flats. Flexible payments will be allowed for off-plan purchases, as well as government registration fees. Buyers will also benefit from cheaper mortgages with lower interest rates and faster approval processes, the government said. Ben Perks, of Orchard Financial Advisors, said: 'There are a growing number of young Britons that are completely disenfranchised with the UK property market. 'Dubai's new first-time buyer scheme is clever and could attract Britons. I'm sure other countries will follow suit and come up with ways to entice our hard-working youngsters.' But experts warned of the risks that come with such a move, with property prices in the city forecast to fall 15pc in the coming years. Nicholas Mendes, of mortgage broker John Charcol, said: 'While the incentives on offer in Dubai may well appear attractive at first glance, particularly for younger Britons who are increasingly priced out of the UK property market, there are nonetheless some important caveats to bear in mind before making such a significant move. 'I would urge caution among first-time buyers who are viewing this as a quick or speculative investment opportunity, particularly if they have no long-term plan to remain in the region. 'The local market is heavily skewed towards off-plan sales which tend to carry a different risk profile compared to completed properties in more regulated markets.' Mr Mendes added: 'Add to that the fact that price corrections have been forecast, with some estimates suggesting falls of up to 15pc in the next year or so, and there is a real risk that buyers could find themselves holding an asset that is worth less than they paid, particularly if they are forced to sell within a short time frame.' He warned that the 'cost of exiting a market like Dubai' can sometimes outweigh short-term financial gains. Mather and Murray Financial independent financial adviser, Samuel Mather-Holgate, added that while the scheme was 'impressive', its popularity could have negative implications. He warned: 'I would be worried about falling prices in the next five years, and a new build off-plan property is the last thing you would want in that eventuality.' British buyers would benefit from a strong sterling position. In January, AED5m would have cost approximately £1.12m. It is now closer to £1m, a saving of around £100,000. Prem Raja, of Currencies 4 You, said: 'For Britons looking at Dubai as a lifestyle or investment destination, the combination of a softer AED, flexible payment plans and early access to new launches creates a very compelling window of opportunity. 'Timing, both in market and currency terms, has rarely looked better.' Dubai saw the number of millionaires living there double between 2014 and last year, according to wealth firm Henley and Partners. House prices have surged as a result of its new popularity, rising a further 3.7pc to AED1,749 per square foot in the first three months of this year, according to estate agents Knight Frank. This is 17.6pc higher than the previous market peak in 2024. However, property prices are set to fall by as much as 15pc in the second half of this year and in 2026, according to Fitch. The ratings agency said: 'In our base case, Dubai real estate prices are close to their peak and a moderate correction is likely.' This could signal an end to the post-pandemic boom in the Gulf state. Residents of the city pay no income tax on salaries, investments or rental income earned locally. There is also no capital gains tax, inheritance tax or annual tax on worldwide assets. VAT, which is 5pc, is not applied to rent, groceries or school fees. The city saw a record 169,000 transactions last year, worth AED367bn. But cash buyers are the most common type of buyer in the city, making up 87pc of transactions, shutting out those with small deposits. In the UK, the average house price is now more than £265,000, according to the Land Registry. The average deposit paid for a first-time buyer is £34,500, according to trade body UK Finance. First-time buyers should proceed with caution, mortgage brokers have advised. Janet Fernandes, of MPowered Mortgages, said: 'Lenders are more relaxed around affordability criteria than they are in the UK for example, so you need to take this into consideration and always consult with a mortgage broker that know the market well. The mortgage default rate in Dubai is considerably high for this reason.' British buyers are also 'more vulnerable buying in Dubai versus the UK'.


Arabian Business
2 days ago
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai eyes tokenised gold and DeFi after success of real estate tokenisation pilot
Dubai is mulling tokenised gold and decentralised finance (DeFi) investment projects, following the success of recent real estate projects. The news emerges as the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) revealed it has so far issued 36 full licences to entities operating in the virtual assets sector. Matthew White, CEO of VARA, said several hundred entities are currently at various stages of the licensing process, and new applications continue to be received from global firms seeking to expand in Dubai. VARA looks to expand Dubai crypto investment options He noted that the ecosystem now includes more than 400 registered entities involved in activities ranging from proprietary trading to blockchain technology services and other supporting operations. White highlighted VARA's strategic partnership with Dubai Land Department, launched in early 2025, aimed at enabling an innovative regulatory initiative that allows for fractional ownership of real estate through tokenised assets. He explained that this fractional ownership model enables individuals to own a share of a property without purchasing it in full, broadening access to real estate investment for those unable to buy entire properties. This model has reinforced Dubai's position as a global hub for real estate innovation and digital assets. The pilot phase of the project successfully listed two properties under the fractional ownership framework, attracting around 300 investors, 70 percent of whom were first-time property owners in Dubai. This, White said, demonstrates the project's appeal to new local and international investor segments. He expects that tokenised real estate will soon be included on trading platforms, enabling more accessible and liquid exchange of such assets. White also revealed that VARA is currently working on new pilot projects involving gold and decentralised finance (DeFi) products, which are being evaluated as digital alternatives to traditional finance. He stressed that VARA is committed to building a fully integrated regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring the highest standards of legal certainty and investor protection. White noted that VARA's core responsibilities include establishing an enabling and supportive regulatory framework, promoting Dubai as a global centre for virtual assets, enhancing cooperation with international and local entities, and developing intelligent oversight tools to ensure compliance. The Authority also plays a key role in driving the growth of the digital economy. He affirmed that VARA does not operate in isolation but works in coordination with other regulatory bodies in the UAE, including: Securities and Commodities Authority Central Bank of the UAE Dubai Police Department of Economy and Tourism Other government institutions White added VARA has adopted a comprehensive supervisory and inspection framework, which begins with issuing clear and simplified regulatory guidelines. These include a detailed marketing rulebook with visual examples to help companies understand acceptable and non-compliant practices. Companies are also required to submit detailed data such as customer profiles, transaction records and funding sources, enabling VARA to analyse them using both automated and manual tools to ensure compliance. He added that VARA maintains a dedicated enforcement track, which investigates violations identified by supervisory teams and refers cases for actions such as issuing warnings, imposing fines, or revoking licences. He confirmed that VARA actively monitors and addresses any unauthorised activity within the emirate. White said the Authority employs a 'horizon scanning' system to detect unlicensed operations online or via other media, allowing legal action to be taken against violators, including closure of activities and seizure of proceeds if potential harm to the market is confirmed. Speaking about VARA's future legislative strategy, White described the Authority as a flexible regulator operating experimental regulatory programmes that allow it to assess risks from emerging business models and establish preliminary regulatory frameworks under direct supervision before integrating them into the full regulatory ecosystem. He noted that the establishment of VARA in 2022 marked a strategic milestone in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy over the next decade. He emphasised that VARA, as the world's first specialised regulator for virtual assets, was created not only to ensure a sound regulatory environment, but also to act as a key engine for sector growth, bolstering investor confidence and encouraging specialist entities to choose Dubai as their base.


Zawya
2 days ago
- Business
- Zawya
VARA developing new pilot projects in gold, decentralised finance: CEO
The Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) has so far issued 36 full licences to entities operating in the virtual assets sector. Matthew White, Chief Executive Officer of VARA, told Emirates News Agency (WAM) that several hundred entities are currently at various stages of the licensing process, and new applications continue to be received from global firms seeking to expand in Dubai. He noted that the ecosystem now includes over 400 registered entities involved in activities ranging from proprietary trading to blockchain technology services and other supporting operations. White highlighted VARA's strategic partnership with Dubai Land Department, launched in early 2025, aimed at enabling an innovative regulatory initiative that allows for fractional ownership of real estate through tokenised assets. He explained that this fractional ownership model enables individuals to own a share of a property without purchasing it in full, broadening access to real estate investment for those unable to buy entire properties. This model has reinforced Dubai's position as a global hub for real estate innovation and digital assets. The pilot phase of the project successfully listed two properties under the fractional ownership framework, attracting around 300 investors, 70 percent of whom were first-time property owners in Dubai. This, White said, demonstrates the project's appeal to new local and international investor segments. He expects that tokenised real estate will soon be included on trading platforms, enabling more accessible and liquid exchange of such assets. White also revealed that VARA is currently working on new pilot projects involving gold and decentralised finance (DeFi) products, which are being evaluated as digital alternatives to traditional finance. He stressed that VARA is committed to building a fully integrated regulatory environment that fosters innovation while ensuring the highest standards of legal certainty and investor protection. White noted that VARA's core responsibilities include establishing an enabling and supportive regulatory framework, promoting Dubai as a global centre for virtual assets, enhancing cooperation with international and local entities, and developing intelligent oversight tools to ensure compliance. The Authority also plays a key role in driving the growth of the digital economy. He affirmed that VARA does not operate in isolation but works in coordination with other regulatory bodies in the UAE, including the Securities and Commodities Authority, the Central Bank of the UAE, Dubai Police, and the Department of Economy and Tourism, as well as other government institutions. On the topics of oversight and enforcement, White said VARA has adopted a comprehensive supervisory and inspection framework, which begins with issuing clear and simplified regulatory guidelines. These include a detailed marketing rulebook with visual examples to help companies understand acceptable and non-compliant practices. Companies are also required to submit detailed data such as customer profiles, transaction records and funding sources, enabling VARA to analyse them using both automated and manual tools to ensure compliance. He added that VARA maintains a dedicated enforcement track, which investigates violations identified by supervisory teams and refers cases for actions such as issuing warnings, imposing fines, or revoking licences. He confirmed that VARA actively monitors and addresses any unauthorised activity within the emirate. White said the Authority employs a "horizon scanning" system to detect unlicensed operations online or via other media, allowing legal action to be taken against violators, including closure of activities and seizure of proceeds if potential harm to the market is confirmed. Speaking about VARA's future legislative strategy, White described the Authority as a flexible regulator operating experimental regulatory programmes that allow it to assess risks from emerging business models and establish preliminary regulatory frameworks under direct supervision before integrating them into the full regulatory ecosystem. He noted that the establishment of VARA in 2022 marked a strategic milestone in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of the emirate's economy over the next decade. He emphasised that VARA, as the world's first specialised regulator for virtual assets, was created not only to ensure a sound regulatory environment, but also to act as a key engine for sector growth, bolstering investor confidence and encouraging specialist entities to choose Dubai as their base.


Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Is UAE crypto-ready? How you can now buy property and book flights using cryptocurrency
Dubai's Emirates Airlines and Dubai Land Department partnered with to enable cryptocurrency payments for flights and real estate. TL;DR Dubai is integrating cryptocurrency into flights and real estate transactions. Crypto use is popular in the UAE due to zero taxes and easy global payments. Top developers like DAMAC and Emaar accept Bitcoin and Ethereum for property. Dubai's regulations make crypto real estate transactions safe and legal. Dubai's Vision of a Crypto-Integrated Economy Dubai is rapidly emerging as one of the world's most forward-thinking cities in adopting digital technologies, with cryptocurrency taking a prominent place. Known for its innovation, tax efficiency, and investor-friendly environment, the United Arab Emirates is positioning itself at the very center of the global crypto economy. Two recent landmark moves signal just how serious Dubai's commitments are. Emirates Airlines, the nation's flagship carrier, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with to integrate digital currency payments into its booking system. Simultaneously, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with the same crypto platform to digitize real estate transactions through blockchain technology. These initiatives are part of a broader, rapidly expanding trend. With the global cryptocurrency market cap surpassing $3 trillion in early 2025, investors and consumers worldwide are increasingly turning to digital assets for everyday transactions. Dubai is responding decisively, blending government-backed projects with private sector innovation to meet this growing demand. Understanding Cryptocurrency and Its Appeal in the UAE Cryptocurrency is a form of digital money that uses blockchain technology to record and verify transactions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This may be of interest to you! Undo Unlike traditional fiat currencies such as the Dirham or US Dollar, crypto is decentralized, meaning it isn't controlled by any government or central authority. This makes it faster, borderless, and often more secure. Some of the most commonly used cryptocurrencies in Dubai include: Bitcoin (BTC) Ethereum (ETH) Tether (USDT) USD Coin (USDC) Why is crypto especially attractive in the UAE? Zero Taxation on Crypto: The UAE does not levy capital gains tax or personal income tax on crypto holdings for individuals. This means that profits from selling, staking, trading, or mining crypto are entirely tax-free, a powerful incentive for investors (Henley & Partners). Innovation-Friendly Climate: With its Smart City agenda and national blockchain strategies, Dubai provides a fertile ground for crypto innovation. Ease of Global Transactions: Crypto allows investors from anywhere in the world to participate in the UAE economy without traditional banking friction or currency exchange hurdles. Emirates Airline Partners with When an airline as globally influential as Emirates moves to accept cryptocurrency, it says something about where the world of finance is heading, and where Dubai sees itself in it. On 9 July 2025, Emirates signed a Memorandum of Understanding with one of the leading global crypto platforms, to bring digital currency payments into its booking and payments systems. The integration, which is expected to go live next year, would allow customers to purchase tickets using cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum. The MoU, signed in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, represents a strategic push by Emirates to serve younger, tech-native travelers who already use crypto in their daily lives. As Adnan Kazim, Emirates' Deputy President, noted, it's about giving customers 'greater flexibility' and tapping into a rising global preference for alternative payments. sees the deal as a step toward normalizing crypto in everyday transactions, a necessary leap if digital assets are to become more than speculative tools. Joint marketing campaigns are also planned to raise awareness and adoption. This move aligns closely with Dubai's broader push to become a global crypto hub, where not just investments, but day-to-day purchases, even airline tickets, can be made with digital money. It's one more step toward a future where crypto isn't just held, but actually used. Dubai Land Department Joins the Crypto Momentum The integration of cryptocurrency into Dubai's economy isn't limited to airlines or consumer services , it's now being woven into the very foundations of the city's real estate market. As Emirates opens the skies to digital payments, Dubai's property sector is grounding those ambitions with institutional support. In July 2025, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) took a major step forward by signing a strategic agreement with aimed at transforming how property is bought, sold, and recorded in the city. This collaboration signals that crypto adoption is no longer a private-sector experiment, it's becoming policy-backed infrastructure. Under this agreement, the DLD and will work together to create a secure, fully digital investment environment for real estate. That includes enabling property purchases with cryptocurrency, building systems for investor verification and settlement, and developing the technical backbone for property tokenisation, a model that allows real estate assets to be broken down into tradable digital tokens. The initiative also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which sets a target of AED 1 trillion (approximately $272 billion) in real estate transactions. Crypto is seen as one tool to help reach that number by attracting global investors, particularly those already operating in digital finance. Just as importantly, this partnership hints at what's coming next: the potential for government services to be payable in digital currencies from registration and licensing fees to digital ownership verifications. In short, the DLD isn't just enabling crypto property purchases, it's laying the groundwork for an end-to-end digital real estate ecosystem. Developers Leading the Crypto Charge Several major developers have already made cryptocurrency payments a reality: DAMAC Properties One of the first movers in the region. Accepts Bitcoin (BTC) and Ethereum (ETH). Known for developments like DAMAC Hills and Akoya Oxygen. Offers digital asset flexibility, attracting international buyers. Emaar Properties Developer behind Burj Khalifa , Dubai Mall, and Dubai Creek Harbour. Accepts crypto payments for select high-end properties. Reflects Emaar's alignment with Dubai's blockchain strategy. Nakheel Developer of iconic projects like Palm Jumeirah. Accepts BTC, ETH, and other digital assets. Allows easier cross-border purchases for global clients. These developers are helping normalize crypto payments in luxury real estate, making Dubai more accessible to international crypto investors. Accepted Cryptocurrencies in Real Estate Transactions Here is a quick overview of the most commonly accepted coins: Cryptocurrency Usage in Dubai Real Estate Bitcoin (BTC): The most widely accepted crypto for property purchases, trusted for its market dominance. Ethereum (ETH): Commonly used alongside Bitcoin, valued for smart contract capabilities. Tether (USDT): A stablecoin pegged to the US Dollar offering price stability during transactions. USD Coin (USDC): Preferred for low volatility and ease of use in payments. Benefits and Risks of Using Cryptocurrency in Real Estate While using cryptocurrency to buy property has its advantages, there are also a few important risks to consider. Benefits: Global Accessibility: Buyers can invest in Dubai property from anywhere without dealing with currency exchange or delays. Privacy and Security: Blockchain ensures transparency and reduces the risk of fraud. Faster Transactions: Crypto transfers often complete within minutes. Lower Fees: Reduced reliance on banks and third parties results in lower processing costs. Appeals to Modern Investors: Especially attractive to digital-native, high-net-worth individuals. Challenges: Volatility: Crypto values can fluctuate significantly, affecting both buyers and sellers. Regulatory Uncertainty: Though Dubai is ahead of the curve, global inconsistencies in crypto regulation can cause concern. Compliance Requirements: AML and KYC checks are still mandatory for all parties involved. Regulatory Environment: Safeguarding the Crypto Transition Dubai stands out as one of the first global cities to establish a clear and enforceable regulatory framework for cryptocurrency use, especially in real estate. This regulatory environment is crucial to building trust and ensuring security as digital currencies become part of everyday transactions. Two key bodies play vital roles in this framework: Dubai Land Department (DLD): Responsible for overseeing all property registrations, the DLD ensures that crypto transactions comply with legal requirements, protecting buyers and sellers alike. Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA): VARA governs all activities related to digital assets, licensing crypto platforms and enforcing strict Anti-Money Laundering (AML) and Know Your Customer (KYC) protocols to maintain market integrity. Together, these authorities require that all real estate transactions involving cryptocurrency be conducted through verified and licensed platforms. This approach helps keep Dubai's crypto real estate market stable, secure, and transparent as it continues to grow. The Future of Crypto in UAE Real Estate and Beyond Dubai is not merely following global cryptocurrency trends, it is actively shaping them. With major institutions like Emirates and the Dubai Land Department embracing crypto, alongside developers promoting digital asset transactions, the UAE is building the foundation for a fully integrated digital financial ecosystem. Looking ahead, several developments are on the horizon: Government fees paid directly with cryptocurrency. Increased tokenization of property offerings by developers. Real estate projects built on blockchain, featuring fully digital ownership models. A growing influx of international investors from crypto-rich regions. As regulations mature and adoption broadens, Dubai is positioning itself as a model for other cities aiming to modernize their financial and real estate sectors. FAQs: What cryptocurrencies can I use to buy property in Dubai? You can use Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether, and USD Coin. Why do people like using crypto in the UAE? Because there are no taxes on crypto profits and it's easy to send money globally. Is it safe to use crypto for real estate in Dubai? Yes, Dubai has strict rules and licensed platforms to protect buyers and sellers. Which companies accept crypto payments in Dubai? Emirates Airlines and major developers like DAMAC, Emaar, and Nakheel accept crypto. What's next for crypto in Dubai? Paying government fees with crypto and more digital property options are coming soon.


Khaleej Times
6 days ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai's tokenised property revolution reshapes global real estate investing
Dubai's real estate market is entering a new era, powered by blockchain and tokenisation, as it emerges as a global hub for digital property investment. The city's second fully tokenised property sale, completed earlier this month via the Dubai Land Department's (DLD) pilot platform, sold out in under two minutes and drew investors from more than 30 countries — signaling a seismic shift in how the world views access to real estate. Tokenisation allows physical real estate assets, such as office buildings, residential towers, and mixed-use developments, to be split into digital tokens. These tokens represent fractional ownership and can be traded via blockchain platforms. For individual investors, it offers access to high-value property markets like Dubai without the need for significant capital. For developers, it opens up new capital-raising channels, diversifying investor bases and speeding up transactions. Dubai's Real Estate Tokenisation Project, launched under the Real Estate Evolution Space (REES) initiative, is spearheaded by the Dubai Land Department in collaboration with the UAE Central Bank, the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and Dubai Future Foundation. This coordinated push marks a regional first in the Middle East and places Dubai among the world's pioneers in integrating blockchain into mainstream property transactions. 'As global investors seek smarter, more transparent, and agile models, Dubai's bold steps in real estate tokenisation are not only driving its property boom — they are redefining the very mechanics of property ownership for the digital age,' says Jayakrishnan Bhaskar, CEO of Ozon Marketing, a real estate consultancy. While the technology itself is not new, Dubai's embrace of tokenised real estate is unfolding faster and at greater scale than in most global cities. The success of the pilot project reflects the emirate's ability to pair technological experimentation with pragmatic regulatory frameworks, creating an ecosystem where both retail and institutional capital feel increasingly secure. According to PP Varghese, head of Professional Services at Cushman & Wakefield Core, 'Dubai's leadership in tokenisation reflects its ability to combine regulatory innovation with strong market fundamentals. As institutional investors assess emerging models, the long-term opportunity lies in delivering professionally managed, transparent platforms that meet both governance standards and global capital expectations.' Analysts say tokenisation could dramatically increase market participation by lowering barriers to entry. Traditionally, real estate investment in Dubai required large capital outlays, which restricted access primarily to high-net-worth individuals and institutional buyers. Tokenisation now allows everyday investors to acquire fractional stakes in income-generating properties — such as offices in Business Bay or apartments in Downtown — enabling broader participation in one of the world's most dynamic real estate markets. Data from CBRE and JLL show that Dubai's real estate investment volume has surged over the past 18 months, with over Dh160 billion in transactions recorded in the first five months of 2025 alone. Tokenised offerings, though still small relative to the overall market, are beginning to play a meaningful role in sustaining investor momentum, particularly among younger, tech-savvy international buyers looking for digital-first opportunities with attractive yields. However, experts caution that tokenisation does not override traditional real estate principles. Asset location, tenant quality, maintenance, and long-term viability remain critical to returns. Tokenisation merely reconfigures ownership structure and access — it does not alter the performance fundamentals of the underlying asset. Cost structures are also more layered than they appear. Unlike traditional property deals that involve clear broker and registration fees, tokenised investments often come with blockchain-related transaction costs, compliance expenses, and ongoing platform management charges. As platforms evolve, there is growing pressure to streamline these costs to maintain competitiveness and investor confidence. Another key risk is valuation volatility. Because tokens can be traded in real-time, their prices may fluctuate independently of the actual performance of the physical asset. For example, a commercial tower's value should reflect rental income, occupancy, and lease terms, but in a tokenised structure, it might also be influenced by broader market sentiment, platform liquidity, or speculative trading — posing risks to long-term capital providers. Still, the benefits are clear. Blockchain-based models offer unmatched transparency, real-time auditing, automated compliance, and operational efficiency — features that increasingly align with the expectations of global investors. Dubai's regulatory willingness to support these models through initiatives like the DLD pilot adds credibility and signals that the city is preparing for a future where hybrid investment structures — part traditional, part digital — will dominate. Institutional interest is growing. Sovereign-backed developers and property funds in Dubai are reportedly exploring ways to tokenise portions of their portfolios, particularly office buildings, logistics assets, and branded residences that are already professionally managed and income-generating. These entities are better positioned to meet the stringent regulatory and governance demands that institutional investors expect. As countries across Europe and Asia cautiously experiment with real estate tokenisation, Dubai's early success may offer a blueprint. The city's agile regulatory environment, investor-friendly tax policies, and world-class infrastructure make it a natural testing ground for blockchain-based innovation. With the UAE also rolling out its broader virtual asset framework under VARA, the future of tokenised investment appears well-aligned with the nation's long-term digital economy vision. Realty pundits believe that tokenisation is unlikely to replace traditional real estate entirely. Instead, it will increasingly complement it — especially in markets like Dubai where global capital, innovation, and infrastructure converge. 'The path forward may lie in hybrid investment structures that combine the best of both worlds: the institutional security of professionally managed assets and the digital ,' they said.