Latest news with #REESInitiative
Gulf Business
08-04-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Insights: Why Dubai's proptech vision is great news for the real estate sector
Image: Supplied Anyone who follows real estate will know that proptech is big business. The sector's global market value is projected to surpass $89bn during the period 2024-32, representing an impressive compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 11.9 per cent. As these figures suggest, cutting-edge innovations are having a hugely positive impact on the international property landscape. This is especially true in Dubai. The emirate's property prices are projected to rise by 5-8 per cent this year, and average rental yields are expected to approach the 7 per cent mark. Innovations connected to artificial intelligence (AI) and blockchain are already unlocking lucrative opportunities for local property investors and entrepreneurs, and related technologies look set to continue to fuel growth over the longer term. Against this backdrop, the UAE's proptech industry stands to achieve a phenomenal 20 per cent CAGR from 2022-28. As founder and CEO of Embracing innovation with proptech Early adopters have already witnessed the myriad ways proptech is making the real estate sector more efficient. It has added value to existing practices through its ability to streamline complex processes, optimise property management systems and improve customer experiences. The recently announced collaboration between the Dubai Integrated Economic Zones Authority (DIEZ) and the Dubai Land Department (DLD) supports the emirate's ambition to become a leading destination for property innovation, laying the foundations for further innovation and attracting top international talent. Ultimately, this partnership will ensure that budding entrepreneurs, startups and SMEs within the proptech sphere are able to operate in an environment conducive to their long-term growth and development. Future advances in AI and blockchain will accelerate the pace of change within the industry and generate more diverse investment opportunities. The latest technologies are already facilitating cutting-edge fractional ownership platforms, allowing investors to purchase portions – or 'blocks' – of prime rental properties in Dubai for as little as Dhs500. And this is just the tip of the iceberg. From virtual valuations to augmented reality tours, similar innovations have the potential to revolutionise the real estate industry as we know it, changing how we engage with and invest in our built environment. Enhancing visibility Dubai's laser focus on technological innovation within the property sector (think the REES Initiative, the RDI Grant Initiative and the Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033) is enabling talented entrepreneurs and tech experts to conduct research and develop disruptive technologies that will elevate our emirate's position as a leading proptech hub. Naturally, rapidly advancing capabilities combined with countless opportunities for investors are attracting significant attention from around the world, making Dubai the perfect launchpad for anyone who wishes to showcase proptech innovations to an international audience. Dubai has also established itself as a gathering point for the global proptech community. Having spearheaded a diverse selection of real estate conferences and trade shows, policymakers are bringing together experts, industry leaders and investors who are leveraging innovations to reshape the future of real estate. These high-profile events help to cement strategic relationships, secure new investment opportunities and further strengthen Dubai's status as an international hotspot for proptech innovation. Supporting entrepreneurship Our Emirate's future-focused approach, resourcefulness and innate entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental in allowing our economy to flourish. The Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), for instance – which aims to double GDP and grow the foreign direct investment (FDI) pipeline to $177bn between 2023 and 2033 – is testament to our leaders' vision, ambition and confidence. With multiple incentives and support initiatives aimed at fostering the development of startups and SMEs, especially within the realms of technology and digital transformation, Dubai-based proptech entrepreneurs are working in a rich and stimulating environment while benefitting from the financial backing required to rewrite the future of real estate. Forward-thinking policymaking and investment, coupled with private sector innovation, are enhancing flexibility, accessibility and profitability for property owners, buyers and investors across our Emirate. For these reasons, I am certain that our government's ambitious proptech vision will continue to benefit Dubai's real estate market for decades – if not generations – to come. Read:
Zawya
07-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
STEP Dubai returns for 2025 edition at Dubai Internet City
Dubai, UAE – The countdown is on for Step Dubai 2025, the Heartbeat of Tech in MENA, which returns for its 13th edition on February 19-20, 2025 in strategic partnership with Dubai Internet City, the region's leading technology hub and one of TECOM Group PJSC's 10 business districts. This year's event is set to host over 8,000 attendees, 200+ speakers, and an impressive $9 billion USD in fund presence, solidifying Step Dubai's reputation as the leading platform for innovation, collaboration, and growth in the tech ecosystem. As Dubai Internet City marks 25 years of enabling the digital economy, this year's edition of Step Dubai features five new dynamic tracks designed to highlight the most transformative trends in technology. These include: Founders & Funders: Building successful startups and securing investment, bringing together founders, investors, and accelerators to share insights on scaling and funding in the MENA region. AdTech 2.0: The future of advertising, exploring how AI and programmatic technology are transforming ad campaigns, audience targeting, and brand safety. PropTech: Making its debut at Step Dubai 2025, hosted by Dubai Land Department, this track explores how innovative technologies are revolutionising real estate. From AI-driven property solutions to blockchain-powered transactions and development innovations, discover the future of urban living and investments. AI Agents, LLMs & Cloud: Exploring how AI is transforming industries, with a dedicated focus on cloud infrastructure, AI agents, and large language models (LLMs). This track provides a comprehensive exploration of the evolving landscape of AI technology, addressing both enterprise and cutting-edge innovations. FinTech for SMBs: Empowering small-to-medium businesses with fintech solutions that streamline financial processes, reduce costs, and improve cash flow management. The introduction of a dedicated PropTech track reflects Step Dubai's and Dubai Internet City's commitment to nurturing the next generation of tech-enablement across the urban environment. Through platforms such as its REES Initiative, Dubai Land Department is providing supportive infrastructure for such innovation to take shape in the real estate sector. Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Development Sector at Dubai Land Department, said: 'Dubai's hosting of leading events such as 'Step Dubai 2025' reaffirms its position as a global hub for innovation and technology across various sectors, including real estate. The inclusion of a PropTech track in the event reflects the rapid advancement of Dubai's real estate sector, where technology has become a fundamental pillar in developing real estate services and enhancing the experience of investors and stakeholders.' She added:" Dubai Land Department is at the forefront of PropTech innovation, driven by its vision to create a fully integrated digital ecosystem that supports smart solutions. It also aligns with our strategy, under the recently launched REES initiative for real estate innovation, to position Dubai on the global map in PropTech and AI-driven real estate solutions and with our ongoing efforts to enhance operational efficiency and increase market transparency.' Commenting on the event, Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, said: 'Entrepreneurs and innovators are the architects of a future enabled and enhanced by technology-led advancements. 'Each year, Step Dubai serves as a vital platform to unite such brilliant minds from around the world, and Dubai Internet City is upholding its 25-year legacy of fostering a collaborative environment for such talent to work, connect, and innovate at the event this year. Aligned with Dubai Economic Agenda 'D33', our ecosystem will champion enable meaningful connections, pathbreaking partnerships, and a nurturing environment for groundbreaking ideas to flourish at Step Dubai this year.' In this edition of Step Dubai, BIM Ventures joins as a Super Partner, adding significant value to the event's ecosystem. This year's event offers unparalleled opportunities for startups and innovators to connect with leading investors, venture capitalists, and industry decision-makers. Key highlights include The Startup Basecamp, Pitch Competition, powered by Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority, Mentor's Corner, powered by SUMMIT OS and Investor Meetings, powered by Zest Equity. Attendees will hear from 200+ speakers, including industry leaders like Blake Beltram, Mindbody (parent company to Classpass), Mohsen Moazami (President International at Groq), Elie Khouri (Vivium Holding), Michael Lahyani (Property Finder), Anjali Aggarwal, Head of Business GCC, Noon Payments, James Wang, General Manager UAE, Alibaba Cloud, and more to be announced. Ray Dargham, CEO of Step, emphasised: "The global tech landscape is evolving rapidly, and AI is at its core. Step Dubai 2025 is embracing this transformation with our expanded AI track, positioning us at the forefront of this revolution. This year, we're all about fuelling the trailblazers and startups that are redefining tech's future and linking them with investors to tap into massive capital." Alongside Dubai Internet City, a dynamic cohort of disruptive startups from in5, TECOM Group's entrepreneurship incubator, will attend Step Dubai 2025. Among those in attendance will be planning app Lika; unified IT management and device platform, Zenadmin; custom perfume design studio, Parfumery; and PropTech specialist, Estaie. The innovative enterprises are among the community of more than 1,000 startups that have raised over AED 7.8 billion in funding since in5's inception in 2013. Step Dubai 2025 will take place at Dubai Internet City, a vibrant community that has enabled the region's digital transformation for more than 25 years and is home to more than 4,000 customers, including multinational corporations, start-ups, and Fortune 500s such as Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia, in addition to more than 31,000 professionals. Dubai Internet City is part of TECOM Group's portfolio of business destinations, which also includes Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City, Dubai Production City, Dubai Knowledge Park, Dubai International Academic City, Dubai Science Park, Dubai Industrial City, and Dubai Design District (d3). Tickets Now Available Tickets for Step Dubai 2025 are now available for purchase here, while startups can submit their applications here. Stay tuned for exciting updates as Step Dubai 2025 draws closer. Learn more here and follow Step Dubai on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Youtube to stay in the loop. About Step Dubai Step Dubai, the Heartbeat of Tech in MENA, is held annually within the city's innovation and technology hub, Dubai Internet City. It marks the convergence of innovation, knowledge, and unique opportunities, uniting over 8,000 attendees, 400 pioneering startups, 100 companies, 9 billion USD of funding and more than 200 influential speakers. The festival serves as a nexus for entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and curious minds, fostering connections and collaborations in the ever-evolving domains of tech and entrepreneurship. Showcasing five dedicated tracks spanning various industries and an esteemed roster of experts, Step Dubai consistently provides an unrivalled experience each year, inviting exploration into the future of tech. For more information and to book tickets for Step Dubai 2025 from 19-20 February visit For media inquiries, please contact tryph@ / susan@ About Step Known for hosting epic startup events including Step Dubai, Step San Francisco and Step Riyadh, Step is a dynamic platform that ignites connections between startups, tech enthusiasts, and investors, fostering a thriving community, driving innovation, and creating real-world interactions. With a unique, founder-focused ethos, Step's events offer vibrant, community-driven experiences in a relaxed, festival-like atmosphere. Founders, investors, and brands come together for unparalleled networking opportunities, transformative insights, and genuine moments of collaboration and growth. Driven by a vision to expand globally and nurture startup ecosystems worldwide, Step is more than just an event organiser—it's a catalyst for change. About Dubai Internet City Dubai Internet City, one of TECOM Group PJSC's 10 business districts, is the cornerstone of the dynamic regional digital economy. The pioneering hub has fostered the growth of more than 4,000 businesses and a vibrant community of 31,000 professionals since its establishment in 1999. Driving innovation across diverse sectors, Dubai Internet City has served as a strategic uniting platform for multinational firms, Fortune 500 leaders, and agile start-ups for 25 years by enabling collaboration, cutting-edge advancements, and sustained growth. For more information, please visit
Emirates 24/7
07-02-2025
- Business
- Emirates 24/7
Step Dubai 2025 returns to Dubai Internet City with five new tracks, highlighting PropTech innovation
Step Dubai, the MENA region's leading technology conference, is set to return for its 13th edition on February 19-20, 2025, in strategic partnership with Dubai Internet City, the region's premier technology hub and part of TECOM Group PJSC. This year's edition is poised to welcome over 8,000 attendees, 200+ speakers, and an impressive $9 billion USD in fund presence, reinforcing Step Dubai's position as the foremost platform for innovation, collaboration, and investment in the tech ecosystem. As Dubai Internet City marks 25 years of fostering digital transformation, Step Dubai 2025 introduces five new thematic tracks that explore the most impactful trends shaping the future of technology: Founders & Funders – A hub for startup founders, investors, and accelerators to discuss strategies for scaling and securing funding in the MENA region. AdTech 2.0 – A deep dive into AI-driven advertising, programmatic technology, audience targeting, and brand safety. PropTech – Debuting in partnership with Dubai Land Department, this track highlights AI-powered real estate solutions, blockchain transactions, and smart urban development. AI Agents, LLMs & Cloud – A comprehensive exploration of AI's impact on industries, cloud infrastructure, and large language models. FinTech for SMBs – Insights into fintech solutions that enhance financial management for small and medium-sized businesses. The PropTech track underscores Dubai Internet City's and Dubai Land Department's commitment to advancing real estate technology. The REES Initiative by Dubai Land Department further reinforces Dubai's role as a global PropTech hub by promoting smart real estate solutions and AI-driven services. Majida Ali Rashid, CEO of the Real Estate Development Sector at Dubai Land Department, stated: 'Dubai's position as a global innovation hub is reaffirmed through leading events like Step Dubai 2025. The introduction of a PropTech track reflects the rapid digitization of the real estate sector, where technology plays a fundamental role in enhancing services, transparency, and investor experience. Dubai Land Department remains at the forefront of PropTech advancement, aligning with our vision to create an integrated digital ecosystem.' Ammar Al Malik, Executive Vice President of Commercial at TECOM Group and Managing Director of Dubai Internet City, added: 'Entrepreneurs and innovators are driving the future of technology. Step Dubai 2025 continues to be a platform that unites visionary minds, while Dubai Internet City, celebrating 25 years of empowering the digital economy, remains committed to fostering a collaborative environment for groundbreaking ideas. Aligned with Dubai's Economic Agenda D33, our ecosystem will support meaningful connections, strategic partnerships, and transformative innovations.' This year, BIM Ventures joins Step Dubai 2025 as a Super Partner, enhancing the event's networking opportunities. Highlights include The Startup Basecamp, Pitch Competition, Mentor's Corner, and Investor Meetings, offering entrepreneurs direct access to global investors and venture capitalists. Industry leaders set to speak include Blake Beltram (Mindbody, parent company of Classpass), Mohsen Moazami (Groq), Elie Khouri (Vivium Holding), Michael Lahyani (Property Finder), Anjali Aggarwal (Noon Payments), James Wang (Alibaba Cloud), and more. Ray Dargham, CEO of Step, emphasized: 'The global tech landscape is rapidly evolving, with AI at its core. Step Dubai 2025 is embracing this transformation by expanding its AI-focused track, creating opportunities for startups and investors to drive the next wave of innovation.' A dynamic group of startups from in5, TECOM Group's entrepreneurship incubator, will also participate, including Lika (planning app), Zenadmin (IT management platform), Parfumery (custom perfume design studio), and Estaie (PropTech specialist). These ventures are part of a broader in5 community that has collectively raised over AED 7.8 billion since 2013. Step Dubai 2025 Venue & Registration Step Dubai 2025 will take place at Dubai Internet City, home to over 4,000 businesses and 31,000 professionals, including global technology leaders such as Microsoft, Google, and Nvidia. Tickets are now available for purchase, and startups can submit their applications here. Follow Emirates 24|7 on Google News.
