In a regional first, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched a pilot platform enabling tokenized real estate investment, offering individuals a new digital way to invest in property. The project is part of a broader push to integrate financial technology into Dubai’s real estate sector.
The initiative, developed in collaboration with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), the Central Bank of the UAE, the Dubai Future Foundation (DFF), and private-sector partners including Prypco and Ctrl Alt Solutions, is being implemented through the “Prypco Mint” platform.
Platform opens to UAE ID holders
The pilot phase is live through the digital portal mint.prypco.com, currently available only to UAE ID holders. The platform allows individuals to invest in ready-to-own real estate in Dubai through tokenized shares, with a minimum investment of Dhs 2,000. All transactions are conducted in UAE Dirhams, with no use of cryptocurrency during the pilot stage.
Investors receive detailed property information—including pricing, risk assessments, and technical specifications—before committing funds. This digital structure is designed to promote transparency and simplify real estate investment for individual buyers.
Regulated framework and safeguards
The initiative is regulated jointly by DLD, overseeing physical assets, and VARA, which governs digital assets. The Central Bank of the UAE plays a supervisory role by managing corporate accounts through the Client Money Account (CMA) system. Under this system, investor funds are held securely and are only transferred once transactions are complete.
“This project supports a transparent and secure environment for real estate investment while reinforcing investor protection mechanisms,” said officials from the participating entities.
Expansion and market goals
The pilot includes two licensed companies — Prypco and Ctrl Alt Solutions — with plans to open access to more qualified firms in the future. DLD is responsible for validating property prices before listings are approved.
Tokenized assets are projected to make up 7% of Dubai’s real estate market by 2033, potentially reaching a value of Dhs 60 billion (USD 16 billion). Investors will benefit from both rental income and capital appreciation, with ownership legally recorded by DLD.
Aligned with national strategies
This project aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33. Both initiatives aim to attract innovative companies, strengthen public-private partnerships, and support Dubai’s goal of becoming a global hub for digital real estate investment.
The tokenized platform is also part of DLD’s broader Real Estate Evolution Space Initiative (REES), which promotes the use of PropTech and artificial intelligence in the property sector.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
