SmartCrowd, a Dubai-based proptech and Nawy company, has received In-Principle Approval (IPA) from Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) for its tokenised real estate entity, Nawy Shares. This approval marks a major milestone in the company’s expansion into regulated digital assets and is the final step before receiving full operational authorisation.
Paving the Way for Digital Real Estate
The regulatory nod from VARA strengthens Dubai’s standing as a global hub for regulated virtual assets, providing a transparent framework that protects investors while fostering responsible innovation. For SmartCrowd, which launched the MENA region’s first regulated real estate crowdfunding platform, this is a natural evolution of its business model.
The company has already seen over AED 220 million in successful exits and has planned transactions exceeding AED 500 million for 2026. The move into tokenization through Nawy Shares positions the company at the intersection of real estate, technology, and regulated digital finance in the UAE.
From Fractional Ownership to On-Chain Assets
SmartCrowd has long been a pioneer in making property investment more accessible. By tokenising real-world assets, the company aims to bridge traditional property ownership with the security and efficiency of blockchain-enabled infrastructure.
“Securing VARA’s In-Principle Approval is a pivotal step in our journey into tokenised real estate. It reflects our long-standing commitment to operating within the highest regulatory standards, while continuing to innovate and expand access to high-quality real estate investments,” commented Adham Moshasha, Chief Growth Officer at SmartCrowd.
“We pioneered fractional ownership long before it became a buzzword. Tokenization is simply the advanced mode of that model, bringing fractional property ownership on-chain to improve security, transparency, and tradability. Dubai’s forward-thinking regulatory framework has made this evolution possible and has been instrumental in enabling this next phase of growth,” Moshasha added.
A Strategic Move for Nawy
The achievement by its subsidiary is a key part of the broader vision for Nawy, Africa’s largest proptech company, as it expands its footprint across the MENA region.
“We are incredibly proud of the SmartCrowd team for achieving this milestone with Nawy Shares in Dubai,” said Mostafa El Beltagy, CEO and Co-Founder of Nawy. “This is their first step towards a world leading ecosystem where property ownership becomes digitized, physical assets can become liquid, and transactions will be done instantly. We are excited to be taking part in this journey led by one of the most, progressive regulations in the world.”
Upon receiving full authorisation, Nawy Shares will move toward a full launch, further cementing its role in the evolving digital asset landscape.
About SmartCrowd
SmartCrowd is the MENA region’s first regulated real estate investment platform, licensed by the DFSA and registered with the DIFC. As a pioneer in fractional property ownership in Dubai, SmartCrowd opens the door for global investors to access prime real estate through a secure, transparent, and regulated framework. Whether through long-term rental income or short-term renovation strategies, SmartCrowd empowers individuals to grow their wealth in UAE real estate with confidence.
About Nawy
Nawy is Africa’s largest proptech company, transforming real estate across the MENA region with cutting-edge technology. With AI-powered search, expert in-house brokerage, and innovative financing solutions, Nawy simplifies property transactions for consumers, brokers, and developers alike. Its growing portfolio includes Nawy Shares, Nawy Now, Nawy Partners, and Nawy Unlocked where it enhances accessibility, transparency, and efficiency. Nawy’s vision is to play an integral role in every real estate transaction, driving innovation and shaping the future of the industry.
Source: Zawya
