UAE-based Dubizzle Group has announced a strategic investment and partnership with Tern, a UAE proptech startup aiming to change how tenants pay rent. The deal, made through the group’s venture arm, Dubizzle Group Ventures, will see Tern’s rental rewards platform integrated exclusively into the Bayut and dubizzle portals.
Quick Facts
- Strategic investment by Dubizzle Group Ventures.
- Tern is the UAE’s first rental rewards platform.
- Exclusive integration into Bayut and dubizzle platforms.
Turning Rent into Rewards
Founded in 2024 by Said Al Sayyed and Mohamad Shaitou, Tern allows tenants to pay their rent using a credit card without any additional fees, earning loyalty points in the process. These points can be redeemed across a network of retail, travel, and lifestyle partners. The model provides flexibility for tenants while offering landlords and property managers a digital rent collection system designed to improve tenant retention.
Since its launch in May 2025, Tern reports that over AED 150 million in annualized rent payments are now being processed through its platform, signaling early traction for its value proposition in the market.
Dubizzle’s Strategic Play in Proptech
The investment is a clear move by Dubizzle Group to expand its services beyond property discovery and search. By incorporating Tern, the group adds a transactional and rewards layer to its ecosystem, which includes property portal Bayut and classifieds site dubizzle.
This partnership follows a series of strategic acquisitions aimed at strengthening Dubizzle Group’s hold on the region’s property and automotive sectors, including Egypt’s Hatla2ee, UAE’s Drive Arabia, and real estate data firm Property Monitor.
Surya Raviganesh, who leads investments for Dubizzle Group, commented on the strategy: “We are on the lookout for aspirational founders building scalable, and innovative business models that create unique value around our property, automotive and consumer marketplaces. Half the population of the UAE uses one of our platforms every month, and there are material synergies by partnering with businesses that can benefit from our highly engaged audience.”
A More Connected Property Ecosystem
The partnership addresses a common pain point in the rental market: the lack of flexibility and value in rent payments, which are typically one of the largest expenses for households.
Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group UAE, explained the rationale behind the move. “At Bayut and dubizzle, our focus has always been on solving real challenges across the property journey, which extends beyond just helping people find a home. Rent is one of the largest recurring expenses for most households, yet the payment experience has traditionally offered very little flexibility or added value.”
Khan added, “In Tern, we found the most compelling solution to address this industry challenge, led by an exceptional founding team with a clear vision. Our partnership offers renters a more convenient and rewarding way to manage their rental payments, while also creating new opportunities for landlords and agents across the UAE.”
About Dubizzle Group
Dubizzle Group is a leading online classifieds and property portal operator in the Middle East. Its portfolio includes flagship platforms Bayut and dubizzle, which attract a combined 58 million monthly visits and 20 million monthly users across the UAE. The group is focused on building a comprehensive ecosystem for the property, automotive, and consumer goods markets.
About Tern
Founded in 2024 by Said Al Sayyed and Mohamad Shaitou, Tern is the UAE’s first rental rewards platform. It enables tenants to pay rent by credit card at no extra cost, earning loyalty points redeemable with various merchants. The platform aims to modernize the rental payment process for tenants, landlords, and agents.
Source: Wamda
