In a significant move solidifying its position as a burgeoning global technology hub, Dubai has confirmed that 100 PropTech startups have begun the process of establishing headquarters in the emirate. The announcement was made by Majed Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at the Dubai Land Department (DLD), during the inaugural PropTech Connect Dubai 2026 summit, highlighting the city’s strategic drive to lead in real estate innovation.
PropTech Connect Dubai Exceeds Expectations
The first-ever PropTech Connect Dubai 2026 summit, held in the Middle East for the first time, significantly surpassed its goals. Al Marri revealed that while the targit was 3,000 attendees, the event attracted over 4,000 registered participants and more than 300 expert speakers.
Notably, over 50% of the attendees were from outside the UAE, underscoring Dubai’s international appeal and the global interest in its real estate market. The summit facilitated an estimated 12,000 meetings and workshops over two days, providing a powerful platform for networking and collaboration.
A Strategic Push to Become a Global Hub
The influx of 100 startups is a direct result of clear targets set by the Dubai PropTech Hub, an initiative designed to cultivate a world-class technology ecosystem. According to Al Marri, the companies are currently completing their licensing procedures after being selected based on specific criteria in coordination with strategic partners.
This initiative is a core component of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33) and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which aim to position the emirate as a leading global center for PropTech. The summit and its outcomes are seen as a pivotal step in developing the sector and embracing digital transformation.
Building an Integrated Ecosystem
To support this growth, the DLD has collaborated with strategic partners to launch several specialized incubators. These include facilities within the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Dubai Silicon Oasis, which will offer comprehensive training programs and essential facilities for emerging companies.
A key pillar of this ecosystem is the “REES” (Real Estate Evolution Summit) initiative, which provides a platform for both local and international startups to pitch their ideas to experts and investors. This program facilitates expert evaluation, potential adoption, and access to funding, with the ultimate goal of leveraging technology to streamline processes, reduce costs, and enhance efficiency across the sector.
Expanding Real Estate Ownership
Alongside its focus on startups, the DLD is also expanding its “First Real Estate” program, a successful initiative launched with the private sector and the Department of Economy and Tourism. The program offers residents exclusive discounts from developers and financing facilities from banks to help them purchase their first property.
The program has already attracted over 40,000 registrants, with eight new developers joining in its second phase. In a forward-looking move, Al Marri revealed that the DLD is exploring the possibility of opening the program to non-residents and visitors, with mechanisms for registration and verification expected to be finalized within the year.
About Dubai Land Department
The Dubai Land Department (DLD) was founded in 1960 to establish the most prominent real estate sector in the Middle East and the world. It provides a comprehensive range of real estate services, the most prominent of which are documenting property sale and purchase, issuing real estate ownership, organizing and promoting real estate investment, and spreading knowledge and culture in the sector. The DLD seeks to create a supportive and sustainable real estate environment for investors in Dubai.
Source: Fintech Gate
