Dubai Launches Fractional Real Estate Investment for Residents

Dubai, UAE – In a significant step toward reshaping property investment, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched a pilot programme enabling UAE residents to invest in fractional ownership of real estate assets through Prypco Mint – a blockchain-powered digital investment platform. The initiative marks a major development in the tokenization of real estate, offering a more accessible, tech-driven pathway for individuals to enter the property market.

This forward-thinking project is being rolled out in partnership with Prypco, with support from key regulatory stakeholders including the UAE Central Bank, Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), and Dubai Future Foundation (DFF). Zand Digital Bank is serving as the official banking partner.

Key Features of the Pilot Programme:

• Minimum Investment: AED 2,000, making property investment possible for a wider audience.
• Currency: All transactions will be carried out in UAE dirhams. Cryptocurrencies are excluded at this stage.
• Eligibility: Only UAE residents with valid Emirates IDs are allowed to participate during the pilot phase.

Participants will be provided with comprehensive asset-level information, including pricing details, associated risks, and technical documentation to help them make informed investment decisions. The regulatory framework is being co-developed by Prypco and Ctrl Alt Solutions, ensuring the programme remains transparent, secure, and aligned with global standards.

This initiative is part of Dubai’s broader vision to lead the global shift toward real estate tokenization. Authorities estimate that tokenized real estate could account for up to 7% of the local property market—roughly AED 60 billion—by 2033. Future phases are expected to integrate additional platforms and eventually open up participation to international investors.

Why Pakistan Should Follow Suit

Dubai’s pilot programme offers a blueprint for countries like Pakistan, where traditional property investment is often limited to affluent individuals or large institutions. Real estate in Pakistan remains one of the most sought-after asset classes, yet it is largely inaccessible to average citizens due to high entry costs, lack of transparency, and limited liquidity.

Adopting a similar fractional ownership model in Pakistan could:

• Democratize Real Estate Investment: Allow individuals with modest savings to own a stake in property assets with as little as PKR 150,000 (approx. AED 2,000).
• Enhance Transparency: Blockchain-powered platforms can improve tracking, security, and confidence in the property sector.
• Attract Diaspora Investments: Overseas Pakistanis could easily invest in tokenized properties without logistical and legal complications.
• Boost Economic Activity: Encouraging small-ticket investments can stimulate the construction and real estate sectors, generating jobs and tax revenue.

As Dubai leads the way in integrating PropTech with financial innovation, it sets a powerful precedent for emerging economies like Pakistan to consider legal and technological frameworks that allow for secure, regulated, and inclusive real estate investment.