Dubai Land Department has revealed that it is studying the possibility of allowing non-residents and visitors to register for the First Home Ownership Program, following the completion of registration and verification mechanisms, in a move aimed at expanding the program’s reach and strengthening Dubai’s real estate market.

Majed Al Marri, Executive Director of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department, confirmed that more than 40,000 individuals have already registered for the initiative, highlighting growing interest from both investors and developers. He also announced the inclusion of eight new real estate developers in the second phase of the program.

Al Marri made these remarks on the sidelines of PropTech Connect Dubai 2026, the international real estate technology summit being hosted in Dubai for the first time in the Middle East, bringing together global experts, investors, and industry leaders.

He emphasized that the summit represents a pivotal milestone in Dubai’s real estate journey and reflects the emirate’s vision to position itself as a global hub for real estate technology. The event aligns with the leadership’s vision, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.

Al Marri noted that the launch of the Dubai PropTech Hub demonstrates a clear commitment to supporting startups and embracing global best practices. He revealed that over 100 proptech startups have already begun the process of establishing their headquarters in Dubai, with licensing procedures currently underway.

Regarding the First Home Ownership Program, Al Marri explained that it currently allows UAE residents holding Emirates ID to purchase their first property through exclusive developer discounts and bank financing facilities. Registration is conducted via UAE Pass, after which applicants’ details are shared with participating developers to present suitable offers.

He added that Dubai Land Department is currently assessing the inclusion of non-residents and visitors in the program, once robust registration and verification frameworks are finalized, with expectations to complete the process within the current year.

Al Marri also highlighted Dubai’s strong real estate performance, noting that the emirate is close to achieving its AED 1 trillion real estate transactions target ahead of schedule. January 2026 recorded historic indicators, with approximately 129,400 new investors entering the market, driven by streamlined procedures and round-the-clock digital services.

He concluded by stating that early indicators point toward a strong year ahead, surpassing average performance levels recorded in previous years.