Key Takeaways
- Dubai’s real estate market saw AED 66.8 billion in transactions in May 2025, driven by investor confidence and digital innovation.
- In May 2025, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) launched a blockchain-based platform for fractional property ownership, enabling easier access to real estate investment through tokenized assets.
- A $3 billion recent agreement between MultiBank Group, MAG, and Mavryk aims to list luxury properties on a regulated blockchain marketplace; Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) also issued updated guidelines supporting real estate tokenization.
- Primary ready property sales surged 314%, and secondary market activity rose 23% in value, supported by increased interest in established properties through tokenized platforms.
May 2025 Witnessed Another Boom in Dubai Real Estate
Dubai’s real estate sector recorded AED 66.8 billion in transactions in May 2025, marking a 44% increase in value and a 6% rise in volume compared to the same period last year, according to Property Finder, a leading property portal of the region. The sharp growth reflects strengthening investor confidence and the rippling effects of Dubai’s rapid adoption of blockchain-based innovations in the property market.
Regulators Back Tokenized Assets, Helping the Growth
Indeed, a key driver of this momentum is the city’s pioneering move toward tokenized real estate investment. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) recently launched a licensed platform allowing fractional property ownership via blockchain tokens. The platform is expected to broaden market access for both international and retail investors.
On May 1, a landmark $3 billion real-world asset (RWA) tokenization agreement was signed between MultiBank Group, real estate developer MAG, and blockchain firm Mavryk. The deal will bring MAG’s luxury properties onto a regulated blockchain marketplace.
On May 19, Dubai’s Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) issued updated guidelines that include the tokenization of real estate assets. Legal experts say the framework offers clarity for issuers and exchanges, potentially increasing the volume and security of tokenized property deals.
Further reinforcing the city’s digital strategy, DLD, the Central Bank of the UAE, and the Dubai Future Foundation jointly launched a tokenized real estate initiative on May 25. The program enables investors to purchase tokenized shares in ready-to-own properties, opening a new chapter for property transactions in the MENA region.
The Key Components of Market Growth
Overall market performance in May was buoyed by strong growth in both primary and secondary ready property sales. Primary ready transactions surged 314% year-on-year to AED17.9 billion across 2,400 deals. Secondary ready sales rose to 6,078 deals worth AED24 billion, reflecting a 21% increase in value and 8% in volume over May 2024.
Overall, secondary market activity reached AED29 billion through 8,471 transactions—up 23% in value and 15% in volume from the previous year. Analysts attribute this resilience to growing interest in established properties, particularly as tokenized platforms lower barriers to entry for investors.
Among key areas, Business Bay stood out with 5% of primary transaction value from just 3% of volume, indicating a concentration of high-value deals. Al Barsha captured 5% of transactions and 2% of value, reflecting broad-based buyer appeal. In a notable institutional move, a single land deal in Palm Deira closed at AED 1.5 billion.
Apartments remained the preferred property type, accounting for 60% of buyer demand and 78% of rental searches. One-bedroom units led both categories, while studios saw more interest from renters than buyers.
Property Finder CRO Cherif Sleiman said May’s results signal long-term confidence: “With nearly 1,000 new residents arriving daily and tokenized tools gaining traction, Dubai’s property market is demonstrating sustainable, tech-driven growth.”
