Dubai has made it easier for property buyers to secure residency, after the Dubai Land Department (DLD) introduced new rules removing the minimum property value requirement for a two-year real estate investor visa.

Previously, investors needed to own property worth at least Dh750,000 to qualify. Under the updated system, buyers can now apply for the visa regardless of property value, as long as they are the sole owner.

For many UAE expats and first-time buyers, the move significantly lowers the barrier to entry, making it possible to invest in more affordable properties while still securing residency benefits.

Officials say the change is part of Dubai’s wider push to expand its investor base, boost property demand, and strengthen its position as a global real estate hub.

There are still some conditions for jointly owned properties. According to DLD’s Cube Centre, if two investors share ownership equally, each person’s stake must be at least Dh400,000 to qualify for the visa.

What it means for expats

For expats looking to put down roots in Dubai, the update creates more flexibility and accessibility, especially for those entering the market at lower price points. It also opens the door for a wider range of investors to benefit from property-linked residency.

The move is expected to increase market activity, encourage long-term investment, and support sustainable growth across Dubai’s real estate sector.

Sharjah offers a Dh1,000 industrial licence at the ‘Make it in the Emirates’ forum

New Sharjah initiative cuts the cost of starting industrial businesses

UAE entrepreneurs can launch factories in Sharjah for Dh1,000

Sharjah boosts manufacturing sector with new investor incentives

‘Make it in the Emirates’: Sharjah unveils low-cost industrial licence

Sharjah targets investors with fast-track industrial setup offer

Big opportunity for entrepreneurs as Sharjah lowers licence costs

Sharjah strengthens position as industrial hub with new initiatives

Sharjah is stepping up efforts to attract industrial investment, as the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD) and Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship take part in the latest edition of the Make it in the Emirates forum.

For entrepreneurs and expats looking to start or expand industrial ventures, one of the standout announcements is a special initiative offering instant industrial licences for just Dh1,000, covering all permitted industrial activities in the emirate.

Officials say the move is part of a broader strategy to simplify business setup, reduce costs, and accelerate project launches, making it easier for investors to enter the market.

Speaking at the forum, Hamad Ali Abdulla Al Mahmoud said the initiative reflects Sharjah’s commitment to building a diversified, knowledge-based economy, while supporting innovation and long-term growth in the industrial sector.

Beyond licensing, SEDD is also using the platform to connect with global manufacturers and industry leaders, aiming to build partnerships that support technology transfer and enhance the quality and global reach of Made in Sharjah products.

For business owners and aspiring founders, the initiative offers lower entry barriers, faster setup processes, and access to funding and support services.

How to apply for an industrial licence

Setting up an industrial business in Sharjah is becoming faster and more accessible. Here’s a simple breakdown of how to apply through the Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD):

1. Choose your activity
Select the industrial activity you want to operate. This licence covers a wide range of permitted manufacturing activities in Sharjah.

2. Submit your application
Apply through SEDD’s official website, service centres, or via initiatives promoted at the Make it in the Emirates forum.

3. Provide required documents
Typically includes:

• Passport/Emirates ID copy
• Business details
• Initial approvals (if required for specific activities)

4. Get instant approval
The initiative offers fast-track processing, allowing many applications to be approved quickly.

5. Pay the fee
Pay the Dh1,000 licence fee, which covers all permitted industrial activities under this offer.

6. Start operations
Once approved, you can begin setting up your industrial project and access additional support services.

Entrepreneurs can also tap into funding, advisory, and training support through Sharjah Foundation for Supporting Entrepreneurship to help grow their business.

‘Shop Local’, a new initiative aimed at helping consumers across the UAE discover and support homegrown businesses, while giving small and medium enterprises (SMEs) greater visibility, has been launched by a local platform Quiqup.

It will bring together UAE-based brands in one place, allowing users to easily browse, discover and purchase from local businesses that often face challenges standing out in crowded digital spaces.

Open to small and local businesses nationwide, ‘Shop Local’ is designed to address one of the most common hurdles SMEs encounter, reaching the right audience. By offering a dedicated channel, the initiative aims to help businesses build awareness, drive sales and support long-term growth.

The launch coincides with the announcement of the establishment of the Dh1 billion National Industrial Resilience Fund to boost localisation within key industries by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Strengthening local businesses

Fatima Yousif Alnaqbi, Acting Assistant Under-Secretary for the Support Services Sector at the Ministry of Finance and representative at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Innovation Fund, highlighted the importance of enabling high-potential businesses to scale.

She noted that supporting companies at the right stage allows them to contribute more effectively to the economy, particularly in the UAE, where innovation and entrepreneurship play a key role in driving growth and creating new opportunities.

Bassel El Koussa, CEO of Quiqup, said the initiative reflects the company’s belief in strengthening connections between businesses and communities.

He added that ‘Shop Local’ is intended to create opportunities for local brands to grow, deepen customer engagement and build a stronger market presence, while encouraging consumers to play a more active role in supporting the local economy.

The platform has already received 190 brand submissions, with Quiqup aiming to onboard at least 250 businesses in the coming weeks.