If you’ve been dreaming of owning a home in Dubai but weren’t sure where to start, the city just made it easier. A brand-new initiative, launched by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), is offering residents a chance to step onto the property ladder with exclusive incentives and support.

Called the First-Time Home Buyer Programme, the initiative is open to all UAE residents aged 18 and above who don’t currently own a freehold home in Dubai. It offers early access to newly launched developments, special prices on homes valued up to Dh5 million, and custom mortgage solutions from leading local banks.

At its core, the programme is designed to make homeownership more accessible and attractive to both Emiratis and expats, encouraging long-term investment and helping residents put down real roots in the city.

Announced during a press conference at DLD, the launch was attended by senior officials, including Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, and Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation at DET, along with representatives from top developers and banks.

Here’s what you get as a first-time buyer in Dubai:

• Priority access to upcoming property launches
• Preferential pricing on selected units up to Dh5 million
• Tailored mortgages from banks, including Emirates NBD, Dubai Islamic Bank, Mashreq, and others

Major developers such as Emaar, DAMAC, Nakheel, Azizi, Binghatti, and Meraas are already on board, ensuring a wide selection of properties across the city.

Officials say the programme not only aims to help more residents become homeowners, but also supports Dubai’s long-term economic vision, as part of the Real Estate Strategy 2033 and the D33 Agenda.

“Dubai’s real estate market must reflect the diversity and ambition of its residents,” said Omar Bu Shehab, Director-General of DLD. “This programme opens the door for more people to invest in their futures here.”

Whether you’re a young professional thinking of buying your first apartment or a family looking to make Dubai your permanent base, the First-Time Home Buyer Programme could be your opportunity to finally make that move.

Real estate investors in Abu Dhabi have a new reason to celebrate. The Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) has launched Binaa, an AI-powered digital platform that promises to slash building permit approval times by up to 70 per cent and reduce unnecessary construction costs, making the emirate even more attractive for real estate development and investment. 

Unveiled during the Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit, the goal of Binaa is to dramatically reduce red tape, speed up approvals, and modernise how building projects are reviewed and managed.

What Binaa Means for You:

• Up to 70 per cent faster permit approvals
• Simplified process for private villa construction
• Real-time tracking for architects, contractors, and homeowners
• Minimises the cost and environmental impact of over-designed plans
• Supports full coordination across 15 plus government entities

Smarter Construction, Powered by AI

Binaa uses AI, Building Information Modelling (BIM), and virtual/augmented reality to help spot design inefficiencies and ensure buildings meet safety and sustainability codes. It can also simulate site inspections using 3D overlays, making it easier to spot errors before they become costly construction issues.

During Phase 1, the platform will focus on private villas, which account for around 20,000 applications annually. Future phases will expand to larger developments.

One Platform, Endless Possibilities

Binaa offers a single digital window for managing the entire building process. It allows instant collaboration between consultants, project owners, and government agencies.

Nakheel, a subsidiary of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded three major contracts worth over Dh750 million for infrastructure development on Palm Jebel Ali, a landmark waterfront project poised to redefine luxury living in Dubai. The works are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2026.

The contracts have been awarded to DBB Contracting LLC, a company with a strong track record on the island. DBB has previously delivered key projects on Palm Jebel Ali, including road construction and public access infrastructure.

A Visionary Mega Development

Palm Jebel Ali is one of Nakheel’s most ambitious projects, unveiled by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai. The development supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and serves as a key pillar in the emirate’s expansion westward, marking the rise of a new growth corridor in Jebel Ali.

What’s Included in the Infrastructure Works?

The awarded contracts cover comprehensive infrastructure across Fronds A to G, including:

• Utility connections
• Excavation and backfilling
• Road and pavement construction
• Power distribution (11kV) and telecom utility works

In the Spine District, the works will include:

• Major and secondary road development
• Utility mains and links to fronds
• Grading and associated infrastructure for DEWA’s power transmission line

A New Era for Waterfront Living

Spanning 13.4 km, Palm Jebel Ali will feature 16 fronds and over 90 km of beachfront, aligned with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to expand public beach access.

Designed with smart city technologies, sustainable features, and walkable mixed-use neighbourhoods, the island is set to become a world-class destination for residents, tourists, and investors alike, offering panoramic views of the Arabian Gulf and seamless mobility solutions.