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.

Tourists visiting the UAE can now open a bank account within minutes, thanks to a new digital initiative led by the Central Bank of the UAE in partnership with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security and Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank.

The service, called ‘Tourist Identity’, allows visitors to set up a fully digital bank account upon arrival, using a secure identity issued at entry and powered by biometric and facial recognition technology.

By linking the system to ADCB’s mobile app, travellers can open an account instantly, receive a digital debit card, and start making payments without paperwork or traditional documents.

For many visitors, especially business travellers, long-stay tourists, and frequent visitors, the move removes a key hurdle: access to local banking. Instead of relying on cash, users can pay digitally, manage expenses easily, and connect directly to the UAE’s financial system from day one.

Officials say the system is designed to deliver a secure and seamless experience, using advanced biometrics and AI to enable access to services without the need for physical documents.

What it means for visitors

For tourists, the new service means faster, safer, and more convenient access to money, making everyday transactions, from shopping to transport, simpler during their stay in the UAE.

The rollout also strengthens the country’s position as a tech-driven global destination, where travel and financial services are increasingly integrated into a seamless digital experience.

The Indian rupee has fallen to a record low, offering UAE-based expats one of the most favourable exchange rates in recent months for sending money home.

The Indian rupee was trading at around Rs25.93 per dirham, according to XE, while weakening to 95.25 against the US dollar.

For Indian residents in the UAE, the shift means more rupees per dirham, making it an attractive time to remit funds for expenses such as school fees, family support, or loan payments back home.

A Dh1,000 transfer could fetch around Rs25,930 (before fees), prompting increased activity at exchange houses, where customers often wait for such rate movements to make larger transfers.

The Reserve Bank of India has taken steps to stabilise the currency, including dollar sales through state-run banks, though the impact has been limited as global pressures persist.

What it means for expats

For UAE-based expats, the current exchange rate makes this a strong window to send money, especially for large transfers like school fees, property payments, or savings.

If you’ve been waiting for a better rate, this could be a good time to act. However, currencies can remain volatile, and small gains can be offset by exchange house fees. Some residents prefer to split transfers (send part now, part later) to balance risk.