In a landmark initiative set to transform Dubai’s real estate landscape, Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) have launched the First-Time Home Buyer Program.
Designed to make homeownership more accessible and financially affordable for Emiratis and expatriates, the program offers priority access to new launches, preferential pricing and tailored mortgage solutions. It aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 objectives to raise homeownership rates and double the sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP.
“The launch of the First-Time Home Buyer Program is a testament to the visionary leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, marking a significant milestone for the real estate sector and highlighting our commitment to broad-based growth,” said His Excellency Helal Saeed Almarri, director general of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET).
Developers, banks commit to supporting homeownership in Dubai
Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer program showcases the power of collaborative partnerships between the city’s public and private sectors, which has become a defining characteristic of Dubai’s economic strategy. Leading developers already committed to the program include Azizi Developments, Beyond developments, Binghatti Holding, DAMAC Properties, Danube properties, Dubai Properties, Ellington Properties, Emaar Properties, Majid Al Futtaim Group, Meraas, Nakheel, Palma Holding and Wasl.
These partners are offering unprecedented support to first-time home buyers through priority access to units in new off-plan launches and enhanced commercial terms, including preferential pricing on units up to AED5 million.
Meanwhile, participating banks include Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, Emirates Islamic and Mashreq Bank. These banks will provide tailored mortgage products designed specifically for eligible buyers. The program will continue to onboard new partners post-launch to increase the choice for first-time home buyers in Dubai.
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Homeownership program is open to applicants aged 18 and above
Created for all nationalities and income levels, Dubai’s homeownership program is open to applicants aged 18 and above who are residents of the UAE and who do not currently own a freehold residential property in Dubai.
“This initiative represents a powerful economic lever—stimulating long-term demand, driving liquidity into the real estate ecosystem, and accelerating the sector’s contribution to GDP in line with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33. By lowering entry barriers to homeownership for Emiratis and expatriates alike, we are enhancing investor confidence, increasing market absorption rates, and reinforcing Dubai’s global positioning as a city where personal aspirations and business ambitions converge,” added Almarri.
He explained that in a global climate where housing accessibility is a structural challenge, Dubai is offering a model of sustainable urban development—one that supports talent retention, fosters community cohesion and enhances the city’s competitiveness as a place to live, work and invest.
For his part, His Excellency Omar Bu Shehab, director general of Dubai Land Department (DLD), said: “The First-Time Home Buyer program embodies Dubai’s strategic vision for a more inclusive, transparent and accessible real estate market. By easing entry into homeownership, we empower individuals and families to invest in their futures while supporting the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033’s broader objectives and Dubai Economic Agenda D33. This initiative is a key driver of market resilience and positions Dubai as a global benchmark for sustainable urban development.”
