VARA and Dubai Land Department Sign Deal to Link Real Estate to Virtual Assets

In a major move that bridges the physical and digital worlds, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA) have signed an agreement to integrate property tokenization with the emirate’s official real estate registry—a global first.

This innovative collaboration comes on the heels of the pilot phase of DLD’s Real Estate Tokenisation Project, an initiative under the REES Real Estate Innovation framework. It reinforces Dubai’s position as a pioneering hub for both property innovation and virtual asset regulation, and aligns with the UAE’s broader vision of embracing emerging technologies to fuel economic growth.

A Global First in Tokenisation and Registry Integration

The agreement introduces a governance model designed to connect property records with digital tokens, increasing market liquidity and streamlining the operations of property management companies. With this framework, fractional ownership becomes more viable, giving small investors greater access to Dubai’s thriving real estate market.

In a signing ceremony attended by top officials—including HE Marwan bin Ghalita, Director General of DLD, and HE Helal Al Marri, Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism—the deal was formalized by Majid Al Marri, Executive Director at DLD, and Matthew White, CEO of VARA.

Backing Dubai’s D33 Economic Agenda

The partnership is also closely aligned with Dubai’s ambitious D33 Economic Agenda, which aims to double the city’s GDP and reach AED 1 trillion in real estate transactions by 2033. By embedding virtual asset integration into its real estate strategy, Dubai is not only expanding access but also fortifying the legal and digital infrastructure that underpins investor confidence.

“Real Estate and Virtual Assets are key pillars of the D33 Economic Agenda,” said HE Helal Al Marri. “This partnership sets the blueprint for RE 2.0 in a decentralised future economy—paving the way for more inclusive, transparent, and secure investment models.”

Building a Future-Ready Real Estate Ecosystem

The agreement highlights a clear commitment to enhancing investor awareness, digital infrastructure, and alignment with global best practices. The collaboration encourages partnerships with tech firms working on real-world applications for blockchain and virtual assets in property markets.

HE Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita remarked, “This agreement marks a strategic step toward leveraging technological advancements to empower the real estate sector. Our partnership with VARA is aligned with Dubai’s strategy to lead global innovation in real estate.”

He added that the move supports priorities such as integrating AI, centralizing data, and delivering seamless investment experiences—key to maintaining Dubai’s momentum as a world-class investment destination.

Towards a Tokenised Future

As Dubai continues to push the boundaries of what's possible in both real estate and blockchain regulation, this partnership represents a powerful step forward in transforming how property is owned, traded, and managed. By setting legal and operational frameworks for property tokenisation, Dubai is laying the foundation for a more inclusive, efficient, and future-ready real estate ecosystem.

With innovation at the core of its economic vision, Dubai once again leads by example—where technology and regulation work hand-in-hand to shape the next generation of investment.