Dubai has launched the First-Time Home Buyer Program, a landmark initiative to transform Dubai’s real estate landscape, aimed at making homeownership more accessible for both Emiratis and expatriates.
The program, unveiled by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), offers new buyers priority access to property launches, preferential pricing, and customized 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 First-Time Home Buyer program showcases the power of collaborative partnerships between Dubai’s public and private sectors, which has become a defining characteristic of the city’s economic strategy. Through this initiative, the government further contributes to the goals of strengthening the UAE’s Year of Community initiative, enhancing social cohesion and economic resilience.
Key stakeholders, including Majid Al Marri, CEO of Real Estate Registration Sector at DLD, and Hadi Badri, CEO of Dubai Economic Development Corporation (DEDC), joined the official launch event. They were accompanied by senior leaders from DLD, DET, and various strategic partners, including major banks and real estate developers.
Leading developers supporting the program include Azizi Developments, DAMAC Properties, Emaar Properties, Nakheel, Meraas, and more. These partners are offering exclusive benefits, such as priority access to off-plan units and enhanced commercial terms for properties up to approx. $1.36 million (AED 5 million).
Several local banks, including Commercial Bank of Dubai, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD, and Mashreq, will provide specialized mortgage solutions for eligible buyers. The First-Time Home Buyer program is set to expand its partner network in the coming months, further increasing options for first-time buyers.
Open to all UAE residents aged 18 and above, the initiative is designed for for all nationalities and income levels in Dubai. Further, it represents a significant step towards Dubai’s economic goals while promoting inclusive homeownership opportunities across all demographics.
Director General of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), HE Helal Saeed Almarri, said that, “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.”
HE Helal Saeed Almarri Director-General – DET
“The First-Time Home Buyer program 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.”
“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,” HE Helal Saeed Almarri added.
Director General of Dubai Land Department (DLD), HE Omar Bu Shehab, said that, “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.”
