Latest news with #DLD
Zawya
2 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Dubai Land Department partners with Second Century Ventures to launch real estate accelerator
First cohort members to receive up to $1.5 million in funding Dubai, United Arab Emirates: Dubai Land Department (DLD) is partnering with Second Century Ventures to launch the REACH Middle East accelerator program and has opened applications for the first cohort of companies. This landmark initiative, led by real estate technology pioneers Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, invites startup companies from all industries to apply for the opportunity to redefine real estate innovation across the region. REACH Middle East is a curated, eight-month program designed to empower up to 10 high-potential startups with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to scale locally and globally within the real estate industry. Selected companies will benefit from: Direct Funding and Investment: REACH provides up to $250,000 seed capital per company, strategic investor introductions and pathways for follow-on funding Real World Access: Work with major real estate developers, government bodies and facility managers to pilot and commercialize solutions Expert-Led Mentorship: Learn from industry veterans, successful founders and global thought leaders in PropTech Growth Opportunities: Unlock curated connections at major industry events, conferences and trade shows to drive market adoption Global Expansion: Plug into REACH's exclusive global network of over 330 alumni companies Aligned with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 – which aim to add more than $27 billion to the economy – REACH Middle East supports the digital transformation of real estate and urban development. It complements other UAE accelerators, such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71 and regional initiatives under the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and NEOM Innovation Hub that align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By fostering public-private partnerships, REACH Middle East aims to position the region as a global hub for innovation in the real estate ecosystem. REACH is backed by Second Century Ventures, the most active global fund in real estate technology. As the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, SCV leverages the association's members and an unparalleled network of executives within real estate and adjacent industries. 'We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem,' said Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department. 'The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike,' added Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East. 'REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond,' said Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures. REACH Middle East seeks revenue-generating startups (seed to Series A) intent on expanding into the real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management ecosystem using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain with scalable business models with local and global potential. Applications are now open and can be submitted at About REACH REACH is a unique technology scale-up program created by Second Century Ventures, the most active global fund in real estate technology. Backed by the National Association of Realtors®, REACH leverages the association's membership and an unparalleled network of executives within real estate and adjacent industries. The REACH program helps technology companies scale across the real estate vertical and its adjacent markets through education, mentorship, and market exposure. About the National Association of Realtors® The National Association of Realtors® is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term Realtor® is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of Realtors® and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes – from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation visit For media enquiries, contact: Jonathan Ivan-Duke Partner, duke+mir jon@ +971582857333
Gulf Business
2 hours ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
DLD-Second Century Ventures' new real estate accelerator: How it will help tech startups
Image: Dubai Media Office/ For illustrative purposes The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has partnered with US-based investment firm Second Century Ventures to launch REACH Middle East, a real estate technology accelerator aimed at driving innovation across the sector. Applications are now open for the program's first cohort, with selected startups eligible to receive up to $1.5m in total funding. REACH Middle East, managed by real estate tech entrepreneurs Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, will run as an eight-month accelerator targeting up to 10 revenue-generating startups from seed to Series A stage. Each selected company can receive up to $250,000 in seed capital, along with mentorship, access to pilot programmes with real estate developers and government agencies, and opportunities to scale both regionally and internationally. The programe supports the UAE's broader digital transformation efforts outlined in the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33, and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, which together aim to add more than $27bn to the national economy. It also complements regional initiatives such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71 and innovation hubs tied to Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, including the NEOM Innovation Hub and the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund. 'With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem,' said Dr Mahmoud AlBurai, head of Policies and Innovation at DLD. Read: DLD-SCV accelerator to drive tech in real estate and related fields The accelerator will focus on startups applying emerging technologies such as AI, IoT, and blockchain to the real estate, construction, sustainability, and property management sectors. In addition to funding, participants will benefit from industry mentorship, exposure at major trade shows, and integration into REACH's global network of over 330 alumni companies. 'The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges,' said Siddiq Farid, MD of REACH Middle East. Second Century Ventures, the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors, is one of the most active global funds in real estate tech. The firm supports REACH programmes in several international markets. 'REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem,' said Dave Garland, MP at Second Century Ventures. 'We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of proptech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond.' Applications for the REACH Middle East accelerator can be submitted
Al Bawaba
2 hours ago
- Business
- Al Bawaba
Dubai Land Department (DLD) Partners with Second Century Ventures to Launch Real Estate Accelerator
Dubai Land Department (DLD) is partnering with Second Century Ventures to launch the REACH Middle East accelerator program and has opened applications for the first cohort of companies. This landmark initiative, led by real estate technology pioneers Siddiq Farid and Karim Helal, invites startup companies from all industries to apply for the opportunity to redefine real estate innovation across the Middle East is a curated, eight-month program designed to empower up to 10 high-potential startups with the tools, mentorship and networks needed to scale locally and globally within the real estate industry. Selected companies will benefit from:Direct Funding and Investment: REACH provides up to $250,000 seed capital per company, strategic investor introductions and pathways for follow-on fundingReal World Access: Work with major real estate developers, government bodies and facility managers to pilot and commercialize solutionsExpert-Led Mentorship: Learn from industry veterans, successful founders and global thought leaders in PropTechGrowth Opportunities: Unlock curated connections at major industry events, conferences and trade shows to drive market adoptionGlobal Expansion: Plug into REACH's exclusive global network of over 330 alumni companies Aligned with the UAE Digital Economy Strategy, Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 – which aim to add more than $27 billion to the economy – REACH Middle East supports the digital transformation of real estate and urban development. It complements other UAE accelerators, such as Abu Dhabi's Hub71 and regional initiatives under the Saudi Real Estate Development Fund and NEOM Innovation Hub that align with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030. By fostering public-private partnerships, REACH Middle East aims to position the region as a global hub for innovation in the real estate ecosystem. REACH is backed by Second Century Ventures, the most active global fund in real estate technology. As the strategic investment arm of the National Association of Realtors®, SCV leverages the association's members and an unparalleled network of executives within real estate and adjacent industries.'We are proud to collaborate with REACH Middle East to unlock the potential of real estate tech startups across the region. With Dubai as the starting point, this accelerator will provide unparalleled support to entrepreneurs, fostering solutions that resonate throughout the Middle East and contribute to the global real estate ecosystem,' said Dr. Mahmoud AlBurai, Head of Policies and Innovation at Dubai Land Department.'The MENA region is at the forefront of real estate innovation, and REACH Middle East is committed to empowering startups to solve real-world challenges. Our program bridges cutting-edge technology with practical real estate applications, driving sustainable growth for startups and the industry alike,' added Siddiq Farid, Managing Director of REACH Middle East.'REACH offers a unique opportunity for startups to be part of a transformative ecosystem. We encourage ambitious startups to apply to join the next generation of PropTech trailblazers and help shape the future of real estate in the MENA region and beyond,' said Dave Garland, Managing Partner at Second Century Ventures. REACH Middle East seeks revenue-generating startups (seed to Series A) intent on expanding into the real estate, construction, sustainability, or property management ecosystem using emerging technologies like AI, IoT, or blockchain with scalable business models with local and global potential. © 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba ( Signal PressWire is the world's largest independent Middle East PR distribution service.
Khaleej Times
19 hours ago
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Dubai realty prices post 12% jump as apartments outpace villas in rate of surge
Dubai's property prices have increased by 12 per cent over the past 12 months as the real estate sector continues to demonstrate impressive resilience, with both apartments and villas recording solid growth amid sustained investor confidence and a surging influx of residents. According to eXp Dubai's latest market analysis, average property prices have increased by 3.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2025 and by 12 per cent over the past 12 months, confirming the emirate's enduring appeal as a global property investment hotspot. The findings underscore a notable shift in buyer trends, with apartments registering the highest rate of quarterly appreciation at 3.8 per cent, outpacing villas, which rose by 2.4 per cent during the same period. This reflects a growing preference among younger professionals and new expatriate arrivals for compact, centrally located living options that offer proximity to workplaces, transit networks, and lifestyle amenities. However, over the long term, villas have retained their dominance in capital appreciation, with prices up by 19.7 per cent year-on-year, compared to 8.5 per cent for apartments. This sustained demand for larger homes is driven by long-term residents and families seeking more privacy, green spaces, and a suburban lifestyle that villa communities typically offer. 'Dubai's property market continues to thrive, offering diverse options to meet the evolving needs of its residents,' said Dounia Fadi, Managing Director of eXp Dubai. 'While flats cater to the dynamic, urban lifestyle of younger professionals, villas are attracting families seeking more space and a tranquil environment. This balance ensures a resilient and sustainable market with strong growth across the board.' The data from eXp Dubai is supported by broader market indicators. According to the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the first half of 2025 saw real estate transactions cross Dh210 billion in value, with over 67,000 deals recorded—a 20 per cent increase in value compared to the same period in 2024. Notably, off-plan sales surged 28 per cent year-on-year, reflecting strong demand for under-construction developments amid limited ready supply in key locations. The emirate's population crossed 3.8 million in mid-2025, with growth driven by a steady influx of global talent under the UAE's Golden Visa and residency schemes. This demographic shift has added further upward pressure on housing demand, especially in areas like Dubai Marina, Downtown, Business Bay, and Jumeirah Village Circle for apartments, and Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills, and Damac Hills for villas. Developers have responded with a raft of new project launches, particularly in premium and mid-market segments. Leading developers like Emaar, Nakheel, Sobha, and Danube have introduced apartment towers with flexible payment plans and lifestyle-driven features, including co-working spaces, smart home technology, and wellness amenities—all appealing to Dubai's fast-expanding white-collar class. At the same time, villa communities continue to expand outward, with significant development in Dubailand, Tilal Al Ghaf, and the Dubai South corridor, where larger plots and gated family living remain attractive propositions. The emphasis on community-centric planning, integrated retail, and access to schools and healthcare has cemented villa demand as a long-term growth pillar. Analysts expect the upward trend to continue, albeit at a moderated pace. According to global consultancy Knight Frank, Dubai's prime residential market is forecast to grow by 7 per cent in 2025, driven by robust investor appetite, limited supply of ready high-end units, and consistent rental returns. Rental yields across Dubai remain among the highest globally. Average gross yields stand at 6.8 per cent for apartments and 5.3 per cent for villas, outperforming mature markets such as London and Singapore. This income stability, combined with zero capital gains tax and streamlined regulatory procedures, continues to attract international investors and institutional capital into Dubai's real estate. The government's proactive stance on urban planning, digital infrastructure, and ESG integration is also reinforcing long-term confidence. Initiatives such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan aim to double green and recreational spaces and boost sustainable mobility, which is expected to further enhance livability and property values across the city. Looking ahead, Dubai's property sector is well-positioned to benefit from ongoing economic diversification, global investor interest, and the city's positioning as a hub for business, tourism, and innovation.
Hi Dubai
2 days ago
- Business
- Hi Dubai
Brokers Cement Their Role in Dubai's Real Estate Market with Over 42,000 Transactions in H1 2025
Dubai's real estate brokers played a pivotal role in boosting the market in the first half of 2025, contributing to 42,181 transactions with a total commission value of AED3.23 billion, according to the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This marks a 99% increase in brokerage commissions compared to H1 2024, when commissions stood at AED1.62 billion. The surge comes alongside a notable rise in the number of registered brokers, with 6,714 new brokers licensed in the first six months of the year. The total number of active brokers in Dubai now stands at 29,577, underlining the sector's continued growth and influence in facilitating property transactions across the emirate. Women brokers are also playing a growing role, executing 13,424 transactions and generating AED1.43 billion in commissions during the same period. This highlights increasing gender diversity in the field and the expanding contribution of women to the sector's development. Beyond transactions, brokers are serving as critical links between buyers, sellers, and developers, enhancing transparency, investor confidence, and market maturity. Supporting services are also expanding, with 1,223 brokerage offices and 78 valuation offices employing 118 licensed valuers to meet growing demand for integrated property services. Meanwhile, 2,426 Real Estate Services Trustees Offices facilitated 114,848 transactions and served 86,398 customers—a 15% increase in customer activity year-on-year—further reinforcing Dubai's infrastructure for real estate transactions. The sector's performance aligns with Dubai's long-term vision to position the emirate as a premier global hub for real estate investment, powered by strong public-private partnerships and a regulatory environment that promotes trust, efficiency, and growth. News Source: Dubai Media Office
