Kamal Ghorui
For thousands of Dubai residents, owning a home is no longer a distant ambition. A government-led initiative launched last year is rapidly changing that reality, turning long-term renters into homeowners and injecting fresh momentum into the emirate’s property market.Dubai’s First-Time Home Buyer Programme has enabled more than 2,000 residents to purchase their first home within its first six months, generating residential property sales exceeding AED3.25 billion, according to figures released by the Dubai Land Department. The Programme was launched in July 2025 through a joint effort by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism and the Dubai Land Department to make home ownership more accessible to residents of all nationalities and income levels.By bringing together government bodies, developers, and financial institutions, the initiative offers first-time buyers priority access to new projects, tailored mortgage solutions, and preferential pricing. Interest has been strong, with more than 41,000 residents registering so far. Of the completed purchases, 49 per cent were made by residents who have lived in Dubai for more than five years without previously owning a home, highlighting the Programme’s role in helping long-term residents establish permanent roots.The initiative aligns with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the emirate’s economy by 2033, while also supporting the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and contributing to the UAE’s Year of Community through social cohesion and economic resilience.Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, said the Programme reflects Dubai’s collaborative model, strengthening investor confidence and accelerating the real estate sector’s contribution to growth. Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at Dubai Land Department, noted that total real estate transactions reached AED917 billion in 2025, with the Programme playing a key role in converting demand into completed purchases.Beneficiaries have described the initiative as a turning point, simplifying the buying process and providing long-term stability. As more developers and partners join, the Programme is expected to expand choices for buyers, shaping a more inclusive and resilient property market in Dubai.
