Dubai to Incubate 50 Next-Gen Real Estate Brokers with AI and Blockchain
Dubai is once again redefining the future of real estate, this time by transforming 50 Emirati brokers into fully fledged technology-driven agencies. Through the newly launched Emirati Real Estate Business Incubator, brokers will be equipped with cutting-edge digital tools such as artificial intelligence (AI), blockchain tokenisation, and advanced PropTech solutions. The six-month programme, starting on October 27, 2025, is a bold step towards reshaping the property sector in line with Dubai’s ambition to remain a global leader in real estate innovation.
The Programme Vision
The incubator, developed in collaboration with Dubai Land Department, Dubai Silicon Oasis, the New Economy Academy, and Rochester Institute of Technology Dubai (RIT Dubai), seeks to create 50 forward-looking Emirati real estate agencies. Rather than focusing solely on traditional brokerage, these agencies will integrate PropTech innovations into their daily operations, offering clients enhanced transparency, efficiency, and market insights. This initiative supports the wider national campaign, “The Emirates: The Startup Capital of the World”, launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
AI and Blockchain at the Core
The programme’s backbone lies in leveraging technology. AI will help brokers predict market trends, identify price fluctuations, and match buyers with properties faster and more accurately. Blockchain will streamline contracts and introduce tokenisation of assets, enabling fractional ownership and new investment models. Together, these tools are designed to enhance trust, speed, and liquidity within Dubai’s property market. Participants will test ideas in the Technology Entrepreneurship Centre at Dubai Silicon Oasis, benefitting from a sandbox environment for experimentation and innovation.
Impact on Buyers and Sellers
For property buyers and sellers, this transformation promises major advantages. Faster transactions, AI-powered property searches, transparent pricing, and smoother legal processes could soon become the standard. Buyers will have access to better-matched properties, while sellers benefit from more accurate valuations and quicker deal closures. Importantly, streamlined processes may also reduce costs, creating a more competitive and efficient market for all stakeholders.
Emirati Participation in the Market
Since 2024, the number of Emirati brokers in Dubai has grown from 700 to 2,500. Collectively, they have already managed transactions worth Dh10 billion. This new programme aims to further empower Emirati brokers, positioning them as leaders in PropTech adoption. As Omar Hamad Bushahab, Director General of Dubai Land Department, noted: “Through this incubator, we aim to build a new generation of Emirati brokers who can establish leading brokerage firms, contributing to the market’s sustainability and solidifying the UAE’s position as a global hub for real estate investment.”
Jobs and Economic Growth
While the initiative will create new jobs, the focus is more on economic impact than simple headcount. By incubating these 50 companies, Dubai aims to generate ripple effects throughout the market, including improved service quality, stronger investor confidence, and higher levels of foreign investment. Badr Buhannad, Director General of Dubai Silicon Oasis, explained: “It’s not only about the numbers — it’s what impact the company will have on the local and international economy.”
Curriculum and Training
The six-month training goes far beyond traditional estate agent skills. Participants will learn regulatory compliance, financial management, and market analysis, alongside modern disciplines like digital marketing, online brand building, and AI-powered customer engagement. They will also be trained in contract tokenisation, which could revolutionize ownership by dividing properties into digital shares, opening new doors for smaller investors. This blend of technical training and entrepreneurship prepares graduates to operate in both local and international markets.
Support and Long-Term Mentorship
Graduates of the incubator will receive an accredited certificate, but the support does not end there. They will benefit from a full year of mentorship with industry experts, guiding them through business development, client acquisition, and competition in Dubai’s bustling real estate scene. This ensures continuity and practical application of knowledge beyond the classroom. Dr. Laila Faridoon, CEO of the New Economy Academy, emphasized that the training “blends academic knowledge with practical application, focusing on project management, modern technology, and leadership capacity building.”
Why It Matters for Dubai
The Emirati Real Estate Business Incubator is not just about empowering local brokers; it is part of a broader strategy to cement Dubai’s status as a global PropTech hub. By nurturing tech-savvy agencies, the emirate is future-proofing its real estate sector, ensuring it can adapt to global trends and maintain competitiveness. It also aligns with the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which envisions a sustainable, technologically advanced urban ecosystem where real estate plays a central role.
Conclusion
Dubai’s decision to incubate 50 next-generation real estate brokers is more than just a training programme — it is a strategic move to integrate AI, blockchain, and PropTech into the fabric of the city’s property market. For investors and buyers, this means faster deals, greater transparency, and innovative opportunities like tokenized ownership. For Emirati brokers, it represents empowerment, growth, and the chance to lead Dubai’s next real estate chapter. And for the emirate as a whole, it reinforces its vision of being a global leader in innovation, sustainability, and real estate excellence.
