The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has formalised a new partnership with Crypto.com, aimed at crafting a dynamic environment for virtual real estate investments.

The two entities signed a memorandum of cooperation (MoC) signalling a significant move in Dubai’s ongoing journey to integrate cutting-edge technology into its property sector. This latest development also comes hot on the heels of Dubai’s wider government plans to allow payments of official fees using digital currencies, a major leap in digital governance and public services.

The collaboration seeks to tap into the possibilities offered by blockchain technology and virtual assets, laying the groundwork for a smarter, more efficient real estate landscape. As part of this initiative, both parties are set to examine ways to apply digital currencies in property transactions, a move that could unlock new liquidity in the market and keep Dubai at the forefront of global property investment.

The agreement was signed by His Excellency Omar Hamad BuShehab, Director General of the Dubai Land Department, and Mohamed Abdul Latif Al Hakim, authorised signatory for Crypto.com. A number of senior executives and officials were present to witness the occasion.

This partnership dovetails neatly with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which places strong emphasis on developing a technology-driven, sustainable and knowledge-based property market. The strategy has set its sights on achieving AED1 trillion in real estate transactions by 2033, with digital transformation seen as a key driver.

Under the new arrangement, Dubai Land Department will collaborate with Crypto.com to create systems that can facilitate digital transactions and investor verification, as well as enable digital custody and settlement in a secure environment. The longer-term ambition is to build a seamless, fully digital marketplace for property dealings—bringing together buyers, sellers, and investors from around the world.

The partnership also positions Dubai as an increasingly attractive destination for digital-first investors, with tools tailored to meet the expectations of a new generation of tech-savvy property buyers. By embedding blockchain into the heart of real estate transactions, the emirate is setting itself up as a pioneer in the field.

Alongside fostering innovation, the move supports Dubai’s broader economic vision, most notably the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 which aims to strengthen the city’s position as a top destination for living, working, and investing.

As part of the partnership, Dubai Land Department will assess proposed solutions for areas such as real estate tokenisation and digital asset trading, with support provided for joint initiatives that meet the city’s stringent regulatory requirements. The Department has also pledged to ensure that all necessary legal frameworks are in place to accommodate such innovations.

Crypto.com, for its part, will offer its technological expertise, advising on systems that can help facilitate property transactions using digital currencies. In addition, the company will supply analysis, technical documentation, and reports to aid decision-making on digital ventures, with all initiatives requiring the appropriate sign-offs from Dubai’s authorities.