Dubai SME And Dubai Land Department Partner To Expand SMEs' Access To Real Estate Sector

The Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), a subsidiary of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Dubai Land Department (DLD), the government entity overseeing Dubai’s real estate sector.

The agreement aims to increase the participation of Emirati-owned small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Dubai’s expanding real estate market, with the MoU designed to strengthen collaboration between the two government entities and create new commercial pathways for Dubai SME members across owners’ associations, real estate operations, and related services. At the same time, real estate companies will work with SMEs across areas such as design, contracting, consultancy, and property management, enabling them to play a larger role in the sector’s value chain and contribute to major development projects across the emirate. 

The agreement supports the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which seeks to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the city as the world’s fastest-growing and most attractive hub for multinational corporations, SMEs, and local champions, while also aligning with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which aims to raise homeownership levels, increase the sector’s contribution to GDP, and enhance market transparency and competitiveness. As part of these goals, Dubai SME aims to help launch 8,000 new businesses by 2033 and increase the number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024. 

In a statement, Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of Dubai SME, said, "Inspired by our city’s visionary leadership, this partnership with Dubai Land Department reflects our commitment to embedding Emirati entrepreneurs more deeply within Dubai’s high-growth sectors, particularly real estate, which remains a cornerstone of the Emirate’s economic diversification program. By strengthening collaboration between government entities and creating direct pathways for engagement between Emirati entrepreneurs and developers, we are bolstering confidence in sustained government support for SMEs and positioning Dubai as a leading global hub for entrepreneurship and innovation.” 

Eng. Abdullah Ahmed Al Shehhi, CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency at Dubai Land Department, added, “This agreement underscores Dubai Land Department’s commitment to strengthening integration across government entities and expanding strategic partnerships that support the sustainable growth of Dubai’s real estate sector. We consider small and medium enterprises key contributors to the sector’s value chain, and we are keen to empower them to operate in a clear, enabling regulatory environment while enhancing their readiness to participate in various real estate activities. We are also committed to providing regulatory and advisory frameworks that enhance compliance levels and support the development of national talent, in line with the objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, ultimately strengthening the market’s competitiveness and transparency.” 

As part of the collaboration, DLD will offer Dubai SME members guidance on real estate regulations, licensing procedures, and operational requirements, while both entities will jointly deliver workshops and awareness programs aimed at strengthening industry knowledge and enhancing entrepreneurs’ professional capabilities. 

Dubai SME will also showcase DLD’s services across its platforms and networks, help members access relevant offerings, and organize targeted matchmaking programs linking SMEs with developers and other real estate stakeholders. Developers that actively enable SME participation will receive formal recognition under the initiative. 

The partnership comes as Dubai’s real estate market continues to post strong growth. In 2025, the sector recorded more than 270,000 transactions worth over AED917 billion (US$249.7 billion). Momentum continued into 2026, with approximately AED252 billion ($68.6 billion) in transactions completed across 60,303 deals during the first quarter alone. Real estate investments during the same period reached around AED173 billion ($47.1 billion) through 57,744 investments, reflecting continued confidence from both domestic and international investors. 

Pictured in the lead image from left to right, Abdullah Ahmed Al Shehhi,  CEO of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency at Dubai Land Department, and Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO at Dubai SME. Image courtesy Dubai SME.