Dubai continues to lead digital innovation by launching a bold real estate initiative backed by blockchain. The Dubai Land Department (DLD) recently introduced Prypco Mint, a platform that allows UAE nationals to invest directly in tokenized real estate.
DLD developed Prypco Mint in collaboration with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), Dubai Future Foundation, and the Central Bank of the UAE. Currently in its pilot phase, the platform partners with Zand Digital Bank to attract a new wave of investors.
With a minimum investment of just AED 2,000 (US$544), residents can easily join the real estate market. Although the system uses blockchain technology, it operates entirely in UAE dirhams, making it simple and familiar for users.
Furthermore, Prypco Mint introduces fractional ownership, allowing everyday investors to access high-value properties. Once the pilot phase concludes, authorities plan to expand the initiative to regional and global markets.
In mid-May, VARA issued updated guidelines that support secondary market trading of real-world assets. These rules aim to boost token liquidity and ensure strong compliance across the ecosystem.
As a result, experts predict that tokenized real estate could account for 7% of Dubai’s property market by 2033.
The DLD estimates this emerging sector could reach AED 60 billion (US$16 billion) in value by that year. On a global scale, Deloitte forecasts that tokenized real estate will hit US$4 trillion by 2035. Countries like Nigeria and Israel are already integrating blockchain into their land registry systems, accelerating this trend.
Meanwhile, Air Arabia has also joined the digital movement by accepting AE Coin for flight bookings and services. The airline partnered with Al Maryah Community Bank, enabling customers to make payments through the AEC Wallet app.
AE Coin, launched in 2024, received full approval from UAE regulators and maintains a 1:1 peg with the dirham. According to CEO Adel Ali, the integration of AE Coin reflects a push for greater convenience, flexibility, and cost-efficiency for travelers.
Beyond speed and savings, AE Coin also offers price stability and minimal transaction fees. This move aligns with the UAE’s broader financial strategy, which includes launching more stablecoins backed by both the dirham and the U.S. dollar.
Dubai embraces the tokenization wave not only in real estate but also in aviation, demonstrating strong national momentum toward a smarter, digital economy.
