Dubai SME and DLD Partner to Strengthen SME Integration in Real Estate

DUBAI, UAE – The Mohammed Bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (Dubai SME), part of the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Dubai Land Department (DLD) to enhance coordination between the two entities and deepen the integration of Emirati-owned SMEs within Dubai’s expanding real estate ecosystem.

The agreement reflects a broader push to strengthen SME participation across one of the emirate’s most dynamic sectors, enabling greater involvement in development, operations, and long-term asset management.

Expanding SME access across the real estate value chain

Under the MoU, Dubai Land Department will facilitate access for Dubai SME members to activities linked to owners’ associations and real estate operations. This will enable collaboration between real estate companies and SMEs across key areas including design, contracting, consultancy, and property management.

The initiative is expected to create structured opportunities for Emirati enterprises to participate more actively in large-scale development projects, supporting a more inclusive and diversified sector value chain.

The agreement contributes to the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33), which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate as one of the fastest-growing global hubs for multinational companies, SMEs, and local enterprises.

It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which focuses on increasing homeownership, enhancing the sector’s contribution to GDP, and strengthening transparency and competitiveness across the market.

As part of these ambitions, Dubai SME aims to facilitate the launch of 8,000 new businesses by 2033 and expand the number of supported enterprises to 27,000, up from 19,000 at the end of 2024.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of the Mohammed bin Rashid Establishment for Small and Medium Enterprises Development (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 programme. 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, said:

“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.

Al Shehhi added:

“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.”

Strengthening regulatory awareness and market readiness

A key focus of the agreement is enhancing regulatory awareness and compliance among SMEs. Dubai Land Department will provide guidance on real estate legislation and operational requirements, supported by joint workshops and awareness programmes aimed at strengthening professional standards across the sector.

Dubai SME will, in turn, promote DLD’s services through its platforms, facilitate access for members, and organise specialised training programmes. The initiative will also include structured matchmaking efforts connecting SMEs with developers and key stakeholders, reinforcing collaboration across the ecosystem.

Developers that actively support SME participation will be formally recognised, encouraging broader industry engagement and reinforcing a culture of shared value creation.

Dubai’s real estate sector continues to deliver strong performance, with more than $249.7 billion (AED917 billion) in transactions recorded in 2025, reflecting sustained investment momentum and growing investor confidence.

In the first quarter of 2026, the market recorded approximately $68.6 billion (AED252 billion) across more than 60,303 transactions, while total investments reached around $47.1 billion (AED173 billion) through 57,744 deals.

These figures highlight the scale and resilience of Dubai’s real estate market, providing a strong foundation for increased SME participation and long-term sector growth.

Driving inclusive and sustainable economic growth

Through continued collaboration between government entities and the private sector, Dubai is reinforcing its position as a global model for integrated economic development.

The partnership between Dubai SME and Dubai Land Department reflects a strategic approach to growth, where entrepreneurship, regulatory clarity, and structured market access converge to support a resilient, inclusive, and globally competitive real estate sector.