Hamdan bin Mohammed Names Abdullah Al Shehi as New CEO of RERA

Dubai, UAE - September 19, 2025 - In a significant leadership move aimed at strengthening Dubai's real estate sector, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, has announced the appointment of Abdullah Ahmed Mohammed Saleh Al Shehi as the new Chief Executive Officer of the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA).

The decision was made through Executive Council Resolution No. (73) of 2025, issued in Sheikh Hamdan's capacity as Chairman of the Executive Council of Dubai. Under this resolution, Al Shehi will transition from his previous role at the Mohammed Bin Rashid Housing Establishment, where he played a pivotal part in advancing housing initiatives and supporting the emirate's vision for sustainable urban development.

The resolution takes effect immediately and will be published in the Official Gazette, marking a seamless transition in leadership at RERA, one of the most critical regulatory bodies in Dubai’s real estate landscape.

Strengthening RERA’s Role in a Growing Market

RERA operates as the regulatory arm of the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and is tasked with overseeing real estate practices, ensuring compliance with laws and policies, and protecting the rights of property owners, developers, and investors. The agency plays a vital role in maintaining transparency, boosting investor confidence, and supporting sustainable growth across the real estate sector.

Dubai’s property market has experienced record-breaking growth in recent years, with residential sales reaching all-time highs and global investors showing unprecedented interest in the emirate. As the sector continues to expand, RERA's role in regulating transactions, implementing new policies, and supporting innovative real estate solutions has become more critical than ever.

Al Shehi’s appointment comes at a pivotal time, as Dubai positions itself as a global hub for real estate investment, smart city development, and sustainable urban planning. His experience in housing strategy and urban development is expected to align closely with RERA’s mission to foster a transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly environment.

Commitment to Dubai's Vision 2030

The move reflects Sheikh Hamdan's broader vision to advance Dubai’s real estate ecosystem in line with the emirate’s long-term goals under Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and Vision 2030. These strategies focus on innovation, sustainability, and economic diversification, with the real estate sector playing a central role in driving growth and positioning Dubai as one of the world’s leading cities for residents, businesses, and investors.

With Al Shehi taking the helm at RERA, industry stakeholders anticipate new initiatives aimed at enhancing governance, digital transformation, and consumer protection, ensuring that Dubai remains a trusted and attractive destination for real estate investment.

The resolution underscores the government’s ongoing commitment to strengthening leadership across key sectors, empowering regulatory bodies like RERA to continue their vital work in supporting Dubai’s dynamic and fast-evolving property market.