Dubai Future Foundation (DFF) and Dubai Land Department (DLD) have launched a new partnership to accelerate innovation in property technology (PropTech) through Sandbox Dubai, a programme designed to develop next-generation regulatory frameworks in support of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).
The initiative aims to create a regulatory environment that fast-tracks emerging technologies, enhances real estate efficiency and sustainability, and strengthens Dubai’s position as a global hub for PropTech.
The PropTech Sandbox will test and scale cutting-edge real estate technologies within a safe and structured environment.
Dubai real estate partnership
The programme will facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity building while bringing together tech companies, startups, and government entities to co-create regulatory frameworks and policies.
These will support the development of innovations such as AI-driven analytics and smart building management tools, backed by DLD data on the local property market.
Omar Bu Shehab, Director General of DLD, affirmed that Dubai’s real estate sector is undergoing unprecedented transformation, underpinned by technological adoption across regulation, data management and community development.
He said: “Technology is the key to advancing today’s real estate landscape, from market regulation and data management through to building happier, more integrated communities.”
He added: “This partnership reflects Dubai’s vision for a knowledge-driven economy and reinforces the emirate’s position as a global hub for innovation in property technology. At DLD, we are committed to achieving the objectives of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and leveraging technologies to enhance decision-making, transparency, service efficiency, as well as the investment environment.”
The future of real estate
Khalfan Belhoul, CEO of DFF, said the partnership forms part of Dubai’s broader effort to strengthen collaboration between government, the private sector and academia to enhance future readiness and shape forward-looking legislation.
He added: “The PropTech development project within Sandbox Dubai will enhance the performance of Dubai’s real estate sector by providing a platform to test data-driven solutions, advanced technologies, and agile regulatory frameworks.
“This will help enahnce this pivotal sector and further elevate its global leadership.”
Under the agreement, the Sandbox Dubai team will provide a testing environment for real estate developers, technology providers, academic institutions, and financial partners to pilot their innovations.
The PropTech project aims to increase the real estate sector’s contribution to Dubai’s GDP, reduce property operating costs, accelerate mortgage approvals, and expand employment opportunities within the PropTech industry.
