Dubai Land Department (DLD) has announced a landmark partnership with REACH, a leading real estate technology accelerator backed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), to establish REACH Middle East. The initiative aims to attract proptech startups to Dubai while fostering innovation in the sector.
The partnership coincides with DLD’s preparations to host PropTech Connect 2026, a global real estate technology summit. The event will bring together industry leaders, investors, and technology pioneers to explore advancements in artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics—transforming real estate on a global scale.
The agreement was signed by His Excellency Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of Dubai Land Department, and Dave Garland, Managing Partner of REACH Ventures, in the presence of senior officials from both organisations. The initiative aligns with Dubai’s Real Estate Strategy 2033, reinforcing the emirate’s ambition to be a global hub for property innovation.
A hub for proptech investment
Dubai’s real estate market is set to benefit from the arrival of REACH’s specialised US-based investment fund, one of the most active in the sector with over 300 global investments. The collaboration seeks to channel venture capital into Dubai’s proptech ecosystem, supporting the emirate’s push for sustainable and tech-driven real estate solutions.
Under the agreement, DLD will promote the programme through its media channels, facilitate connections with investors, and provide regulatory guidance to startups. The department will also offer access to data and support pilot programmes for new technologies, allowing companies to test their innovations within Dubai’s real estate market.
Meanwhile, REACH will manage the accelerator’s operations, selecting participating startups, providing mentorship, and offering investment funding. With DLD’s backing, REACH will also establish its regional office in Dubai, attracting international talent and cutting-edge solutions to the emirate’s property sector.
Advancing Dubai’s global position in real estate
His Excellency Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita stated: “This agreement marks a new milestone in Dubai Land Department’s journey to integrate technology and innovation into the real estate sector, in line with our leadership’s vision to position Dubai as the world’s top destination for real estate investment. We remain committed to supporting startups in this field and providing them with the right environment to thrive. This will drive the development of innovative and sustainable real estate solutions, further strengthening Dubai’s global leadership in the sector.”
Dave Garland and Tyler Thompson, Managing Partners of SCV and NAR REACH, commented: “REACH’s global success is driven by strong partnerships with organisations that share our vision of advancing the real estate industry through technology. Our collaboration with DLD marks a significant milestone in bringing this vision to the Middle East. We are excited to work together to establish Dubai as a thriving hub for real estate innovation, attracting groundbreaking solutions and fostering a dynamic ecosystem for the future of the industry.”
The partnership underscores Dubai’s growing reputation as a smart real estate investment destination, strengthening its position as one of the world’s most advanced and sustainable property markets.
