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Tokenisation of Real Estate: Past Dreams, Present Achievements and a Measured Outlook for the Future
A long history The need for tradeable, liquid real estate assets has long been widely recognised. There have been a range of attempted solutions to the problem. Probably the most well-known attempt was the securitisation market. From tentative origins in medieval Europe, securitised real estate – and especially mortgages – rose to become instrumental in the Global Financial Crisis when […]
Abu Dhabi’s economy recorded robust growth in 2024, with real GDP rising by 3.8% year-on-year to reach an all-time high of AED 1.2 trillion, according to preliminary estimates from the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi (SCAD). This expansion was largely fuelled by the non-oil sector, which grew by a record 6.2%, increasing its share of total GDP to 54.7%. Building on this momentum, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasts further acceleration, with GDP expected to grow by 4.2% in 2025 and 5.8% in 2026.
Dubai’s office market maintained strong momentum in Q1 2025, driven by solid economic fundamentals and rising investor confidence. The Dubai International Chamber reported a 39.0% year-on-year increase in new foreign company registrations, including 11 multinational corporations and 42 SMEs. At the same time, the Dubai Chamber of Commerce supported the international expansion of 28 local firms. This dual dynamic further reinforced Dubai’s position as a global business hub.
The UAE’s GDP is forecasted to grow by 4.7% in 2025, while Dubai is expected to see a 3.3% increase. This sustained economic expansion, supported by population growth and continued investor confidence, reinforces the UAE's and Dubai’s positions as competitive global hubs. In the real estate sector, Dubai’s residential market recorded over 42,000 sales transactions in Q1 2025, reflecting a 10.0% quarterly decline due to a slowdown in new project launches and seasonal factors. However, year-on-year performance remained strong, with transaction volumes rising by 23.1% and total sales value reaching AED 114.4 billion, a 29.6% increase. Apartment sales led the market, while demand for villas and townhouses also grew, reflecting end-users’ preference for larger living spaces.
