As Dubai accelerates efforts to future-proof its economy and place entrepreneurship at the center of its growth model, new cross-government collaborations are increasingly focused on unlocking opportunities for small businesses in high-impact sectors.

In this context, 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 with the Dubai Land Department (DLD) to deepen the integration of Emirati-owned SMEs into Dubai’s fast-growing real estate sector.

The agreement will enable Dubai SME members to access opportunities linked to owners’ associations and real estate operations, while fostering collaboration with developers across design, contracting, consultancy, and property management. The move is expected to expand SME participation across the sector’s value chain and open new avenues for Emirati enterprises to contribute to large-scale development projects.

The partnership supports the ambitions of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to double the size of Dubai’s economy by 2033 and position the emirate as a leading global hub for multinationals, SMEs, and local champions. It also aligns with the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, which focuses on boosting homeownership, increasing the sector’s contribution to GDP, and enhancing transparency and competitiveness.

Ahmad Al Room Almheiri, Acting CEO of 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 program. By strengthening collaboration between government entities and creating direct pathways for engagement between Emirati entrepreneurs and developers, we are reinforcing 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, added: “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 to be key contributors to the sector’s value chain, and we are keen to empower them to operate within a clear, enabling regulatory environment while enhancing their readiness to participate in a wide range of real estate activities.”

He further noted: “We are also committed to providing regulatory and advisory frameworks that enhance compliance 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.”

Beyond access and collaboration, the MoU emphasizes regulatory awareness and compliance. DLD will provide guidance to Dubai SME members on real estate legislation and operational requirements, alongside joint workshops and awareness initiatives to raise professional standards across the sector.

Dubai SME will, in turn, promote DLD’s services through its networks, facilitate access to key platforms, and organize specialized training programs. It will also coordinate structured matchmaking initiatives to connect SMEs with developers and other stakeholders. Developers that actively support SME participation will be formally recognized, reinforcing a culture of collaboration that underpins Dubai’s economic model.

The agreement comes amid sustained momentum in Dubai’s property market. In 2025, the sector recorded more than 270,000 transactions worth over AED 917 billion, marking a historic high. This growth has continued into 2026, with the first quarter alone generating approximately AED 252 billion across more than 60,000 transactions. Total real estate investments during the same period reached around AED 173 billion, reflecting strong demand and rising investor confidence.

Overall, the partnership highlights Dubai’s continued focus on aligning public-sector collaboration with private-sector engagement as it works to build a more inclusive, resilient, and globally competitive economy driven by entrepreneurship and innovation.