Dubai Land Department (DLD) has joined forces with REACH, a globally renowned real estate technology accelerator backed by the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), to launch REACH Middle East. This groundbreaking partnership aims to position Dubai as a regional hub for proptech innovation, attracting cutting-edge startups and driving transformative advancements in the real estate sector.
The collaboration aligns with DLD’s preparations to host PropTech Connect 2026, the world’s leading real estate technology conference and exhibition. This first-of-its-kind event will bring together industry leaders, investors, and proptech innovators to explore groundbreaking technologies such as artificial intelligence, blockchain, and data analytics, which are revolutionizing the global real estate landscape.
As part of this initiative, DLD has successfully attracted a specialized U.S. proptech investment fund to Dubai. REACH, one of the most active global investment funds in the proptech space, boasts over 300 investments worldwide and strategic partnerships that reinforce Dubai’s status as a global innovation and sustainable real estate hub. This partnership also supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033, enhancing the emirate’s leadership in shaping the future of the sector and boosting its global competitiveness.
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 and executives from both entities.
Driving Real Estate Innovation Through Strategic Collaboration
Under the partnership, DLD will support REACH Middle East by promoting the program through its media channels, engaging with investors, and providing regulatory guidance for startups. Additionally, DLD will offer valuable market data and insights, as well as facilitate pilot programs within Dubai, enabling startups to test and refine their innovations in a real-world environment.
REACH, on the other hand, will oversee the program’s operations, including startup selection, mentorship, investment funding, and access to its global network of proptech experts and investors. With DLD’s support, REACH will establish its regional office in Dubai, further solidifying its presence in the Middle East and attracting top talent and innovative solutions to the emirate’s real estate market.
Dubai: A Global Leader in Smart Real Estate Investment
His Excellency Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “This agreement marks a pivotal step in DLD’s mission to integrate technology and innovation into the real estate sector. It aligns with Dubai’s vision to become the world’s leading destination for real estate investment. By supporting startups and fostering a thriving ecosystem, we aim to develop sustainable and innovative real estate solutions that reinforce Dubai’s global leadership.”
Dave Garland and Tyler Thompson, Managing Partners of SCV and NAR REACH, added, “REACH’s global success is built on strong partnerships with organizations that share our vision of advancing real estate through technology. Collaborating with DLD represents a major milestone in bringing this vision to the Middle East. Together, we aim to establish Dubai as a dynamic hub for real estate innovation, attracting groundbreaking solutions and shaping the future of the industry.”
Strengthening Dubai’s Position as a Global Real Estate Innovator
Through this partnership, DLD reaffirms its commitment to adopting the latest technologies and supporting startups, further enhancing the competitiveness of Dubai’s real estate market. By fostering innovation and sustainability, Dubai continues to solidify its position as one of the world’s most advanced and forward-thinking real estate markets.
This collaboration not only drives economic growth but also aligns with Dubai’s long-term vision to remain at the forefront of global real estate innovation, offering unparalleled opportunities for investors, startups, and industry leaders alike.
