Editorials

The Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region has long been a magnet for global capital, but 2025 marks a pivotal year. We’re witnessing a rigorous push by investment authorities to redefine and invigorate the real estate landscape. Far from resting on the laurels of past successes, these sovereign entities and regulatory bodies are rolling out a series of visionary initiatives, designed not only to attract unprecedented levels of foreign direct investment but also to foster transparency, innovation and long-term stability. For real estate investment professionals, understanding these shifts is not merely beneficial – it is essential for strategic positioning in a market undergoing profound evolution.

The region's economic diversification agendas, epitomised by Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE's D33, are the driving force behind these ambitious programmes. They reflect a clear recognition that real estate is not just an asset class, but a fundamental pillar of sustainable economic growth, job creation and enhanced quality of life.

Here are five transformative initiatives that are shaping the MENA real estate investment climate in 2025:

1. Dubai's Pioneer Move into Tokenised Real Estate

In a landmark development set to democratise access to high-value assets, the Dubai Land Department (DLD) has launched the MENA region's first licensed tokenised real estate investment project through the 'Prypco Mint' platform in May 2025. This initiative, developed in partnership with Prypco and in collaboration with the Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), allows investors to purchase fractional ownership of prime, ready-to-own properties in Dubai, starting from as little as AED2,000. All transactions are conducted exclusively in UAE Dirhams, ensuring regulatory compliance and investor protection. This move not only lowers the barrier to entry for a wider pool of global investors but also significantly enhances liquidity and transparency within the real estate market. It aligns directly with DLD's Real Estate Evolution Space (REES) initiative, positioning Dubai as a global hub for PropTech and AI in real estate.

2. Saudi Arabia's Expanded Foreign Real Estate Ownership Law

Saudi Arabia is making substantial strides in opening its real estate market to international investors. A new law, officially announced in July 2025 and set to apply 180 days from its release, significantly eases restrictions on foreign real estate ownership across the Kingdom. While strict limits remain in the holy cities of Makkah and Madinah, the legislation allows non-Saudis (individuals, companies and organisations) to buy and hold property under specific conditions in designated foreign ownership zones. This shift is a crucial component of Vision 2030's economic diversification strategy, aiming to attract global capital into sectors beyond oil, including tourism, logistics and industrial development, which inherently drives demand for commercial residential and hospitality real estate. The clear delineation of zones and types of rights (including usufruct and leases) provides much-needed clarity for foreign investors previously navigating a more opaque landscape.

3. UAE Free Zone Companies Gaining Direct Property Ownership in Dubai

Further enhancing the UAE's attractiveness, a recent memorandum of cooperation signed by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) and Masdar City in July 2025 allows companies operating within Masdar City's free zones to directly own land and property in Dubai's designated freehold areas. This is a significant policy shift. Previously, free zone entities often faced limitations on direct property ownership outside their specific zones. This new framework, which includes clear eligibility criteria and a digital registration system, streamlines processes, increases transparency and encourages companies to expand their physical footprint within Dubai without needing to restructure under mainland jurisdiction. It complements other reforms like the "One Freezone Passport" further integrating Dubai's dynamic business ecosystem.

4. Qatar's Digital Transformation of Real Estate Registration

Qatar is equally committed to fortifying its real estate sector through regulatory innovation. Building on the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (Aqarat) Strategy launched in December 2024, Law No. (5) is driving the accelerated shift towards digitisation of real estate processes. This initiative aims to streamline the entire procedure – from verifying ownership to finalising contracts – through secure online platforms. The move towards digital registration, coupled with improvements in blockchain-based data management, promises to minimise disputes and fraud by ensuring all property records and transaction histories are meticulously stored and verifiable. This enhances market transparency, efficiency and investor confidence, aligning with Qatar's Third National Development Strategy 2024-2030 and its broader goals of economic diversification and attracting foreign investment.

5. Egypt's Focus on Private Sector-Led Mega-Projects and Exporting Real Estate

Egypt's real estate sector is witnessing a strategic pivot in 2025, with private sector developers increasingly taking the lead in driving investment and urban development. Despite macroeconomic headwinds, the government continues to offer robust support, with a clear focus on facilitating high-quality investments. Initiatives include continued large-scale infrastructure development, expanded road networks and the provision of suitable land plots. Critically, there is a growing emphasis on simplifying procedures and boosting real estate exports abroad, positioning Egypt to leverage its competitive advantages. The surge in property developers from 75 in 2016 to around 1,910 by 2025 underscores the vibrant opportunity. This push is aimed at attracting both local and international investors, making Egyptian real estate a key store of value and an attractive destination for capital seeking growth and stability.

The Investor's Mandate

These initiatives collectively paint a picture of a MENA region fiercely committed to cementing its status as a global real estate investment powerhouse. From pioneering fractional ownership to fundamentally reforming foreign ownership laws and streamlining digital processes, the focus is unequivocally on creating an accessible, transparent and robust environment for capital deployment. For real estate investment professionals, staying abreast of these specific legislative and regulatory shifts is paramount. The opportunities are substantial, but they require a granular understanding of the nuances within each market. The time to engage with these evolving landscapes, and to leverage the strategic advantages they present, is now.

From 13 – 15 January 2026, RISE will bring together key players and decision makers from across the MENA region to set the course for the next industry-defining shifts in real estate investment.