Dubai’s real estate sector continues to play an important role in the emirate’s economic growth, while new initiatives are creating more opportunities for Emirati professionals. Between 2023 and 2026, the Dubai Land Department’s (DLD) Real Estate Empowerment Programme created more than 2,100 employment opportunities for UAE nationals, supporting the country’s wider Emiratisation objectives.

Launched in 2023, the programme was designed to attract and prepare Emiratis for careers in Dubai’s real estate industry. It provides an integrated pathway that includes career awareness, job matching, practical training and ongoing professional development. The initiative was developed through collaboration between the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, DLD, the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation, and the Nafis programme.

According to DLD, the programme has also helped improve employee retention by providing clearer career pathways and opportunities for professional growth. By connecting Emirati talent with private-sector real estate companies, the initiative is helping expand the range of career opportunities available to UAE nationals across different areas of the industry.

The programme also supports Dubai’s broader economic strategy by strengthening the participation of national talent in one of the emirate’s key economic sectors. The cooperation between government bodies and private-sector companies has created a stronger environment for attracting, developing and retaining Emirati professionals.

Dubai’s growing property market has further supported demand for skilled professionals. The emirate’s real estate sector recorded 3.1 per cent year-on-year growth in the first quarter of 2026, generating approximately Dh26 billion in gross value added. During the same period, real estate accounted for 11.2 per cent of Dubai’s GDP, highlighting the sector’s increasing contribution to the economy.

The success of the Real Estate Empowerment Programme demonstrates how Dubai is combining real estate growth with employment and professional development opportunities for Emiratis. As the property market continues to expand, initiatives such as this could play an important role in developing a stronger and more experienced national workforce within the UAE’s real estate industry.