Dubai Property tokenisation vs Indian REITs
Dubai and India are pioneering new ways for regular investors to enter real estate, making property investment more inclusive and accessible. In Dubai, investors aged 18 and above with a valid Emirates ID can buy fractional shares in properties for as little as AED 2,000, thanks to blockchain tokenisation. This process divides properties into digital tokens that can be easily bought, sold, and traced, lowering entry barriers and boosting transparency.
Notable projects in Dubai have sold out in minutes, attracting first-time and international investors, and projections suggest tokenisation may represent 7% of Dubai’s real estate market by 2033. The initiative is regulated by UAE authorities, ensuring compliance and investor protection.
Meanwhile, India’s REITs allow investors to pool money in commercial real estate trusts, earning dividends and capital appreciation. REITs are traded on stock exchanges and offer steady returns—averaging 6–6.5% dividend yields and up to 21% total annual returns in some cases. Regulated by SEBI, they suit investors seeking stability and liquidity.
While both models offer fractional ownership and passive income, Dubai’s tokenisation provides direct digital ownership in specific properties, while Indian REITs offer units in a professionally managed portfolio. Each model fits different investor needs—digital flexibility for Dubai, and regulated predictability for India.
