Dubai Real Estate Empowerment Programme Creates More Than 2,100 Jobs for Emiratis

Dubai’s Real Estate Empowerment Programme has created more than 2,100 employment opportunities for Emiratis between 2023 and 2026, strengthening national talent participation in one of the emirate’s key economic sectors.

The programme brings together the Emirati Human Resources Development Council in Dubai, Dubai Land Department (DLD), the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), and the Nafis programme to support Emiratisation through recruitment, training, job matching and career development.

The latest results come as Dubai’s property market continues to expand and as national human capital remains a key focus of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33 and the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033.

Programme focuses on jobs, retention and career growth

Launched through initiatives beginning in 2023, the programme was designed to attract and prepare Emiratis for careers in real estate through employment opportunities, career awareness, practical training and professional support.

Beyond creating new jobs, the programme has focused on improving retention by helping Emiratis establish clearer career pathways and access professional development opportunities.

The initiative has also expanded its network of real estate companies committed to Emiratisation, helping create a more supportive environment for national talent across different areas of the property industry.

DLD has previously highlighted the programme as part of its broader efforts to increase Emirati participation in the sector. In November 2024, the second edition of the Real Estate Day for Emirati Employment brought together more than 80 real estate companies and offered over 400 employment opportunities.

National partnership supports Emiratisation

The programme's integrated model combines federal policies and incentives with sector-specific support and private-sector participation.

The partnership allows government entities to coordinate employment initiatives while companies provide opportunities for Emiratis to enter and progress within the industry.

According to DLD, this approach demonstrates how collaboration between local and federal institutions and the private sector can create sustainable employment opportunities rather than focusing solely on meeting Emiratisation requirements.

From compliance to long-term workforce strategy

The programme's latest results reflect a broader shift in the role of Emiratisation within Dubai’s real estate sector, positioning national talent development as part of long-term business and workforce planning.

The next phase is expected to focus on improving the quality of employment opportunities, expanding specialised positions and strengthening long-term career sustainability for Emiratis working in real estate.

This approach is also being supported by new professional and academic pathways. In January 2026, DLD launched a two-year Real Estate Diploma with the Higher Colleges of Technology, covering areas including property management, valuation, appraisal and brokerage. Major developers including Emaar, Sobha Realty, Aldar, Omniyat, Azizi, Danube and Ellington signed agreements to provide practical training opportunities.

Building specialised Emirati talent

The diploma programme forms part of a wider effort to align education and professional training with the needs of Dubai’s rapidly evolving property market.

DLD said in January that the Real Estate Empowerment Programme had contributed to the employment of 1,800 Emiratis since its launch in 2024, while the number of Emirati brokers had reached 2,028, including 426 women.

The latest programme figures indicate continued expansion of this effort, with more than 2,100 employment opportunities created between 2023 and 2026.

Next phase targets sustainable growth

As Dubai’s real estate ecosystem expands, the Real Estate Empowerment Programme is expected to broaden its network of strategic partners and introduce more targeted initiatives focused on the skills required by the sector.

The programme's organisers say the long-term objective is not only to increase the number of Emiratis working in real estate but also to create sustainable career opportunities that allow national professionals to take on specialised and higher-value roles.

The initiative therefore places workforce development alongside market growth, reinforcing the role of Emirati talent in the future competitiveness and sustainability of Dubai’s real estate sector.