The Dubai Land Department (DLD) has added nine developers to its First-Time Home Buyer Program, bringing the total to 22. The move widens the choice of homes open to residents buying their first property. The aim is to put home ownership within reach of more residents.
The DLD announced the change with the Department of Economy and Tourism on 8 June 2026. The Dubai Media Office confirmed the details.
The nine new firms are 4Direction Developments, Arada, Dubai World Trade Centre, IRTH Group, Manam, Qube Development, Reportage Properties, SAMANA Developers and Sky View Real Estate. Their projects join a list that now spans more locations, price points and home types. The wider list gives buyers more options across the city, from studios to family homes. The 22 developers range from large, established names to newer firms.
How the program has grown
The program launched in July 2025. It has grown fast since then. More than 3,200 residents have bought their first home through it. Those sales are worth over 5 billion dirhams, the Dubai Media Office said. Close to 45,000 people have signed up in under a year. The figures cover the program's first year.
Who can apply
The program is open to UAE residents aged 18 and above. Applicants must not already own a freehold home in Dubai. Owning property abroad does not disqualify a buyer, as the rule applies only to freehold homes in Dubai. The home being bought must be worth up to Dh5 million, Gulf News reported.
Registration runs through the DLD website or the Dubai REST app. The Dubai REST app is the department's official property services app. Applicants confirm they qualify with their Emirates ID. They then receive a QR code that unlocks the benefits. The code links the buyer to the offers at taking-part developers and banks. It stays valid while the buyer shops for a home.
What buyers get
Registered buyers get early access to selected projects. They can view and book units before they reach the wider market. Some units are set aside at lower prices for the program, Gulf News reported.
Five partner banks offer mortgages built for first-time buyers. These come with lower interest rates, reduced fees and faster approvals. Buyers can also pay DLD registration fees in interest-free parts through eligible credit cards. That lets them spread the fees over several months instead of paying upfront. Several developers add extended payment plans on off-plan homes. Off-plan homes are paid for in stages as construction moves ahead. The program covers both ready-to-move homes and off-plan projects.
The package targets residents buying for the first time. They often face the highest upfront costs. The program aims to lower that barrier.
First-time buyers should compare the bank offers before choosing a mortgage. Eligibility and the full list of benefits are confirmed when the buyer registers. The DLD frames the scheme around a simple idea. Owning a home should be within reach of the people who live and work in the city. Residents can check the current developer list, the rules and the benefits on the DLD website before they commit.