The Dubai First-Time Home Buyer (FTHB) Program is transforming the real estate landscape, making homeownership more attainable for residents in the emirate. In just six months, over 2,000 people have successfully acquired their first homes, resulting in a remarkable AED3.25 billion (approximately $885 million) in residential property sales, as reported by the Dubai Land Department (DLD). This innovative initiative is paving the way for a brighter future for many aspiring homeowners.

Overview of the FTHB Program

Launched in July 2025, the FTHB Program is a collaborative effort between the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) and the DLD. This initiative aims to broaden access to homeownership for residents of all nationalities and various income brackets. By uniting government bodies, private developers, and financial institutions, the program provides first-time buyers with exclusive access to new projects, customized mortgage solutions, and favorable pricing options.

The FTHB Program is aligned with the Dubai Economic Agenda, D33, which seeks to double the emirate’s economic output by 2033. Moreover, it supports the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 and champions community cohesion while aiding economic resilience—themes emphasized during the UAE’s Year of Community.

Impact on Homeownership

The response to the FTHB initiative has been overwhelmingly positive, with more than 41,000 residents signing up since its inception. Notably, 49% of home purchases were made by individuals who have lived in Dubai for over five years without previously owning property. This statistic underscores the program’s efficacy in helping long-term residents secure a permanent place in the city.

The program has also seen significant engagement with tailored mortgage solutions offered by the five participating banks. This development reinforces the initiative’s commitment to facilitating easier access to homeownership. Hadi Badri, CEO of the Dubai Economic Development Corporation, emphasized that the program embodies partnership among government entities, developers, and financial institutions, fostering an environment where achieving homeownership is a realistic goal for many.

Strengthening the Real Estate Market

The success of the FTHB Program not only enhances investor confidence but also accelerates growth within Dubai’s real estate sector. According to Majid Al Marri, CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector at the DLD, total real estate transactions reached AED917 billion ($249.7 billion) this year, reflecting robust demand and strong market sentiment. This program’s ability to transform latent interest into tangible transactions reinforces its effectiveness in building trust and stability within the market.

Testimonies from beneficiaries like Fatma Almarri illustrate the program’s life-changing potential. She remarked that homeownership felt like a distant dream on a single income, but the FTHB Program made the process manageable and achievable. Similarly, Jade Lee expressed that owning property has provided her with the stability she had longed for, marking a significant milestone in her life.

The growing involvement of developers and partners in this initiative promises a wider array of options for future homeowners. As the program expands, it continues to foster a more inclusive housing market that supports diverse families and bolsters Dubai’s standing as a premier global city. The future looks bright for first-time buyers, with the FTHB Program paving the way for a more accessible and sustainable property market in Dubai.