How to Start a Real Estate Business in Dubai, UAE

Dubai’s real estate sector has long been one of the most dynamic and lucrative in the world. With world-class infrastructure, tax-free income, continuous innovation, and a diverse expat population, the city presents endless opportunities for real estate entrepreneurs—whether you’re eyeing property brokerage, development, leasing, or investment.

However, the real estate sector in Dubai is also highly regulated and competitive. Starting a successful real estate business here requires a deep understanding of the legal framework, market trends, licensing procedures, and customer expectations.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of launching your real estate venture in Dubai and how Aviaan, a leading business advisory firm, can be your trusted partner from concept to execution.

How to Start a Real Estate Business in Dubai, UAE

Why Dubai is Ideal for Real Estate Business

1. Booming Real Estate Market

Dubai’s real estate sector is rebounding strongly post-COVID, driven by new visa laws (Golden Visa, Green Visa), Expo 2020 legacy developments, and a high influx of foreign investors.

2. High Rental Yields

Dubai offers one of the highest rental yields in the world—up to 8–10% in certain areas, attracting both local and international investors.

3. Business-Friendly Environment

100% foreign ownership in most sectors
No personal income tax
Efficient property registration and transparent real estate laws

4. Diverse Market Segments

There are abundant opportunities in:

Residential sales and leasing
Commercial real estate
Property management
Real estate development
Holiday homes and short-term rentals

Types of Real Estate Businesses You Can Start in Dubai

Real Estate Brokerage – Connecting buyers and sellers or landlords and tenants
Property Management – Managing residential or commercial buildings
Real Estate Development – Constructing residential, commercial, or mixed-use properties
Vacation Rentals – Managing short-term properties for tourists (Airbnb model)
Real Estate Investment & Advisory – Offering investment portfolios and consultancy

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting a Real Estate Business in Dubai

Step 1: Conduct a Feasibility Study

Before investing capital, you need to understand:

Local market demand and supply trends
Competitive landscape and pricing strategies
Target customer segments (residents, tourists, investors)
Regulatory requirements
ROI projections and risk assessment

How Aviaan Helps:
Aviaan conducts thorough feasibility studies that evaluate the best business models, profit margins, client demographics, and area-wise potential in Dubai, helping you build a solid foundation.

Step 2: Choose the Right Jurisdiction – Mainland or Free Zone

Mainland License: Allows you to operate anywhere in Dubai and directly engage with clients, including government entities.
Free Zones: Offer benefits like 100% ownership and simplified registration but limit operations to the Free Zone unless you appoint a local distributor.

Most real estate businesses opt for a Mainland license to serve a broader market.

How Aviaan Helps:
We evaluate your goals and help you select the right license type and location, whether it’s through the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or a Free Zone like Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC).

Step 3: Choose a Business Activity and Obtain Licensing

The most common license for a real estate company is a professional license issued by DET or the relevant Free Zone authority. You’ll also need a Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA) certification to legally operate.

Steps include:

Registering your trade name
Obtaining initial approvals
Completing RERA training and certification
Finalizing tenancy contracts
Issuing the license

How Aviaan Helps:
We handle license application, RERA approvals, and trade name registration to streamline your setup process without legal hiccups.

Step 4: Complete RERA Certification and Professional Training

All brokers, agents, and real estate consultants must complete a training course and obtain a certificate from the Real Estate Regulatory Agency (RERA). This builds your credibility and ensures compliance with Dubai’s property laws.

How Aviaan Helps:
We guide you through the RERA course registration and prepare you for the exam, ensuring you meet all eligibility requirements.

Step 5: Secure Office Space and EJARI Registration

Having a physical office is mandatory for real estate businesses. Once your office is set up, it must be registered under EJARI, the official tenancy registration system in Dubai.

How Aviaan Helps:
Aviaan helps you identify, negotiate, and register office spaces, saving you time and ensuring compliance with legal requirements.

Step 6: Open a Corporate Bank Account

To handle transactions, receive commissions, and operate legally, you’ll need to open a business bank account in a UAE bank. This requires complete company documentation and proof of your business activities.

How Aviaan Helps:
We assist in compiling the required documentation, selecting the most suitable bank, and opening your corporate account with minimal hassle.

Step 7: Develop Your Brand and Marketing Strategy

To attract investors, buyers, and tenants, you’ll need:

A professional website and property listings
SEO and social media marketing
Partnerships with developers and landlords
Participation in real estate expos and property shows

How Aviaan Helps:
Aviaan offers marketing strategy consultation, helping you position your brand effectively and reach the right customer segments.

Real-Life Example: Real Estate Startup in Dubai

Client: A UK-based investor aiming to launch a luxury real estate brokerage in Dubai

Challenges:

Lack of local knowledge and legal complexities
No access to reliable market data
Needed fast setup with RERA compliance

Aviaan’s Solution:

Conducted a feasibility study to identify Dubai Marina and Downtown as high-potential areas
Registered the company and assisted with RERA certification
Helped secure a premium office and bank account
Developed a marketing plan targeting high-net-worth expats

Result: The client successfully launched in 45 days and closed 3 property deals in the first month.

Why Aviaan is the Right Partner for Your Real Estate Venture

Starting a real estate business is not just about registering a company. It requires market understanding, regulatory expertise, and ongoing support.

Here’s how Aviaan can support you:

Feasibility Study

Area analysis, ROI forecasts, and market demand trends

Business Licensing and RERA Support

Fast-tracked company formation
RERA training and certification support

Office Setup and Banking

Office lease registration and EJARI
Corporate account setup

Marketing and Business Development

Market entry strategy
Brand positioning and digital presence

Ongoing Compliance and Advisory

Bookkeeping, VAT registration, and financial advisory
Renewal reminders, audits, and legal updates

Conclusion

Dubai offers unmatched opportunities for real estate entrepreneurs due to its fast-growing economy, global appeal, and pro-investor policies. However, navigating the setup process can be challenging without local expertise.

With Aviaan’s end-to-end support—from feasibility study to post-launch operations—you can focus on building your brand, closing deals, and growing your client base.

Ready to establish your real estate company in Dubai?
Contact Aviaan today for a personalized roadmap and expert support.