Initial Public Offering (IPO) of Dubai Residential REIT
DHAM REIT Management LLC (“the Fund Manager”) is pleased to announce its intention to launch an initial public offering (“IPO” or “the Offering”) for Dubai Residential REIT, a Shariah-compliant income-generating closed-ended real estate investment fund under establishment and one of the largest owners and operators of residential real estate in Dubai, to list its units for trading on the Dubai Financial Market (“DFM”).

Dubai Residential REIT: The Benchmark for Dubai’s Residential Real Estate Leasing Market
Dubai Residential LLC (“Dubai Residential”), previously Dubai Asset Management LLC is owned by Dubai Residential REIT and is a leading name in Dubai’s residential leasing market, managing one of the city’s largest and most diversified portfolios. As an institutional landlord, Dubai Residential sets the benchmark for the city’s residential real estate market, operating one of the largest owned and operated residential portfolios in the UAE that is managed to ensure reliability, efficiency, and high-quality services for its tenants. This professional approach enhances resident retention and drives strong demand, reflecting Dubai Residential’s commitment to providing quality homes that meet the diverse needs of Dubai’s residents. With carefully curated communities, Dubai Residential reinforces the city’s standing as one of the world’s most livable destinations.
To redefine urban living in Dubai by creating exceptional, diverse communities that set the benchmark for residential real estate in the city, inspiring a sense of belonging and enhancing Dubai’s global reputation as one of the world’s most livable destinations.
A Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) is designed to provide investors with the economic benefits of real estate ownership while removing the challenges associated with outright building a real estate portfolio, leasing and managing properties. A REIT owns and manages a portfolio of multiple properties and distributes the majority of rental income to investors through regular dividends. The investment characteristics of REITs fall between equities and bonds/sukuk, blending the potential for income streams and capital growth.

Dubai Residential REIT at a Glance
Expected Dividend

Residential Units
(95% Apartments / 5% Villas)

Residential Communities

(1) Adjusted EBITDA: Profit for the period after tax plus income tax expense, finance costs – net, and depreciation and amortisation, before gain on fair value of investment property and before allocated corporate costs
(2) Subject to Board approval. The expected dividend in respect of the year ending 31 December 2025 should not be viewed as a guide to the amount of any dividends that may be paid in respect of subsequent periods
(3) Or, if higher, an amount equal to 80% of profit for the period before changes in fair value of investment property
(4) Gross Asset Value: The market value of Dubai Residential LLC’s investment property, as determined by JLL Valuation LLC
(5) Average Occupancy Rate: The monthly average of leased units during the period divided by the monthly average of available units during the period
(6) Retention Rate: Percentage of total tenants that renew their leases during the period
(7) Average Revenue Per Leased GLA: Annual revenue divided by the area associated with leased units







































Investment Highlights
• Strong UAE economic performance and robust Dubai population growth in recent years have positively influenced the residential real estate market.
• GDP growth outpacing other GCC nations and Western Europe and Dubai’s population increasing at 2.7% annually from 2018 to 2023.
• Strategic initiatives, such as the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aim to grow the economy significantly and enhance living environments.
• Coupled with innovative visa programs like the Golden Visa and supportive social reforms, Dubai continues to attract global talent and investors, reinforcing its status as a premier destination to live, work, and invest.
• The REIDIN Residential Index for Dubai saw significant growth from Q1 2021 to the end of Q4 2024, rising by 17% annually. This increase was driven by rental rate growth across both apartments and villas, which grew annually by 17% and 18%, respectively.
• The increase in rental demand has been driven by sustained economic and employment growth, rising household incomes, population expansion, and increased housing demand due to long-term visa and residency programs.
• This upward population trend is expected to support occupancy rates, which are projected to remain stable at 80–90% through 2030, even with the addition of over 200,000 new housing units.
• Over 60% of lease transactions come from renewals—supported by capped annual rent increases under RERA regulations, making them more attractive than new leases. Given these dynamics, Dubai Residential REIT is expected to continue to maintain high occupancy rates and reserve the flexibility to increase rents, given relatively inelastic demand.
• Dubai Residential REIT is expected to be the GCC’s first pure-play residential REIT as well as the largest REIT in the GCC, with 35,700 residential units under management and a GAV of AED 21.6 billion, almost double the combined GAV of the five largest REITs in the region.
• Accounting for approximately 6% of Dubai’s rental transactions and 3% of total rental value as of the end of December 2024, it showcases Dubai Residential REIT’s extensive reach and breadth of scale, positioning it as the benchmark for Dubai’s residential real estate market.
• Dubai Residential REIT’s diversified portfolio—spanning various locations, property types, and segments such as Premium, Community, Affordable, and Corporate Housing—combined with a well-balanced tenant mix of 57% individual tenants (primarily families) and 43% corporates, ensures stable cash flows and consistent operating margins.
• Dubai Residential REIT’s seasoned teams ensure stable and resilient operations through active asset management, focusing on value creation, maximising cash flows, tenant engagement, and risk mitigation.
• This approach is reflected in the track record of the team, having increased average occupancy from 93% in 2022 to 97% by December 2024.
• During the same period, new lease rates rose annually by 19% (Premium), 14% (Community), and 12% (Affordable), while maintaining an impressive average retention rate of 83%.
• Dubai Residential REIT has demonstrated strong cash generation, driven by topline growth, improving margins, and high cash flow conversion rates.
• Despite ongoing capital expenditures to maintain asset quality, its real estate portfolio continues to generate strong free cash flow, benefiting from the recent completion of major investment programs.
• With a prudent capital structure and conservative leverage policy, Dubai Residential REIT maintains strategic flexibility and cost optimisation across market cycles.
• These factors are expected to enable Dubai Residential REIT to deliver attractive investor returns, with a targeted dividend payout ratio of at least 80% of profit before changes in the fair value of investment property.
• Dubai Residential REIT is pursuing a growth strategy that combines tangible organic growth with a strong potential for inorganic expansion.
• Organic growth is expected to be driven by rental rate increases, portfolio efficiencies, and market trends, while inorganic initiatives focus on acquiring new properties and leveraging the right of first offer (ROFO) granted to Dubai Residential REIT in respect of DHAM-owned prime real estate projects.
• Dubai Residential REIT’s competitive position is further strengthened by its strategic alignment with Dubai Holding, Dubai’s leading investor, real estate developer and asset manager.
• As part of its ecosystem, Dubai Residential REIT benefits from the Dubai Holding Group’s broad capabilities within the real estate sector, including development, asset management, facilities management and community management.
• Dubai Residential REIT will also benefit from the Fund Manager’s experienced management team from DHAM, which has a proven track record of developing, financing, managing and operating institutional grade built-to-lease residential assets in Dubai’s key large scale master plans.
IPO Timeline
IPO Timeline
5 May 2025
Announcement of Intention to Float on the DFM
13 May 2025
Offer Commencement Date & Price Range Announcement
20 May 2025
Closing Date of Retail Investor tranche
Closing Date of Professional Investor tranche
21 May 2025
Announcement of Final Offer Price
26 May 2025
Final allocation and Commencement of refunds
28 May 2025
Expected date of listing the units on the DFM

Dubai Residential REIT Governance
Board of Directors
Shariah Supervisory Committee
Fund Manager Governance
Investment Committee
Senior Management
How to subscribe
Access information about Dubai Residential REIT and its IPO that is available on this webpage. The Prospectus provides all material information about Dubai Residential REIT and the Offering.
Ensure you have an Investor Number (NIN) issued by the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). If you don’t have a NIN, you can apply on the DFM app here. Alternatively, you can approach a DFM-licensed brokerage to obtain an Investor Number on your behalf.
You can subscribe to the offering through the DFM app or one of the Receiving Banks. Each Receiving Bank will have its own channels, which typically include online, in-branch or through your bank relationship manager. The receiving banks and their details can be found at the bottom of this webpage and in the Prospectus.
You will be notified of the number of units allocated to you. You may or may not receive the full allocation of your order. Any excess funds will be refunded to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dubai Residential REIT is a shariah-compliant, closed-ended real estate investment fund that manages a significant residential portfolio in Dubai. It is among the largest operators in this sector and is managed by DHAM REIT Management LLC. Dubai Residential REIT is the parent company of Dubai Residential, previously known as Dubai Asset Management, which was the residential leasing arm of DHAM LLC (Dubai Holding Asset Management).
Dubai Residential REIT is owned by DHAM Investments LLC, which will remain the majority unitholder post-IPO. DHAM Investments LLC is owned by DHAM LLC, which is a subsidiary of Dubai Holding.
Dubai Residential REIT is a pure-play residential REIT, meaning it focuses on residential properties and leasing activities. The portfolio consists of 21 residential communities catering to various demographic segments across four key categories: Premium, Community, Affordable and Corporate Housing.
Dubai Residential REIT’s portfolio covers a diverse range of price points across four key categories: Premium, Community, Affordable and Corporate Housing. The full list of Dubai Residential REIT communities is as follows:
Premium:
• Bluewaters Residences
• City Walk Residences
• Nad Al Sheba Villas
Community:
• Garden View Villas
• Garden Apartments
• The Gardens
• Bayti
• Remraam
• Layan
• Meydan Residences 1
• Meydan Heights
• Dubai Wharf
• Manazel Al Khor
• Ghoroob Square
• Ghoroob
• Shorooq
• Badrah
Affordable:
• Al Khail Gate
• International City
Corporate Housing:
• Nuzul
• Al Quoz
Dubai Residential REIT is under establishment for the purposes of the IPO. The revenue of its wholly-owned subsidiary, Dubai Residential LLC (“Dubai Residential”), has grown at 11.0% CAGR between 2022 and 2024, driven by rising rental rates, catch-up to applicable new lease rate on renewals, and re-rating on churn.
EBITDA margin was 72% during 2024 through revenue expansion, cost, and operating synergies realised from the pooling of the Meydan, Nakheel and Meraas assets. Dubai Residential’s free cash flow conversion has steadily increased from 81% in 2022 to 90% in 2024.
In terms of the different categories:
Premium:
• The Premium portfolio contributed c.AED 145 million of revenue in 2024.
• The portfolio has had stable occupancy levels since 2022, despite a slight decline in 2024, mainly on Bluewaters Residences, whose levels have since improved.
Community:
• The Community portfolio is the largest in terms of revenue, contributing c.AED 855 million in 2024.
• The segment has seen the highest occupancy levels across the portfolio, standing at 99% as of December 2024, due to high demand and high retention rates.
• Its rental revenue per sq. ft. has also grown 18% between 2022 and 2024, while maintaining high occupancy levels.
• There are ongoing refurbishment projects in The Gardens and Garden View Villas since 2022 and 2023.
Affordable:
• The Affordable portfolio is the second largest in terms of revenue, contributing c.AED 627 million in 2024.
• The segment also benefits from high occupancy levels, standing at 96% as of December 2024, representing a 2% increase since 2022.
• Additionally, there has been a 19.3% growth in rental revenue per sq. ft. between 2022 and 2024.
Corporate Housing:
• The Corporate Housing portfolio had a revenue contribution of c.AED 82 million in 2024.
• The segment benefits from an over 4% occupancy uplift between 2022 and 2024.
Dubai Residential REIT will use both organic and inorganic strategies to grow the business:
Organic growth:
• Rent optimization
• Operational efficiency
• Asset upgrades
Inorganic growth:
• Rights of first offer (ROFO) to acquire built to lease assets from Dubai Holding Asset Management
• Acquisition of third-party assets
Dubai Residential REIT distinguishes itself in the Dubai market as a Shariah-compliant, closed-ended investment fund, uniquely aligned with Dubai Holding. This partnership provides exclusive access to premier real estate and development expertise, positioning it for significant organic and inorganic growth. Its strategic rights of first offer on select properties enhance its portfolio expansion opportunities, making it a compelling choice for investors seeking ethical and strategic investment opportunities in Dubai's dynamic real estate market.
Upon listing, Dubai Residential REIT is expected to be the GCC’s first pure-play residential REIT and is expected to be the GCC’s largest listed REIT, with a gross asset value of AED 21.6 billion, almost double the combined GAV of the five largest REITs in the region.
Investors should consider Dubai Residential REIT for its:
• Scale and Leadership: The largest residential REIT in Dubai, with over 35,000 units across diverse segments.
• Resilient Financials: High occupancy rates (97%), steady rental growth, and robust free cash flow generation.
• Growth Potential: Organic rent increases, refurbishment programs, and opportunities for accretive acquisitions.
• Dividend Policy: Clear dividend policy mandated by SCA regulation, offering attractive dividend payouts supported by stable cash flows and prudent capital management.
• Market Position: Strategic alignment with Dubai Holding, leveraging its expertise and access to premier real estate assets.
Dubai Residential REIT will not receive any proceeds from the offering and no transaction costs of the offering will be borne by Dubai Residential REIT. The net proceeds generated by the offering (after selling commissions and discretionary fees are paid) will be received by DHAM Investments LLC, the selling unitholder.
The offering is being conducted, among other reasons, to allow DHAM Investments LLC to sell part of its unitholding, while providing trading liquidity in the units and raising Dubai Residential REIT’s profile within the international investment community.
Dubai Residential REIT intends to adopt a semi-annual dividend distribution policy, with payments scheduled for April and September each year, starting from September 2025. To comply with UAE law and SCA regulations governing REITs, Dubai Residential REIT must distribute at least 80% of its annual net profits, before fair value adjustments. In line with this requirement, Dubai Residential REIT expects that its first two dividend payments, which it intends to make in September 2025 and April 2026, in aggregate will total the higher of: (i) AED 1,100 million; and (ii) an amount equal to 80% of profit for the period before changes in fair value of investment property, in respect of its financial results for the year ending 31 December 2025, subject at all times to Board approval. In respect of the financial results for the year ending 31 December 2026 and thereafter, Dubai Residential REIT intends to distribute at least 80% of profit for the period before changes in fair value of investment property for each accounting period (subject to Board approval). The robust free cash flow generation, supported by high occupancy rates, stable rental income, and prudent cost management, underpins Dubai Residential REIT’s ability to maintain a sustainable and competitive dividend payout.
Receiving banks
If you are interested in investing in Dubai Residential, please contact one of the Receiving Banks listed below which are collaborating with the Company to help investors and shareholders.