Sheikh Hamdan Appoints New Dubai Land Department CEOs for 2025
In a strategic move to bolster Dubai’s real estate sector, His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence, has announced key leadership appointments at the Dubai Land Department (DLD). Through Executive Council Resolution No. (48) of 2025, Majid Saqr Abdullah Al Marri has been appointed as the CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector. Concurrently, Executive Council Resolution No. (49) of 2025 names Majida Ali Rashid as the CEO of the Real Estate Development Sector. These appointments, effective immediately and set to be published in the Official Gazette, signal Dubai’s commitment to enhancing its real estate ecosystem, reinforcing its position as a global hub for property investment and urban development. This article explores the significance of these leadership changes, their impact on Dubai’s real estate market, and the broader implications for the UAE and Middle East in 2025.
Sheikh Hamdan’s Vision for Dubai’s Real Estate Future
As the Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan plays a pivotal role in shaping the emirate’s economic growth and urban development. His recent resolutions underscore a forward-looking approach to strengthening the Dubai Land Department, a cornerstone of the emirate’s real estate strategy. The appointments of Majid Saqr Abdullah Al Marri and Majida Ali Rashid align with the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which aims to position Dubai as a global leader in investment, trade, and innovation. These leadership changes are designed to enhance governance, transparency, and efficiency in the real estate sector, catering to the growing demands of investors and residents alike.
The Dubai Land Department has been instrumental in driving the emirate’s property market to record-breaking heights, with AED 761 billion in real estate transactions recorded in 2024. Sheikh Hamdan’s strategic appointments reflect his commitment to sustaining this momentum, ensuring that Dubai remains a top destination for global investors and a model for sustainable urban development. By appointing experienced leaders like Al Marri and Rashid, Dubai is poised to further elevate its real estate ecosystem, aligning with the ambitious goals of the Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033.
Majid Saqr Abdullah Al Marri: Leading the Real Estate Registration Sector
Majid Saqr Abdullah Al Marri, appointed as the CEO of the Real Estate Registration Sector, brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Having previously served as the CEO of Registration and Real Estate Services in 2018, Al Marri is no stranger to the intricacies of real estate governance in Dubai. His appointment under Resolution No. (48) of 2025 highlights his proven track record in streamlining property registration processes and enhancing transparency in the sector.
The Real Estate Registration Sector is critical to Dubai’s property market, overseeing the documentation and legal frameworks that underpin real estate transactions. Al Marri’s leadership is expected to drive digital innovation, improve investor confidence, and ensure seamless processes for property ownership and transfer. His role will involve implementing advanced technologies, such as blockchain, to enhance the security and efficiency of real estate records, aligning with Dubai’s vision of becoming a smart city. Recent initiatives, such as the Dubai Land Department’s partnership with Crypto.com, underscore the sector’s commitment to exploring digital currencies and virtual real estate assets.
Majida Ali Rashid: Pioneering Real Estate Development
Majida Ali Rashid, named CEO of the Real Estate Development Sector under Resolution No. (49) of 2025, is another seasoned professional with a deep understanding of Dubai’s real estate landscape. Previously appointed as the CEO of the Real Estate Investment Management & Promotion Centre in 2018, Rashid has a history of driving investment opportunities and fostering sustainable development in the emirate. Her new role positions her at the forefront of Dubai’s ambitious urban planning initiatives.
The Real Estate Development Sector plays a vital role in shaping Dubai’s skyline and ensuring that property development aligns with the emirate’s long-term goals. Under Rashid’s leadership, the sector is expected to focus on sustainable projects, affordable housing, and innovative real estate solutions that cater to diverse market needs. Her appointment comes at a time when Dubai is launching initiatives like the Barwa programme, a socially driven real estate initiative aimed at enhancing the well-being of senior citizens and People of Determination through customized property solutions.
The Context: Dubai’s Booming Real Estate Market in 2025
Dubai’s real estate market has been a global success story, with 2.78 million procedures (including transactions and rental agreements) recorded in 2024, marking a 17% increase from the previous year. This growth is attributed to Dubai’s dynamic economy, robust infrastructure, and progressive policies, which have attracted global investors and solidified the emirate’s reputation as a real estate hub. Sheikh Hamdan’s leadership appointments are timely, as they come at a moment when the Dubai Land Department is driving initiatives to enhance transparency, investor confidence, and market resilience.
The Dubai Real Estate Strategy 2033 outlines ambitious goals to position Dubai as the world’s best place to live and work. Key pillars include fostering innovation, improving quality of life, and ensuring sustainability in the real estate sector. The appointments of Al Marri and Rashid are strategic moves to align the Dubai Land Department with these objectives, ensuring that the emirate continues to set global benchmarks in real estate governance and urban development.
Implications for Dubai’s Real Estate Ecosystem
The appointments of Majid Saqr Abdullah Al Marri and Majida Ali Rashid are more than just leadership changes; they represent a strategic effort to reinforce Dubai’s position as a global real estate leader. The Real Estate Registration Sector, under Al Marri, will focus on streamlining processes, enhancing digital infrastructure, and ensuring transparency in property transactions. Meanwhile, Rashid’s leadership in the Real Estate Development Sector will drive sustainable urban growth, aligning with initiatives like the Barwa programme and the Dubai Social Agenda 33.
These appointments come at a time when Dubai is exploring innovative technologies, such as blockchain and digital currencies, to revolutionize the real estate sector. The Dubai Land Department’s partnership with Crypto.com to explore virtual real estate assets highlights the emirate’s forward-thinking approach to digital investment. By appointing experienced leaders, Sheikh Hamdan is ensuring that the DLD remains at the forefront of these advancements, fostering a real estate ecosystem that is both innovative and inclusive.
Broader Impact on the UAE and Middle East
The leadership changes at the Dubai Land Department have implications beyond Dubai, influencing the UAE and the Middle East at large. As a regional hub for real estate investment, Dubai’s policies and governance structures set a precedent for other emirates and neighboring countries. The appointments signal a commitment to sustainability, transparency, and innovation, which are critical for maintaining investor confidence in a competitive global market.
The UAE continues to emerge as a business hub, with Dubai leading the charge in real estate innovation. The Middle East, known for its dynamic economies, looks to Dubai as a model for balancing economic growth with social well-being. Initiatives like the Barwa programme, which supports senior citizens and People of Determination, demonstrate how real estate can contribute to social inclusion and community empowerment, setting a benchmark for the region.
How Stakeholders Can Engage
For investors, developers, and residents, the new DLD leadership offers opportunities to engage with a revitalized real estate sector. Here are actionable steps:
- Monitor Official Updates: Stay informed about DLD policies and real estate regulations through the Official Gazette and Dubai Land Department website.
- Explore Investment Opportunities: Leverage Dubai’s digital real estate platforms and blockchain initiatives for secure and transparent investments.
- Participate in Community Programs: Engage with initiatives like the Barwa programme to support sustainable development and social inclusion.
- Consult with Experts: Work with real estate professionals to navigate the evolving property market under the new leadership.
