Dubai developer Damac Properties will accept certain cryptocurrencies for property transactions as part of efforts to offer more flexibility to investors, the company has announced.
The developer will enable the conversion to fiat and the sale of property to holders of Bitcoin and Ethereum, it said. Fiat money is government-issued currency that is not backed by a commodity.
“This move towards customers holding cryptocurrency is one of our initiatives at Damac to accelerate the new economy for newer generations and for the future of our industry,” said Ali Sajwani, general manager of operations at Damac.
“Offering yet another transactional mode is exciting and we are glad to recognise the value this technology brings to our customers.”
The move will bolster efforts to provide convenience and optionality to property investors, the company added.
Dubai has been accelerating the adoption of digital currencies as it looks to regulate the sector. Last month, the emirate adopted a new law to regulate virtual assets.
The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulation Law is aimed at creating an advanced legal framework to protect investors and provide international standards for virtual asset industry governance that will promote responsible business growth in the emirate, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, said.
Virtual assets include cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and non-fungible tokens (NFTs).
The Dubai Virtual Asset Regulatory Authority (VARA) has been established under the new law to regulate the sector throughout the emirate, including special development zones and free zones, but excluding the Dubai International Financial Centre.
Following the announcement, Binance, the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange, and FTX Europe secured virtual asset licences to operate in Dubai.
Cryptocurrency exchange Bybit also said it had received approval to conduct virtual assets business in Dubai and initiated plans to set up its global headquarters in the emirate. BitOasis, one of the earliest cryptocurrency exchanges to set up in the UAE, said it, too, had applied for a new licence from VARA.
Damac Group, the parent of company of Damac Properties, also announced this week that it plans to invest $100 million to build “digital cities” in the metaverse.
The initiative forms part of the company's ambition to move into digital assets and NFTs, it said.
Dubai's property market has already recorded the adoption of cryptocurrencies.
Brokerage Fam Properties sold more than 400 properties last year with Bitcoin for Emaar in Dubai Creek Harbour, its website said.
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Meydan Racecourse racecard:
6.30pm: The Madjani Stakes Listed (PA) | Dh175,000 | 1,900m
7.05pm: Maiden for 2-year-old fillies (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,400m
7.40pm: The Dubai Creek Mile Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 1,600m
8.15pm: Maiden for 2-year-old colts (TB) | Dh165,000 | 1,600m
8.50pm: The Entisar Listed (TB) | Dh265,000 | 2,000m
9.25pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,200m
10pm: Handicap (TB) | Dh190,000 | 1,600m.
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HWJN
%3Cp%3EDirector%3A%20Yasir%20Alyasiri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EStarring%3A%20Baraa%20Alem%2C%20Nour%20Alkhadra%2C%20Alanoud%20Saud%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3ERating%3A%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Classification of skills
A worker is categorised as skilled by the MOHRE based on nine levels given in the International Standard Classification of Occupations (ISCO) issued by the International Labour Organisation.
A skilled worker would be someone at a professional level (levels 1 – 5) which includes managers, professionals, technicians and associate professionals, clerical support workers, and service and sales workers.
The worker must also have an attested educational certificate higher than secondary or an equivalent certification, and earn a monthly salary of at least Dh4,000.
The President's Cake
Director: Hasan Hadi
Starring: Baneen Ahmad Nayyef, Waheed Thabet Khreibat, Sajad Mohamad Qasem
Rating: 4/5
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
The specs: 2018 Audi RS5
Price, base: Dh359,200
Engine: 2.9L twin-turbo V6
Transmission: Eight-speed automatic
Power: 450hp at 5,700rpm
Torque: 600Nm at 1,900rpm
Fuel economy, combined: 8.7L / 100km
Trump v Khan
2016: Feud begins after Khan criticised Trump’s proposed Muslim travel ban to US
2017: Trump criticises Khan’s ‘no reason to be alarmed’ response to London Bridge terror attacks
2019: Trump calls Khan a “stone cold loser” before first state visit
2019: Trump tweets about “Khan’s Londonistan”, calling him “a national disgrace”
2022: Khan’s office attributes rise in Islamophobic abuse against the major to hostility stoked during Trump’s presidency
July 2025 During a golfing trip to Scotland, Trump calls Khan “a nasty person”
Sept 2025 Trump blames Khan for London’s “stabbings and the dirt and the filth”.
Dec 2025 Trump suggests migrants got Khan elected, calls him a “horrible, vicious, disgusting mayor”
The National's picks
4.35pm: Tilal Al Khalediah
5.10pm: Continous
5.45pm: Raging Torrent
6.20pm: West Acre
7pm: Flood Zone
7.40pm: Straight No Chaser
8.15pm: Romantic Warrior
8.50pm: Calandogan
9.30pm: Forever Young
Desert Warrior
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Aiysha Hart, Ben Kingsley
Director: Rupert Wyatt
Rating: 3/5
