Emirates NBD has partnered with Dubai Holding to offer early mortgage access for Meraas and Nakheel homes.
Dubai Holding Real Estate and Emirates NBD have introduced a new financing model that enables buyers of off-plan homes in Dubai to obtain mortgage approvals at an earlier stage in the purchasing process.
The initiative comes as Dubai aims to maintain momentum in its rapidly expanding property market.
Announced on Thursday, the partnership with Dubai Holding will integrate mortgage financing into off-plan sales across residential projects by Meraas, Nakheel, and Dubai Properties, allowing eligible buyers to access bank financing at the booking stage instead of waiting until closer to handover.
The move is intended to reduce uncertainty for buyers in a market where off-plan transactions now make up the majority of residential sales.
Dubai’s property sector has recorded sustained growth over the past three years, supported by strong demand from foreign investors, high-net-worth individuals, and new residents relocating to the emirate.
According to Dubai Land Department data, the emirate recorded more than 270,000 real estate transactions worth Dh917 billion in 2025, with off-plan properties accounting for over 70 per cent of residential deals.
How it works:
Under the agreement, buyers of eligible homes within Dubai Holding Real Estate’s residential portfolio can apply for early mortgage pre-approval from Emirates NBD at the initial stage of the transaction.
The bank noted that approvals remain subject to standard eligibility assessments. The financing option will be open to both UAE residents and non-residents.
“Dubai’s real estate market continues to evolve as a global benchmark for growth and investment,” said Khalid Al Malik, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding Real Estate, in a statement.
“In partnership with Emirates NBD, we are improving the off-plan homebuying experience by integrating structured mortgage solutions directly into the customer journey.”
How it helps buyers:
Traditionally, off-plan buyers in Dubai depend on developer payment plans during construction and only secure a mortgage closer to project completion.
With early mortgage access, buyers can obtain bank pre-approval at the booking stage itself, giving them greater clarity on affordability, reducing financial uncertainty, and helping them plan their payments more effectively from the outset.
However, the earlier financing model is expected to improve buyers’ liquidity planning and may broaden access to homeownership in a market where upfront capital requirements can be significant.
Emirates NBD said the collaboration is intended to enhance transparency and promote responsible lending as Dubai’s property sector continues to grow.
Marwan Hadi, Group Head of Retail Banking and Wealth Management at Emirates NBD, said: “By introducing structured mortgage solutions earlier in the homebuying journey, we are providing customers with greater financial clarity and confidence at the point of decision.”
He added that the initiative also supports more sustainable homeownership while strengthening lending transparency across the UAE real estate market.
Last week, the bank announced a similar agreement with Sobha Realty to provide integrated home financing solutions for buyers of the premium developer’s off-plan residential projects across Dubai.
Through this collaboration, Emirates NBD will offer tailored mortgage solutions to eligible customers purchasing units in Sobha’s developments, enabling early-stage financing clarity, competitive rates, and a streamlined approval process.
The partnerships also align with Dubai’s broader housing and urban development goals under the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to improve housing accessibility and create a more resilient and well-regulated property market.
