Lede
Dubai’s ruler has appointed a seven-member board to steer the emirate’s real estate regulator, placing First Deputy Ruler Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum at the helm. The decree, issued June 25, 2026, by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, formalizes the leadership of the Dubai Real Estate Corporation and signals a continued push for transparency and growth in one of the world’s most dynamic property markets.
Body
The new board, established under Decree No. (16) of 2026, includes seasoned figures from both the public and private sectors. Hesham Abdullah Al Qassim takes the role of Vice Chairman, bringing decades of experience in banking and real estate finance. Other members are:
- His Excellency Mohamed Hadi Ahmed Al Hussaini
- Rashid Mohammed Rashid Al Mutawa
- Shoaib Mir Hashem Khoory
- Abdulaziz Mohammed Al Mulla
- Rashed Ali bin Obood Al Falasi
The decree takes effect immediately and will be published in the Official Gazette, a standard step for all Dubai government appointments.
Background and Context
The Dubai Real Estate Corporation oversees key regulatory and development functions in the emirate’s property sector. It works to ensure market stability, enforce disclosure rules, and coordinate with free-zone authorities. The appointment of Sheikh Maktoum – already a central figure in Dubai’s economic governance – as chairman underscores the emirate’s commitment to strong oversight as property transactions continue to rise. In 2025, Dubai recorded over 170,000 real estate transactions worth nearly AED 600 billion, according to Dubai Land Department data, making the corporation’s role more critical than ever.
Implications for the Market
Industry analysts say the board’s composition reflects a blend of continuity and fresh expertise. Al Qassim, a former CEO of Emirates NBD and current chairman of several investment firms, is known for his focus on digital transformation and investor confidence. The inclusion of officials like Al Hussaini, who has held senior roles in finance and development, signals a likely emphasis on sustainable urban planning and affordable housing initiatives.
The decree also arrives as Dubai prepares for major new projects linked to its 2040 Urban Master Plan, which aims to double the emirate’s population. The board will be responsible for aligning regulatory frameworks with that vision, including oversight of off-plan sales, escrow accounts, and developer licensing.
Broader Impact and Next Steps
With a clear leadership structure now in place, the Dubai Real Estate Corporation is expected to accelerate its work on digitizing property records and streamlining approvals for foreign investors. Real estate professionals and homebuyers can anticipate more consistent enforcement of rules governing pre‑construction sales and rental caps.
For residents and investors, the message is one of stability: the same leadership that has guided Dubai’s post‑pandemic property boom remains at the wheel. The full impact of the decree will be seen in the coming quarters as the board holds its first meetings and sets its strategic priorities for 2027.
Related Reading: Interested in Dubai’s property laws? Check the Dubai Land Department’s guide to buying off‑plan or the UAE’s new 10-year golden visa for investors.
This article is based on official decree information provided by the Government of Dubai and published in the UAE Official Gazette. All members’ names and titles are as listed in Decree No. (16) of 2026.