DUBAI: His Highness Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, Deputy Prime Minister, and Minister of Defence of the UAE, presided over the launch of the ‘Barwa’ initiative — a pioneering real estate programme by the Dubai Land Department (DLD) in collaboration with the Community Development Authority (CDA), launched under the slogan “You are valuable and should always be appreciated.”
This socially conscious, sustainability-driven initiative is the first of its kind in the region. Focused on human well-being, the Barwa programme is tailored to empower senior citizens and People of Determination in Dubai, giving them the independence to manage their real estate assets with ease. By offering integrated property solutions, the initiative also promotes family unity and social harmony.
A Human-Centred Real Estate Approach
The Barwa programme showcases an innovative model for government service delivery, adopting a human-centric approach. It offers a wide range of digital, on-site, and advisory services to meet the specific needs of senior citizens and People of Determination. It aligns with the Dubai Social Agenda 33 and Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033, with a clear focus on improving quality of life, ensuring inclusivity, and creating equal opportunities for all.
“I witnessed the signing of an agreement between the Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority to launch the ‘Barwa’ real estate programme, the first of its kind in the region designed to serve senior citizens and people of determination.” – @HamdanMohammed
Official Launch and Strategic Agreements
The launch ceremony took place at the Dubai Land Department headquarters, where a formal cooperation agreement was signed between DLD and CDA. The signatories were Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita, Director General of DLD, and Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid, Director General of CDA. Key CEOs from both organizations attended the event.
Four additional agreements were signed with Harbour Real Estate, On Plan Real Estate, Al Ruwad Real Estate, and SBK Real Estate. Two trusted service centres, Afnan and Al Tabou, will also offer specialized assistance to senior citizens and People of Determination as part of this initiative.
Vision from the Leadership
Eng. Marwan Ahmed Bin Ghalita stated, “This programme reflects DLD’s vision of offering premium real estate services while staying committed to empowering key segments of society. Through our collaboration with CDA, we are proud to support individuals who’ve contributed immensely to our nation’s development.”
He emphasized that Barwa is not merely a service-based initiative but a holistic solution designed to simplify property management, safeguard real estate rights, and enhance independence and well-being for beneficiaries. He further linked the initiative with the ‘Year of Community’ theme, underscoring Dubai’s commitment to inclusion and social cohesion.
Hessa Bint Essa Buhumaid remarked, “Barwa exemplifies strong institutional partnerships and reaffirms CDA’s dedication to empowering priority groups by facilitating access to services in a way that respects dignity and fosters stability. These collaborations are key to achieving long-term social impact.”
She highlighted that Barwa is aligned with the Dubai Social Agenda 33, advancing innovative service models that enhance life quality and promote equal opportunities. She also affirmed CDA’s dedication to expanding this strategic partnership for a more inclusive and empowered society.
Integrated Service Pillars
The Barwa programme is built around several integrated pillars aimed at efficiently and flexibly serving its beneficiaries:
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Mobile and On-Site Services: Under the Al Taresh service, mobile units visit beneficiaries’ homes to complete real estate transactions. The Al Karani service assigns personal assistants to provide ongoing transaction support.
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Digital Services: The Al Kaitoob platform offers remote property management solutions integrated with accessibility features. Additionally, Al Mersal, a real-time digital support service, is available through DLD’s call centre.
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Financial and Real Estate Advisory: Specialised teams guide beneficiaries through property investment strategies and sustainable returns.
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Awareness and Training: The Real Estate Katateeb initiative delivers educational sessions aimed at helping beneficiaries make informed property decisions and investments.
Enhancing Public-Private Collaboration
Through its Service Facilities Pillar, Barwa introduces Al Barza – comfortable, accessible lounges for senior citizens and People of Determination at the DLD main building.
The Al Hasela initiative further emphasizes public-private partnerships, offering integrated services like lease management, property maintenance, and investment consultancy delivered by certified companies at preferential rates.
A key part of Barwa’s institutional structure is the Registry of Honoured Citizens, enabling seamless data sharing between DLD and CDA. This supports tailored, end-to-end service delivery with a dedicated communication team focused on maintaining beneficiaries’ comfort, stability, and well-being.
A Human-Centric Vision for the Future
The Barwa initiative positions Dubai as a global leader in human-centred real estate innovation. By combining digital transformation and social impact, the programme demonstrates a future-forward model of public service.
This groundbreaking collaboration between the Dubai Land Department and the Community Development Authority serves as a benchmark for sustainable government-community partnerships. It reflects Dubai’s global standing as a city dedicated to inclusive growth, social equity, and real estate innovation that places people first.
