RAK Properties accepting crypto for real estate marked a concrete step in the UAE’s push to let digital assets buy physical ones. A $1.3 billion developer taking Bitcoin, Ethereum and USDT for property — settled cleanly into dirhams — is the kind of adoption that moves crypto from screens into the physical economy.
Table of contents
- What RAK Properties announced
- How the payments work
- Why a developer does this
- Crypto and UAE real estate in 2026
- FAQ
What RAK Properties announced
RAK Properties, a major UAE developer with a market value of around $1.3 billion, announced it would accept cryptocurrency for its international property sales. Buyers can use Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) and other major cryptocurrencies to purchase properties.
How the payments work
The mechanics matter, because this is not the developer speculating on crypto. RAK Properties partnered with regional fintech Hubpay, which handles the entire payment process — converting the cryptocurrency into UAE dirhams (AED) before the funds reach RAK Properties’ accounts. The buyer pays in crypto; the developer receives fiat. Price risk is handled at the rails, not the balance sheet.
Why a developer does this
CFO Rahul Jogani framed it as a strategic move to attract a new generation of “digitally savvy” investors and meet their evolving expectations. For a developer selling internationally, accepting crypto widens the buyer pool to crypto-wealthy investors who may find traditional cross-border transfers slower and costlier than an on-chain payment.
Crypto and UAE real estate in 2026
RAK Properties was an early mover in a trend that has accelerated: by 2026, crypto payments and tokenized property are a live part of the UAE real estate market, backed by Dubai Land Department initiatives and a clear regulatory climate. For the tokenization side, see our UAE real estate tokenization guide.
Frequently asked questions
Which cryptocurrencies does RAK Properties accept?
Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Tether (USDT) and other major cryptocurrencies for international property sales.
Does RAK Properties hold the crypto?
No. Its fintech partner Hubpay converts the crypto into UAE dirhams before funds reach RAK Properties’ accounts.
Why accept crypto for property?
To attract digitally savvy international investors, per CFO Rahul Jogani.
Is buying UAE property with crypto common?
Increasingly. By 2026 crypto payments and tokenized real estate are an established part of the UAE market.
Sources: RAK Properties (CFO Rahul Jogani); Hubpay. Originally reported by Cryptonite; updated with 2026 context.
Disclaimer: General information, not financial or investment advice.
