The Dubai Land Department (DLD) says its Dubai REST app has been awarded a seven-star rating in the International Best Practice Competition 2026, which the organisation described as the highest classification in the competition.
According to the announcement, the recognition reflects “excellence in service delivery, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction”, and is intended to benchmark the tangible outcomes of digital transformation in government services, including time saved, procedures simplified, and everyday access to services.
From digital transactions to an integrated ecosystem
The DLD said the Dubai REST experience represents a development journey that progressed from enabling digital transactions to building what it calls an integrated digital ecosystem. The app is described as bringing real estate services and related information together on a single platform, enabling property owners, tenants, investors, brokers, and developers to complete transactions and manage real estate affairs more efficiently.
The statement also points to outcomes it attributes to the platform, including faster transaction processing, simplified procedures, and improved customer satisfaction. DLD said these results demonstrate the impact of integrated systems and advanced technologies on the quality and efficiency of government services.
Developing since 2018 with AI and analytics
DLD said Dubai REST launched in 2018 and has expanded through “successive stages” into a broader digital service offering. The announcement describes the platform as increasingly supported by artificial intelligence and data analytics to enhance the customer experience.
Among the app capabilities mentioned are a digital property wallet for asset monitoring and access to relevant information for property owners. For tenants, the statement says they can register or renew tenancy contracts electronically. For investors, DLD said the platform provides market information and ways to monitor real estate projects to support decision-making.
DLD framed the changes as practical for users, citing benefits such as saving time and effort, simplifying real estate obligations, and allowing people and businesses to access services when needed.
Integration with UAE PASS and government systems
The announcement said Dubai REST is designed to improve how services are structured and delivered through system integration, data exchange, and streamlined procedures. It said the app integrates with UAE PASS and a range of government systems to enable identity verification and transaction completion through connected digital channels.
DLD also described applying artificial intelligence across services, including a “Smart Rental Index” and a “Malik” smart assistant. The statement further mentions smart valuation services and the digital property wallet, and says these solutions expand data use to deliver information and enhance the user experience.
The department said it has adopted AI and machine learning technologies, expanded services available through digital channels and partners, and strengthened integration with government entities through the Dubai Data Platform.
Aligning with Dubai strategies and future development
In explaining the significance of the seven-star rating, DLD said the classification represents the top level of assessment in the International Best Practice Competition and is framed as a “world-class benchmark”. The announcement linked the work to Dubai’s broader strategies, including the Dubai Real Estate Sector Strategy 2033 and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, describing the effort as supporting service efficiency and strengthening the digital environment for investors and customers.
DLD said it continues developing Dubai REST by expanding AI use, strengthening integration with PropTech companies and financial institutions, and advancing digital solutions intended to meet future sector needs.
