UAE Emerges as RWA Tokenization Hub with Real Estate Leading the Charge

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is rapidly becoming a hub for real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, driven by increasing demand and a proactive regulatory environment. On February 3rd, onchain RWAs reached an all-time high of $17 billion, signaling a key crypto investment trend for 2025. UAE-regulated platforms like Tokinvest are seeing significant demand, particularly from developers and real estate owners looking to tokenize assets for alternative financing. Real estate is leading the RWA adoption in the UAE, fueled by Dubai's booming property market. On January 9th, RWA blockchain firm Mantra signed a $1 billion deal to tokenize properties from Damac Group, exclusively on the Mantra chain throughout 2025. Mantra expanded into the MENA region after receiving its license from VARA on February 19th. OKX MENA CEO noted significant growth in real estate asset tokenization in the UAE, attributing it to the convergence of crypto and real estate. The UAE's clear regulatory guidelines, shaped in part by Tokinvest's founder in 2022, are attracting businesses. Tokinvest received its full market license on January 14th. The UAE's forward-thinking approach and digitally native population further contribute to RWA tokenization adoption, especially in sectors like oil, gas, and minerals.