Ripple & Ctrl Alt Disrupt Dubai Real Estate: Tokenized Properties Hit XRP Ledger

Dubai's skyline just got a blockchain facelift. Ripple and Ctrl Alt have launched the first tokenized real estate platform on the XRP Ledger—turning skyscrapers into tradable crypto assets.

How it works: Fractional ownership meets DeFi

The partnership cuts through traditional property red tape by digitizing deeds as NFTs. Investors can now buy slices of Dubai’s luxury towers without the usual six-figure entry fees—or the soul-crushing paperwork.

Why XRP? Speed and (relative) stability

Ripple’s ledger processes transactions in 3-5 seconds, bypassing Ethereum’s gas fees and Bitcoin’s glacial settlement times. Perfect for traders who want to flip condos faster than a pancake at brunch.

The cynical take: Because what Dubai needed was another way to launder—err, 'diversify'—wealth.

One thing’s certain: The sandbox just got a lot more liquid.

Ripple has officially joined hands with Ctrl Alt to support a major leap in Dubai’s real estate sector. In a press release, Ripple announced that together, they’re helping the Dubai Land Department (DLD) launch a new project that turns traditional property title deeds into digital tokens using the XRP Ledger. Ripple’s role in this partnership is to provide secure storage for these digital deeds through its trusted custody technology.

Tokenized Real Estate: A New Investment Era for Dubai

These tokenized deeds will enable individuals to purchase shares in real estate, making it easier for investors to enter the market without needing to acquire entire properties. The initiative aims to bring Dubai’s booming real estate market to a global audience while improving transparency and access.

With investments starting at just AED 2,000 (~$545), the tokenization model is gaining momentum among both retail and institutional investors.

Middle East’s First Government-Backed Real Estate Tokenization Using XRP Ledger

This is the first time a government-backed real estate registry in the Middle East has used a public blockchain to tokenize property. Ripple says it’s proud to support this project and sees it as a big step forward in making blockchain useful in the real world.

Ripple’s Managing Director for the Middle East and Africa, Reece Merrick, noted that the Dubai Land Department’s choice of the XRP Ledger proves its strength in real-world financial applications.

Ctrl Alt and VARA License: Regulated Tokenization Process

Ctrl Alt, the platform managing the tokenization, recently received a VASP license from Dubai’s VIRTUAL Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). This license lets them offer services for both token creation and custody, ensuring that the entire investment process is regulated, secure, and transparent.

Fast-Tracked Real Estate Deals Already Live

Ctrl Alt has already piloted this model with:

• A Dh1.75M villa sold in under five minutes
  
• A Kensington Waters apartment listed for AED 1.5M
  

These sales prove that real estate tokenization isn’t just a concept—it’s already in action.

How Does It Work for Investors?

• Fractional Ownership: You can invest in a portion of a property instead of buying the whole asset.
  
• Tokenization Platform: Ctrl Alt handles the token creation, backed by Ripple’s secure custody tech.
  
• Entry Point: Investment starts as low as AED 2,000 (~$545).
  
• Liquidity & Access: The model is open to global investors, enhancing market reach.
  
• Compliance: Governed under UAE’s Virtual Asset laws via VARA-licensed operations.

Ripple Strengthens UAE Presence with Real Estate Custody Deal

This partnership also marks Ripple’s first major custody deal in the UAE. Earlier this year, Ripple:

• Received a license from the Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA)
  
• Approved its RLUSD stablecoin for use in Dubai’s financial center
  
• Launched partnerships with Zand Bank and Mamo for cross-border blockchain payments
  

With these strategic moves, Ripple is quickly becoming a key player in the UAE’s blockchain ecosystem.