The Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Smart Crowd Holdings Limited on April 16th, 2019 in the presence of His Excellency Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, Executive Director of Strategic Affairs Sector, at Cityscape, Abu Dhabi’s largest real estate exhibition. Smart Crowd is an innovative real estate crowdfunding platform that allows individuals to invest in partial ownership of real estate, lowering entry costs into the real estate market. The platform is regulated by the Dubai Financial Service Authority (DFSA).

The agreement, signed by His Excellency Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed on behalf of H.E. Mubarak Obaid Al Dhaher, Undersecretary of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities and Mr. Siddiq Farid, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Smart Crowd Holdings Ltd. is a result of the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities’ aim to encourage the private sector to participate and innovate in Abu Dhabi’s real estate market, and promote economic growth in the country by encouraging real estate investment through collective ownership. 

The MOU will allow both parties to explore the possibility of implementing a similar model of collective or joint ownership in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, and develop proposals on the implementation of such a model in accordance with the laws and legislation in the Emirate.

“We are pleased to work on the proposed partnership with Smart Crowd. We hope to work together with the private sector to develop innovative ideas and mechanisms in the field of property investment in line with the Department’s interest in the growth of the real estate sector in Abu Dhabi,” said His Excellency Al Dhaheri.

Smart Crowd has opened the real estate market to a new generation of savvy investors, shifting the traditional real estate investment model. Interested investors simply need to register with Smart Crowd, choose a vetted investment property, and invest a fraction of the property’s value. Once the investment is made, ROI in the form of rental income is almost immediate.

“Our aim is to open the doors for individuals who want to invest in the real estate market, but who may see the initial capital investment as an obstacle. We are excited to bring this idea to the Abu Dhabi real estate market, and are thrilled to work with the Department of Urban Planning and Municipalities to do so,” said Mr. Siddiq Farid.

The MOU will promote the exchange of experiences and best practices in real estate investment through shared ownership.

-Ends-

About Smart Crowd
Smart Crowd is a digital real estate investment platform which provides the opportunity to buy and sell shares in properties, reducing barriers to entry to low-middle income households to build financial assets and generate investment income. Smart Crowd caters to most people who find it hard to get on the property ladder to build a diversified portfolio and “unlock their wealth potential”.

In April 2018 Smart Crowd became the first and only financially-regulated digital investment platform in MENA. We provide users with active share management, transparency in their property investment, low investment cost and very low minimum investment levels.

Smart Crowd Holdings Ltd.  (Smart Crowd) is regulated by the DFSA. Smart Crowd’s Licence is a restricted ‘Innovation Testing Licence’ and it is restricted under the DFSA Licence to testing its platform. Due to the limited nature of its Licence, normal Client protections may not apply and Clients may have limited rights if they suffer as a result of taking part in testing. 

Smart Crowd is part of the region’s only fintech accelerator, DIFC’s Fintech Hive, and has won numerous awards including Accenture Innovation Award at GITEX 2017, Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival Pitch competition, and Smart Dubai’s Global Blockchain challenge.

© Press Release 2019

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.