Investors Are Now Able to Buy and Sell Digital Shares of a Maldivian Resort Prior to Its Construction

The Trump Organization, in partnership with Saudi Arabian developer Dar Global, has unveiled the world’s inaugural tokenized hotel development, representing a major step forward in real estate investment. The Trump International Hotel Maldives, scheduled to open by late 2028, will offer 80 ultra-premium beachfront and overwater villas, situated just a 25-minute speedboat ride from Malé, the capital of the Maldives. This collaboration introduces a new investment model, enabling buyers to acquire digital shares during the construction phase—a notable shift from standard tokenization practices, which usually divide ownership of completed properties

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This project utilizes blockchain to establish a novel investment framework, providing round-the-clock trading of tokens that are supported by tangible assets. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, highlighted that the initiative "sets a new standard for luxury in the area and pioneers innovation in real estate investment through tokenization"

. Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, remarked that this approach "merges luxury, technology, and innovation to reshape global investment in hospitality" .

This tokenization strategy is designed to open up luxury real estate to a broader range of investors, making it possible for individuals with smaller budgets to invest in high-end projects. Unlike traditional property investments that often demand large sums and lengthy commitments, this model

and greater liquidity. Dar Global, which is listed in London and is a subsidiary of a Saudi developer, has previously explored tokenization, in Oman where utility NFTs were used for a mixed-use property.

The Maldives hotel forms part of a wider alliance between the Trump Organization and Dar Global, which already includes projects in Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. These ventures feature Trump Towers in Jeddah and Dubai, as well as upscale resorts and golf courses throughout the Gulf

. This latest project also reflects the Trump family’s increasing involvement in the crypto industry, including recent executive actions supporting blockchain technology and the passage of stablecoin regulations in the U.S. .

Experts believe this development is part of a larger movement toward real estate tokenization. Deloitte forecasts that the global market could reach $4 trillion by 2035, with tokenized ownership of undeveloped and in-progress properties projected to hit $50 billion in the same period

. This growth is fueled by blockchain’s capacity to simplify transactions, improve transparency, and lower entry barriers for investors.

Although the Trump Organization has not yet revealed detailed investment terms for the Maldives venture, the tokenization model is widely viewed as a way to attract a new generation of tech-oriented investors. The resort’s focus on privacy and exclusivity appeals to affluent clients, while the digital investment format

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