Dubizzle Group, a leading online classifieds platform in the Middle East, has announced a strategic investment and partnership with the UAE-based rental rewards platform, Tern. This collaboration aims to revolutionize the rental payment process by integrating a flexible, digital, and rewarding system for tenants, landlords, and agents. The move signals Dubizzle's commitment to building a comprehensive real estate ecosystem that extends beyond traditional property search and discovery services.
Enhancing the Real Estate Ecosystem
The partnership will exclusively integrate Tern’s innovative services within Dubizzle Group's flagship platforms, Bayut and dubizzle, creating a more connected user experience. Through this integration, tenants across the UAE will gain the ability to pay their rent using credit cards without incurring additional fees. This initiative is a key step in Dubizzle's strategy to address practical challenges within the property journey for millions of users.
A Win-Win for Tenants and Landlords
The new system offers significant advantages for all parties involved in the rental process, fostering a more efficient and attractive market. Tenants can now manage one of their largest household expenses with greater flexibility while earning valuable reward points redeemable with various retail and travel partners. This feature transforms a routine payment into a rewarding transaction, enhancing the overall value proposition for renters on the platform.
For landlords and property managers, the platform provides a streamlined, fully digital solution for rent collection, ensuring faster and more reliable payments. Offering tenants a more convenient and flexible payment method can also increase a property's competitiveness in the market. This ultimately helps improve tenant retention rates, a crucial factor for long-term success in the real estate sector.
Tern's Impressive Market Entry
Founded in 2024 by Saeed Al Sayed and launched in May 2025, Tern has quickly established itself as a pioneer in the UAE's rental market. The platform is already processing over AED 150 million in annualized rent payment volume through its growing ecosystem. Tern's vision is to modernize how rent is paid by creating a multi-stakeholder loyalty network connecting tenants, landlords, banks, and merchants.
A Strategic Vision for Property Services
Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group UAE, emphasized that the company's focus extends beyond simply helping people find a home. He noted that rent payments have traditionally lacked flexibility and added value, a challenge the Tern partnership directly addresses. This collaboration is a significant step towards building a more user-centric property ecosystem that simplifies the entire rental lifecycle for all participants.
Fueling Innovation Through Dubizzle Ventures
The investment was facilitated by Dubizzle Group Ventures, the company's dedicated venture capital arm focused on supporting early-stage technology startups across the GCC. Surya Raviganesh, who leads the group's investments, stated that they seek founders with scalable and innovative business models that create unique value. Partnering with businesses like Tern allows Dubizzle to leverage its highly engaged audience and create powerful synergies across its marketplaces.
This strategic alliance between Dubizzle Group and Tern marks a pivotal moment for the UAE's real estate technology landscape. By embedding a rewarding and flexible payment system into the country's leading property platforms, the partnership is set to enhance the rental experience for millions. It underscores a broader industry trend towards integrated digital solutions that provide tangible benefits for tenants, landlords, and agents alike.