Investors Can Now Trade Digital Shares in Maldivian Resort Before It's Built

The Trump Organization and Saudi Arabian developer Dar Global have announced the launch of the world's first tokenized hotel development project, marking a significant innovation in real estate investment. The Trump International Hotel Maldives, set to open by the end of 2028, will feature 80 ultra-luxury beachfront and overwater villas, located just 25 minutes by speedboat from the Maldivian capital, Malé. The project, a joint venture between the two firms, will allow investors to purchase digital shares in the development phase itself - a departure from traditional tokenization models that typically fractionalize completed assets according to reports.

The initiative leverages blockchain technology to create a new investment structure, offering 24/7 trading of tokens backed by real-world assets. Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, emphasized that the project "redefines luxury in the region while setting a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization" as reported. Ziad El Chaar, CEO of Dar Global, added that the move "blends luxury, innovation, and technology in a way that will transform how the world invests in hospitality" according to analysis.

The tokenized model aims to democratize access to high-end real estate, enabling smaller investors to participate in premium developments. Unlike conventional real estate investments, which often require significant capital and long holding periods, the tokenized approach allows for fractional ownership and liquidity. Dar Global, a London-listed subsidiary of a Saudi developer, has previously experimented with tokenization, including a 2022 project in Oman that utilized utility NFTs for a mixed-use development.

The Maldives resort is part of a broader collaboration between the Trump Organization and Dar Global, which has already extended to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Oman, and Qatar. Projects include Trump Towers in Jeddah and Dubai, as well as luxury resorts and golf courses in the Gulf region according to industry reports. The latest venture aligns with the Trump family's growing engagement with the crypto sector, including recent executive orders supporting blockchain innovation and the U.S. passage of stablecoin legislation according to analysis.

Analysts suggest the project reflects a broader trend in real estate tokenization. Deloitte predicts the global market could reach $4 trillion by 2035, with tokenized ownership of undeveloped land and under-construction projects expected to grow to $50 billion by the same year according to projections. This expansion is driven by blockchain's ability to streamline transactions, enhance transparency, and reduce barriers to entry for investors.

While the Trump Organization has not yet disclosed specific investment terms for the Maldives project, the tokenized model is seen as a strategic move to attract a new demographic of tech-savvy investors. The resort's emphasis on privacy and exclusivity caters to high-net-worth individuals, while the digital ownership structure broadens accessibility.