Dubizzle Group has invested in the UAE rental rewards platform Tern, enabling digital rent payments and loyalty rewards while expanding its PropTech ecosystem across the UAE.
The partnership will see Tern’s platform integrated exclusively into Bayut and dubizzle, enabling tenants to pay rent by credit card while earning loyalty rewards redeemable across a network of retail, travel, and lifestyle brands.
Also Read: e& UAE Launches World’s First U6GHz 5G-Advanced Network
The investment reflects a broader shift in the UAE property market toward digital-first services that extend beyond property search and listing functions. As competition intensifies across the PropTech sector, platforms are increasingly focusing on solutions that improve convenience, flexibility, and engagement throughout the rental journey.
Founded in 2024 by Said Al Sayyed and Mohamad Shaitou, Tern launched in 2025 as the UAE’s first dedicated rental rewards platform. The company says it has already facilitated more than AED 150 million in annualized rent payment volume through its platform.
Tern enables tenants to pay rent digitally while earning rewards points without additional fees. The platform is designed to provide greater payment flexibility for renters while helping landlords, property managers, and agents streamline rent collection through fully digital processes.
“At Bayut and dubizzle, our focus has always been on solving real challenges across the property journey, which extends beyond just helping people find a home,” said Haider Ali Khan, CEO of Dubizzle Group UAE. “Our partnership with Tern offers renters a more convenient and rewarding way to manage rental payments while creating new opportunities for landlords and agents across the UAE.”
The transaction was completed through Dubizzle Group Ventures, the company’s venture investment arm, which focuses on early-stage technology startups across the GCC.
Go deeper on GCC & Africa tech — $9.99/month.
Deep dives and investor insights the free digest doesn't cover.
According to Dubizzle Group, the investment aligns with its strategy of supporting businesses that complement its property, automotive, and consumer marketplaces. The company operates some of the region’s largest digital platforms, attracting approximately 20 million monthly users and 58 million monthly visits.
The deal also highlights growing investor interest in PropTech solutions that address operational inefficiencies within the real estate sector. As digital payments, embedded finance, and customer loyalty programs become increasingly integrated into property services, startups developing specialized infrastructure are attracting growing attention from strategic investors.
For the UAE rental market, the partnership signals continued innovation in tenant-focused services as property platforms seek to differentiate themselves through value-added offerings beyond traditional listings.
The success of the partnership will likely depend on user adoption and the platform’s ability to scale across the UAE’s rental ecosystem. If successful, it could accelerate the adoption of digital rent payment solutions and reinforce the role of PropTech in modernizing real estate transactions across the region.
Why the Dubizzle Group Partnership with Tern Matters to MENA
The investment highlights the growing convergence of PropTech, fintech, and digital payments across the region’s real estate sector. As renters increasingly demand flexible payment options and digital-first experiences, platforms that simplify rent collection and add financial benefits are gaining traction.
The deal also signals how leading marketplace operators are expanding beyond listings to build end-to-end property ecosystems, creating new opportunities for startups developing innovative solutions for tenants, landlords, and property managers.
Engagement
