Saudi real estate firm to tokenize Maldives Trump hotel; targets US investors: report
Saudi-linked developer Dar Global is preparing a plan to tokenize the financing of the upcoming Trump International Hotel Maldives, according to Reuters and official company statements. Under this proposal, the firm aims to offer blockchain-based investment tokens to U.S. investors, representing as much as 70% ownership of the project. The move reflects a growing trend of real-estate tokenization, where high-value assets are divided into digital units to attract a broader pool of investors and increase liquidity.
At the same time, Dar Global is reportedly in active discussions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to ensure the offering meets regulatory standards. The company’s decision to engage with U.S. regulators signals its intention to structure the token sale in a compliant manner. If approved, this initiative could become one of the most high-profile cases of tokenized luxury real estate in the global market.
What’s new and why it matters
Dar Global’s approach would shift a large portion of development funding from traditional lenders to a wider investor base via tokenized instruments. The company says this tokenization will begin at the development stage, offering exposure before the hotel opens—an atypical structure for real-estate tokenization. The resort value is estimated near $300 million, with Dar Global indicating it will retain 30–40%. PR Newswire+1
Project details: location, timeline, scope
The planned resort around 25 minutes by speedboat from Malé is slated to feature about 80 luxury beach and overwater villas and targets an opening by late 2028, according to coverage collating company statements.
Statements from the parties
Eric Trump, Executive Vice President of The Trump Organization, called the project a new benchmark for real-estate investment through tokenization, per company materials. Dar Global CEO Ziad El Chaar told Reuters the firm wants broad participation from the U.S. crypto market and is exploring regulatory pathways with the SEC. (Company claims; regulatory outcomes pending.)
Investor angle and risks for “tokenize Maldives Trump hotel”
If executed, U.S. buyers could gain fractional exposure to the project via tokens. However, regulatory approval, token rights (cash flows, governance), custody, secondary liquidity, and disclosures will determine actual investor protections. Dar Global says it is in discussions with the SEC; no final offering documents were public at press time.
How returns might work in “tokenize Maldives Trump hotel” models
Tokenized real-estate structures vary widely from revenue-sharing to equity-like interests. Specifics (e.g., profit participation, resale rules, KYC/AML, blockchain used) were not yet published by the company. Prospective investors should monitor official filings/terms. (Company press materials highlight tokenization but do not detail mechanics.)
Context & Analysis
Tokenizing a high-profile hospitality asset at the development stage is notable for market visibility and risk profile: construction and operational risks precede revenue. Success will hinge on regulatory clarity, investor rights, and sustained demand for fractional real-estate exposure. Claims of “world’s first” tokenized hotel development come from company releases and should be viewed as marketing language pending independent verification.
Outlook
Dar Global’s plan to tokenize funding for the upcoming Trump-branded Maldives resort could open the door for wider investor participation, provided regulators approve the structure and the final terms appeal to buyers. The approach aims to make involvement in a major luxury project more accessible by converting a portion of the investment into digital tokens.
As the project progresses toward its targeted 2028 launch, the key indicators to watch will be any SEC-related filings, clarity on compliance, and the release of the project’s token economics. These details will shape investor confidence and determine how smoothly the tokenized offering moves forward.
FAQs
Q : What is being tokenized?
A : Up to 70% of the Trump International Hotel Maldives development, per Reuters.
Q : Will U.S. retail investors be eligible?
A : Dar Global says it aims to sell to U.S. investors and is in talks with the SEC. Final eligibility depends on the offering structure and approvals.
Q : When will the resort open?
A: The target is end-2028, subject to development timelines.
Q: How much is the project worth?
A : About $300 million, according to Bloomberg.
Q : Does Dar Global keep an ownership stake?
A : Yes, the developer expects to retain 30–40%.
Q : Is this the first tokenized hotel development?
A : That phrasing comes from company press materials; independent market-wide verification wasn’t available.
Q : Does the plan to “tokenize Maldives Trump hotel” guarantee returns?
A : No. Returns depend on final token terms, performance, and market conditions.
Facts
Event
Dar Global proposes tokenized financing for Trump International Hotel Maldives targeting U.S. investors.Date/Time
2025-11-19T10:00:00+05:00Entities
Dar Global (LSE: DAR); The Trump Organization; U.S. SEC; Maldives (Malé area).Figures
Up to 70% tokenized; project value ~$300m; developer stake 30–40%; ~80 villas. Reuters+2Bloomberg+2Quotes
“This development will… set a new benchmark for innovation in real estate investment through tokenization.” Eric Trump, EVP, The Trump Organization (company release). TrumpSources
Reuters (link), PR Newswire (company release link)