A move by Dubai's flagship conglomerate to sell some trophy properties could help turn the gears of a commercial real-estate market that has been stalled for more than a year.

Dubai World hasn't said specifically that it plans to unload real estate in order to raise cash to pay its debts. But in a statement detailing debt-restructuring plans early Tuesday, Dubai World said the restructuring process would include "assessment of delevering options, including asset sales." A Dubai World spokesman declined to comment on possible property sales. Dubai World owns high-profile properties around the world, including office buildings in New York and London and luxury hotels across the U.S.