Property developers in UAE

The United Arab Emirates is known all around the world for its hypermodern cities, iconic buildings, glistening skyscrapers, and other spectacular projects. But all of this has come about thanks to property developers who have immensely contributed to the UAE real estate sector’s success and flourishing. Many UAE property developers became quite famous around the globe for their fascinating structures and design. In addition to that, many of them played a big role in the country’s urban changes and in creating its current status as one of the world’s top business and real estate investment destinations.

Below is the list of the UAE’s leading property development companies that have established themselves as key real estate developers in the country by blending innovative approaches with robust technologies and commitment to provide unrivalled customer services.

Emaar Properties

Established in 1997, Emaar Properties has been consistently present in the UAE’s real estate sector since. As one of the leading developers in the UAE, Emaar’s interests stretch throughout hospitality, retail, residential and commercial property development. Apart from the Emirates the company has a presence across several foreign markets like North Africa and the Middle East.

The Dubai-based developer is responsible for several iconic projects in Dubai. Two jewels in Emaar’s portfolio are the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. Dubai Opera, the first opera house in the UAE, is a relatively new addition to the list of the company’s accomplishments. Moreover, Emaar is also behind the creation of The Dubai Fountain, a choreographed fountain display which is immensely popular with both locals and tourists.

Apart from hotels and resorts, Emaar’s projects include several residential communities like Downtown Dubai, Emaar Beachfront, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, The Meadows, The Lakes, The Greens, and The Springs.

Property developers in UAE

Nakheel

Over the course of two decades, Nakheel has grown into one of the best property developers in Dubai and around the world. The company’s projects cover a major portion of the country’s real estate sector – spanning across leisure developments, retail, hospitality, commercial, and residential projects.

Nakheel is best known for its massive Palm Jumeirah project in Dubai, a man-made archipelago in the Persian Gulf, which added more than 300 kilometres to Dubai’s coastline. Moreover, it expanded the city’s real estate sector with hundreds of waterfront resorts, hotels, homes, and other properties.

Apart from the artificial islands, Nakheel has a number of other notable residential projects. Among them are Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Village, The Gardens, Nad Al Sheba Villas, and International City. In addition to that, Nakheel has many popular retail projects in its portfolio, including Nakheel Mall, The Pointe, Dragon Mart, Dragon Mart 2, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Golden Mile Galleria.

Damac Properties

DAMAC Properties was established in 2002 and quickly flew to the top of the UAE’s property development market. Today it is one of the largest developers in the UAE. A luxury-oriented developer, it delivers commercial and residential projects not only in its home country but across Saudi Arabia, Oman, Lebanon, Jordan, and the United Kingdom.

As of now, the company has delivered over 28,000 homes. A notable development by DAMAC Properties is DAMAC Hills, a premium golf community that offers townhouses, villas, and apartments, and features a world-class range of amenities and facilities.

Other residential projects in Dubai by DAMAC Properties include DAMAC Towers, Ghalia Constella, and AKOYA Oxygen.

Deyaar

Deyaar Development PJSC is a leading real-estate developer and real-estate services company, headquartered in Dubai. Since its establishment in 2002, the company has rapidly grown to become an industry leader in the region, with a share capital of USD 1.5 billion.

In Dubai, Deyaar’s real estate ventures are spread across various prime locations such as Business Bay, Dubai Production City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, DIFC, Dubai Marina, Jumeirah Lake Towers, and Al Barsha.

The company’s current project portfolio includes iconic residential tower developments as well as hospitality developments.

Meraas

Dubai-based development company Meraas was founded in 2007 and has launched several developments in multiple sectors including real estate, F&B, retail, entertainment, healthcare, and hospitality since then. Among the company’s popular projects are Boxpark, City Walk, The Outlet Village, The Beach, and La Mer.

Other prominent projects by Meraas are Port de La Mer, Nikki Beach Resort & Spa, and Bvlgari Resort & Residences.

Aldar

Aldar Properties is one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest property developers and one of the most well-known in the Arab Emirates due to its iconic developments. The company was established in 2004 and since then it continues to shape and enhance the urban fabric of the UAE’s capital.

Major projects Aldar develops and manages include Al Raha Beach, Al Raha Gardens, and Yas Island along with the Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari World, and Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi. The company’s HQ building located in the Al Raha Beach development is its most famous and internationally recognised creations. At the time of its completion, the disc-shaped building was the first circular skyscraper in the world.

Aldar’s property portfolio further includes Gate and Arc Towers in Al Reem Island, Coconut Island, the Abu Dhabi Central Market, Al Jimi Mall, Al Gurm Resort, and others.

Dubai Properties

Dubai Properties was established in 2002. Initially named Estithmaar Realty, the company was involved in real estate and asset management. Since 2005, it has been a part of Dubai Holding, a conglomerate owned by the ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Based in Dubai, today the company remains among the top real estate development companies in the emirate and is known for shaping some of Dubai’s most recognisable real estate destinations.

With over 20 years of expertise in the residential real estate sector, the company has a deep understanding of the basic needs of resident homeowners and foreign investors, therefore providing luxury real estate and lifestyle solutions.

Dubai Properties’ portfolio of projects includes highly acclaimed developments such as Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Dubailand, Business Bay, and others. Additionally, the company’s projects also include the freehold residential project Madinat Jumeirah Living and Marsa Al Arab, a luxury tourism and waterfront destination in Jumeirah.

Omniyat

Omniyat is a Dubai-based property development company that was launched in 2005. Today it is a globally-respected real estate developer known for its art designs with high quality and consistent standards.

One of Omniyat’s most notable projects is The Opus, designed by the famous Zaha Hadid. Its unique architecture is recognisable by its cube-like structure with an amorphous hole in the centre. The interior of The Opus is just as impressive. The mirrored glass building houses a hotel, serviced apartments, restaurants, and offices.

The company’s other major development is The Pad, a high-rise leaning residential tower. Other notable projects by Omniyat include The Residences, The Binary, and Bayswater.

Sobha

Sobha was founded in 1976 by Indian entrepreneur P. N. C. Menon as an interior design company. In 1995, Sobha Developers emerged as a major real estate developer with its headquarters in Bangalore. Internationally, the company operates under the brand Sobha Realty.

Sobha is known for its impressive portfolio of luxury properties. The multi-national entity, it has developments not only in the UAE but also in Oman, Bahrain, Brunei, and India.

The company has some excellent projects in Mohammed Bin Rashid City, including Sobha Hartland, a mixed-use community consisting of luxurious villas, apartments, and townhouses.

Property developers in UAE

Arada

Sharjah-based property development company Arada was founded in 2016 and is currently one of the most promising property developers in the Middle East. The company is determined to provide great places to live at affordable prices.

Arada launched its first project, the Nasma Residences community, in 2017. The company is also known for its megaproject Aljada, the largest ever master development in Sharjah.

Azizi

Azizi Developments first emerged in 2007. The company’s projects include the well-known Azizi Riviera as well as a number of smaller but highly successful projects, such as two major developments in Dubai Healthcare City.

For three years in a row Azizi won Developer of the Year at the Construction Innovation Awards. They were also named Developer of the Year at the Arabian Business Real Estate Awards.

Azizi’s most notable residential projects are Mina, Grand, Victoria, Aura, etc.

MAG Property Development

Established in 2003, MAG Property Development is the real estate development arm of MAG Group Holding, which has been operating since 1978. Since its foundation, MAG Property Development has become one of the most well-reputed real estate developers in the MENA region.

The company’s projects extend from high-end luxury developments to affordable housing. For example, MAG 5 Boulevard, a low-cost residential community in Dubai South, which offers townhouses, villas, and apartments.

Other notable projects by MAG Property Development are MAG City Meydan in MBR City, MAG 318 in Business Bay, and MBL Residence in Jumeirah Lake Towers.

Meydan

Meydan is the visionary concept of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai.

First of all, Meydan is known for the famous Meydan Racecourse. But the company’s broad portfolio extends far beyond it. For instance, Meydan Group’s impressive Mohammed Bin Rashid City has become one of the most sought-after districts in Dubai.

From some of the most luxurious family villas in the District 1 community to the stunning lagoons in MBR City, the signature quality of Meydan’s developments can be seen in multiple residential and commercial projects across the city.

The First Group

The First Group is a global property development company founded in 2005. The developer has undertaken a wide variety of projects, from the simplest to the most prestigious.

It has developed a number of high-rise residential developments in Dubai Sports City, such as The Bridge, as well as Avalon Tower, Wyndham Dubai Marina, and Sky Bay Hotel.

The First Group’s other notable projects include The One, Dolphin Tower, Ciel Tower, and so on.

Property developers in UAE

Other notable developers in UAE

Apart from the above-listed names, there are some other notable developers in the UAE with a growing portfolio of properties. Among them, for example, is Kleindienst Group, a company behind The World Islands – an archipelago of man-made islands constructed in the shape of a world map.

Here’s the list of other development companies: Nshama, Danube Properties, Wasl Properties, Ellington Properties, Binghatti Developers, Select Group, Aqua Properties, Bloom Properties, Al Habtoor Group, Seven Tides, Gemini Group, Reportage Properties, Tiger Properties, Samana Developers, etc.

As you can see, the UAE is home to hundreds of property developers ranging all sizes. Buying property in the Emirates, it is vitally important to choose a high-quality developer. So, you should definitely do proper research on a development company before making a decision.