Top 10 UAE Property Developers (2023)

1) EMAAR PROPERTIES

Established in 1997 by Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar Properties has become the leading real estate company in Dubai, transforming the city’s landscape with innovative and groundbreaking developments. In 2023, the company reported a remarkable 42% increase in net profit to AED8.2 billion for the first nine months of the year. Emaar’s future growth is set to be fueled by new off-plan projects in the UAE, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and India.

Emaar’s notable projects include Dubai Marina, a sought-after waterfront location with over 200 skyscrapers; EMAAR Beachfront, a private island development featuring luxurious residences; and Dubai Creek Harbour, a prime waterfront destination combining modern urban living with natural surroundings. The company’s impressive portfolio reflects its commitment to shaping Dubai’s real estate history.

2) NAKHEEL

Established in the 2000s, Nakheel has significantly shaped Dubai’s real estate landscape. Faced with a $3.65 billion loss during the 2007-2010 real estate challenges, the company’s fortunes changed with a $10 billion investment from Abu Dhabi, rescuing both Nakheel and Dubai’s economy. In 2023, Nakheel earned recognition at the Employee Happiness Summit & Awards (EHSA), receiving Gold for Best Induction Program and Best Employee-Driven Business Change, along with Silver for Best Leadership Succession Strategy.

Nakheel’s notable projects include the iconic Palm Jumeirah, an engineering marvel featuring luxurious residences, hotels, and entertainment options. Other ventures include The World Islands, an archipelago designed as a world map, offering a unique living experience, and Dragon Mart, the largest trading hub for Chinese products outside China, contributing significantly to Dubai’s business landscape.

3) Dubai Holding real estate (Meraas/Dubai Properties)

Dubai Holding Real Estate, a visionary entity within the government-founded conglomerate, plays a key role in shaping Dubai’s urban landscape. Managing subsidiaries like Meraas and Dubai Properties contributes significantly to positioning Dubai as a global hub for luxury living. Meraas, under the umbrella of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has developed deluxe residences such as Bulgari residences, Bluewaters Residences, Nikki Beach Residences, and Villa Amalfi. Notable subsidiaries include Dubai Community Management, ensuring safety and aesthetics, and Ejadah, a property management, security and unit services company.

City Walk by Meraas, an elegant blend of old and new Dubai, offers upscale community charm and open-air mall features. Port de La Mer, another Meraas project, inspired by the Mediterranean, provides beachfront luxury villas with breathtaking views. Jumeirah Beach Residence by Dubai Properties, featuring residential towers, retail outlets, and a lively promenade, contributes to a dynamic and cosmopolitan living experience.

4) SOBHA GROUP

Sobha Group, a distinguished real estate company established in 1976 in Oman and later expanding to the UAE, is renowned for crafting exquisite residences and commercial spaces. Recognized for quality craftsmanship, attention to detail, and commitment to sustainability, Sobha Group has designed and developed notable projects globally, including palaces, royal facilities, and mosques. Awarded as one of the top unlisted real estate companies in the Arab World by Forbes Middle East in 2017, Sobha Group solidified its standing by partnering with Arsenal in 2023.

Notable projects include Crest Grande, featuring a Caribbean-style lagoon and sports facilities; Sobha One Park Avenue, blending intelligent design with nature in Sobha Hartland; and Waves Grande, a waterfront property in Sobha Hartland promising elevated luxury with contemporary architecture and breathtaking views. These developments showcase Sobha Group’s commitment to creating transformative residential experiences with unparalleled views and living comfort.

5) NSHAMA

Established in 2014, Nshama is a prominent UAE real estate company specializing in sustainable, world-class communities with smart designs. Led by CEO Fred Durie, the company has successfully contributed to significant regional projects, including Downtown Dubai and Arabian Ranches.

One of its notable developments is Town Square, featuring stylish homes amidst vast green spaces. Notable projects like Hayat Boulevard seamlessly combine contemporary design and functionality, offering residents beautiful views and plush interiors. Zahra Apartments provide a premium living experience in Dubai with modern designs and breathtaking views, representing the epitome of modern living. Warda Apartments, centrally located in Town Square, showcase Nshama’s commitment to aesthetically pleasing and well-designed living spaces, incorporating green areas and community amenities within a 5-minute walk.

6) DAMAC Properties

Established in 2002, Damac Properties stands as a prominent residential, leisure, and commercial developer in the Middle East, particularly in Dubai. With resilience through economic cycles, Damac has played a vital role in shaping Dubai’s skyline.
The company’s notable projects span key locations such as Dubai Marina, JLT, Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah Village Circle, Business Bay, and DIFC. Media acclaim surrounds Damac’s mega-developments like Akoya, an exclusive community offering luxury, comfort, and security with a unique blend of Islamic motifs and modern architecture. Other projects include Damac Hills, featuring tastefully designed villas and apartments, and Paramount Tower Hotel and Residences, an iconic luxury tower in collaboration with Paramount Hotels & Resorts, offering both Hollywood-inspired rooms and fashionable luxury residences with Paramount-standard amenities and services, making it a lucrative investment in Dubai’s hospitality industry.

7) AL Futtaim Group Real estate

Established in the 1930s as a trading business, AL Futtaim Group Real estate, a division of the Al-Futtaim Group, boasts over 40 years of experience as a significant global developer. Specializing in top-tier developments and lifestyle experiences, the company manages a multi-billion-dollar portfolio, featuring flagship urban communities like Dubai Festival City, Cairo Festival City, and Doha Festival City. It oversees the origination, conception, development, and operation of mega projects, creating superior lifestyle destinations with residential and commercial spaces, educational institutions, hotels, and signature retail and entertainment offerings.

Among its notable projects, Al Badia Terraces stands out as a residential complex with mid-rise towers offering indoor amenities and inspired by green landscapes. Plagette32 at Tilal Al Ghaf, influenced by the French Riviera, provides luxurious living with water bungalows and club villas. Uptown’s Woroud and Zohour Apartments, part of two residential clusters, offer sustainably designed homes ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments, meeting the diverse needs of families and investors.

8) Azizi Developments

Azizi Developments, a distinguished Dubai-based developer founded in 2007, has successfully delivered tens of thousands of homes to investors from over 100 nationalities. Specializing in modern luxury developments across Dubai, the company prioritizes transparency, customer-centricity, and a construction-driven approach. With approximately 10,000 units under construction for delivery by 2025 and an additional 31,000+ units in the pipeline, Azizi is renowned for its investor-friendly properties and strategic partnerships with key master developers in Dubai. Expanding into the hospitality sector, Azizi plans to launch fifty 5-star hotels and one 7-star hotel in Dubai, with ambitions for global expansion in the UK, Europe, and beyond, aligning with Dubai’s visionary goals and prioritizing customer satisfaction.

Among Azizi Developments’ notable projects, Azizi Venice stands out as a meticulously designed waterfront paradise with a Crystal Lagoon, pristine beachfront, vibrant boulevard, and world-class entertainment. The Venice Residences offer a novel approach to apartment living, while the Venice Villas provide a lavish experience with multiple world-class amenities. Another flagship project is Riviera, inspired by the French Riviera, located in Meydan, Dubai. This mid-rise residential complex includes a 2km crystal lagoon, diverse apartments, and amenities, aiming to accommodate over 20,000 residents upon completion. Additionally, Azizi’s Mina waterfront development on Palm Jumeirah, known as Mina Apartments, offers a varied collection of luxurious apartments with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai skyline, providing an ideal setting for those seeking a lavish lifestyle in the city center with amenities like swimming pools, gyms, and landscaped gardens.

9) Ellington Properties

Dubai, renowned for its design-focused approach in creating beautiful and trend-transcending properties. Offering bespoke residences, including villas, studios, and 1 & 2-bedroom apartments, Ellington Properties places a strong emphasis on changing mindsets, establishing credibility, evoking emotions, and differentiation in its development pillars. Situated in prestigious areas like Mohammed Bin Rashid City (MBR), Downtown Dubai, Palm Jumeirah, and Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), the company is dedicated to providing quality lifestyles through personalized development processes.

Among its notable projects, the Palm Jumeirah Beachfront Villas, located on Frond N, exemplify Ellington’s commitment to exceptional design and quality living. These beachfront residences, featuring five bedrooms, a private pool, and elegant interiors with a modern color scheme, offer seclusion and tranquility on the prestigious Palm Jumeirah. Influenced by modern London architecture, Wilton Park Residences, another standout development, provides an urban oasis with studios, and 1 & 2 bedrooms. Meticulously designed for contemporary living, the development seamlessly blends aesthetic design, privacy, and community living.

In collaboration with Rak Properties, Ellington presents Porto Playa on Hayat Island, Ras Al-Khaimah. This design-focused property offers expansive sea views with weightless, layered architecture, creating a sophisticated living experience that integrates active and social spaces against the diverse landscape of Ras Al Khaimah.

10) Danube Properties

Established in 1993 by Rizwan Sajan, Danube Group has evolved from a single store in Deira, Dubai, into a trusted household brand over its 30-year journey. Operating in nine countries, the multi-million dollar Group, headquartered in Dubai, encompasses diverse business verticals, including award-winning entities like Danube Building Material, Danube Home, and Alucopanel. Recognized among the top 5 developers in the UAE, Danube Properties, the company’s real estate arm, prioritizes timely delivery and exceptional quality, garnering over 50 awards as a testament to its commitment to excellence and enduring consumer relationships.

Among Danube Properties’ notable projects is Wavez by Danube, located in Dubai’s Liwan township. This development offers 414 affordable apartments in two 10-storey buildings with unique amenities, including a pool, Jacuzzi, and the integrated retail space called Wavez Avenue, emphasizing open-space living near a public park. Another innovative project, Miraclez by Danube, introduces a unique residential concept that maximizes space by converting the living room into a bedroom with modular furniture. The development features 395 studios, 132 one-bedroom, and 64 two-bedroom apartments, along with 8 retail spaces for shopping and leisure experiences. ELZ by Danube, strategically located with easy access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, prioritizes green spaces and provides essential infrastructure and amenities, making it a smart choice for modern living in Dubai.