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Tag: Dubai developers

  • S&P Rules Out 2008-Style Crash for Dubai Property Market

    S&P Rules Out 2008-Style Crash for Dubai Property Market

    Dubai’s real estate sector is structurally resilient and will not experience a collapse comparable to the 2008 global financial crisis, according to S&P Global Ratings analysts speaking at a March 26, 2026 webinar.

    The ratings agency highlighted that major developers have entered the current period of regional uncertainty from a position of strength, supported by years of robust pre-sales, solid revenue backlogs covering several years of operations, and healthy liquidity reserves.

    Four rated developers demonstrate stability

    S&P’s assessment covers four Dubai-based developers: Damac, Emaar, Omniyat, and Sobha Realty. Notably, Sobha Realty exceeded rating expectations and saw its outlook upgraded from negative to stable.

    “We’re not really seeing that play out just yet. The situation has definitely introduced a level of caution, but what we are seeing are lower transaction volumes,” said Sapna Jagtiani, director and lead analyst of Corporate Ratings at S&P Global Ratings.

    Developers in Dubai are entering this period from a position of strength, supported by strong pre-sales in recent years, solid revenue backlogs, and healthy liquidity buffers, which should help them absorb a short-term shock.

    Fares Shweiky, associate director of Corporate Ratings at S&P, emphasized that the current financial cushion should enable developers to weather short-term volatility.

    Base case scenario: temporary slowdown

    S&P’s base case assumes the regional military conflict will last approximately two to four weeks, with a temporary slowdown in demand and price appreciation following years of rapid growth. The agency expects a slight decline in transaction volumes but sees no indication of a broader market collapse.

    Jagtiani noted that some of the reduced activity can be attributed to Ramadan, when markets typically experience quieter periods with lower sales volumes.

    Market data shows resilience

    Despite regional tensions, Dubai’s property market continues to attract capital, with data from proptech firm Smart Bricks indicating that 85 percent of landlords are holding their assets and continuing transactions at scale.

    Even during Ramadan, traditionally a slower period, Dubai real estate recorded 15,196 transactions with a combined value of Dh50.58 billion, representing a 5.63% year-on-year increase in volume and a 29.7% increase in value, according to Kelt and Co Realty.

    Five-year growth trajectory

    Dubai’s property developers have recorded exceptionally strong sales over the past five years, driven by robust investor demand, government reforms, and the emirate’s expanding global appeal. Growth has been broad-based across apartments, villas, and commercial assets, with developers consistently launching projects met with strong off-plan demand and high absorption rates.

    The momentum continued through 2025, which marked a record-breaking performance for Dubai’s property sector. Developers benefited from sustained population inflows, rising investor confidence, and attractive residency policies that drove both end-user demand and international investment.

    The S&P assessment reinforces market sentiment that Dubai’s real estate fundamentals remain sound, with structural advantages and diversified buyer base providing support even as the region navigates geopolitical uncertainty. Unlike 2008, when overleveraged developers faced liquidity crises and massive project cancellations, today’s market operates with stronger financial controls, more conservative lending practices, and significantly improved regulatory oversight.

  • BEYOND Developments Unveils EVERMORE Master Plan on Marjan Beach

    BEYOND Developments Unveils EVERMORE Master Plan on Marjan Beach

    The announcement, made on February 13, 2026, marks BEYOND’s inaugural venture outside Dubai and introduces a French-inspired waterfront development spanning over 7 million square feet of gross floor area. The project is positioned opposite Wynn Al Marjan Island on one of the emirate’s most strategic beachfront plots.

    Mahdi Amjad, Founder and Executive Chairman of BEYOND Developments, emphasized the significance of the launch:

    “Ras Al Khaimah is witnessing a new phase of development, underpinned by disciplined planning, rising global relevance and the long-term vision of its leadership whose support has been instrumental in enabling our entry into the emirate. EVERMORE stands as a defining milestone in our journey, marking our first expansion outside Dubai and first destination in Ras Al Khaimah.”

    The master plan introduces 250,000 square meters of landscaped open spaces, including a central botanical garden, designed as a fully pedestrian-oriented development. Shaded walkways and green connections link the botanical garden to 3.5 kilometers of accessible beachfront, prioritizing walkability and resident well-being.

    EVERMORE integrates residential, hospitality, and retail components, including 1 million square feet of hospitality and branded residential offerings. The destination features a festival and events plaza, botanical souqs, an F&B village, and a continuous beachfront promenade, forming a self-sustained cultural and leisure district.

    Abdulla Al Abdouli, Group CEO of Marjan, highlighted the project’s importance:

    “As the second-largest master plan within our portfolio, it strengthens Marjan Beach’s evolution as a destination where lifestyle, hospitality, and nature come together to shape the future of the emirate. This master plan adds a meaningful new layer to the beach’s evolution and strengthens its positioning as a global lifestyle and investment destination.”

    The architectural vision draws inspiration from French classical design, reinterpreting proportion, symmetry, and spatial order through a contemporary lens. Cascading buildings are arranged to maximize uninterrupted sea and landscape views, with wind-flow strategies, shaded pathways, dense greenery, and pedestrian bridges ensuring year-round comfort.

    The unveiling took place through an immersive launch experience featuring light installations, layered soundscapes, and theatrical storytelling, translating the spirit of the master plan into a sensory narrative for attendees.

    EVERMORE is designed to contribute meaningfully to the Ras Al Khaimah Vision 2030, aligning with the emirate’s evolving urban and economic development strategy. The project’s scale and positioning reflect growing confidence in Ras Al Khaimah’s real estate investment landscape, as developers increasingly look beyond Dubai’s saturated markets.

  • Emaar Properties Reports Record 2025 Results with Dh80.4 Billion Sales

    Emaar Properties delivered its strongest financial performance to date in 2025, with growth accelerating across all business segments including property development, retail, hospitality, and international operations.

    The Dubai-based developer reported a 16% year-on-year increase in property sales to Dh80.4 billion ($21.9 billion), while total revenue climbed 40% to Dh49.6 billion ($13.5 billion). Net profit before tax rose 36% to Dh25.7 billion ($7 billion), and EBITDA reached Dh25.6 billion ($7 billion), marking a 33% increase from 2024.

    Revenue backlog surged 39% to Dh155 billion ($42.1 billion), providing substantial visibility on future earnings and demonstrating sustained market confidence.

    “Our 2025 results were shaped by a business environment that enables ambition and rewards long-term thinking. The UAE Government and the city of Dubai have created a framework built on stability, clear regulation, and openness to global investment, allowing companies like Emaar to plan with confidence, scale responsibly, and focus on execution,” said Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar founder.

    Domestic Development Drives Growth

    Emaar Development PJSC recorded Dh71.1 billion ($19.4 billion) in UAE property sales, representing a 9% increase from 2024. Revenue from domestic projects reached Dh36.4 billion ($9.9 billion), while net profit before tax grew an impressive 52% to Dh15.5 billion ($4.2 billion).

    The company launched 48 new residential projects throughout the year, including high-profile developments such as Grand Polo Club and Resort, The Valley, and Bristol at Emaar Beachfront. The UAE backlog stood at Dh134.3 billion ($36.6 billion), reflecting strong pre-sales momentum.

    These results align with broader market trends, as Dubai’s property sector continues its upward trajectory with record-breaking transaction volumes.

    International Expansion Accelerates

    International property sales experienced exceptional growth, surging 124% to Dh9.3 billion ($2.5 billion), with revenue of Dh2.6 billion ($0.7 billion) generated across operations in Egypt and India. This expansion demonstrates Emaar’s successful geographic diversification strategy beyond its home market.

    Recurring Revenue Streams Strengthen

    Emaar’s malls and retail leasing revenue increased 13% to Dh6.3 billion ($1.7 billion), maintaining an impressive 98% occupancy rate across its portfolio. The hospitality, leisure, and entertainment segment recorded revenue of Dh4.2 billion ($1.1 billion), up 12%, supported by higher tourism inflows and the addition of three new hotels.

    Combined recurring revenue from malls, hotels, and commercial leasing reached Dh10.5 billion ($2.8 billion), reflecting a 13% increase and strengthening the company’s diversified income base.

    The record performance comes as Dubai’s property market demonstrates exceptional momentum, with investor confidence remaining robust amid favorable regulatory frameworks and economic stability.

    Emaar’s 2025 results reinforce the company’s market leadership position and highlight the sustained appeal of Dubai real estate as a destination for both end-users and investors seeking long-term value in a transparent, well-regulated environment.