Aldar has announced plans to invest AED3.8 billion across residential, commercial, and logistics developments in Abu Dhabi, bringing its develop-to-hold pipeline to AED17.6 billion. The projects span multiple locations including Al Shamkha, Yas Island, and Abu Dhabi Business Hub, targeting rental markets and Grade A office space.
Abu Dhabi-based developer Aldar Investment has unveiled a series of develop-to-hold projects with a combined gross development value of AED3.8 billion, marking a significant expansion of its income-generating portfolio across the emirate.
The new investments bring Aldar’s total develop-to-hold pipeline to AED17.6 billion, reflecting the company’s strategic focus on creating long-term revenue streams rather than just selling properties.
“Our latest investments reflect the strong demand we are seeing for residential rental units, Grade A commercial space, and logistics real estate in Abu Dhabi,” said Jassem Salah Busaibe, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Investment. “The develop-to-hold strategy is a core growth driver for Aldar, enabling us to significantly expand our diverse portfolio of income-generating assets across the UAE while responding to client requirements.”
Residential Expansion on Multiple Fronts
Aldar will develop a new residential community in Alreeman, Al Shamkha, offering nearly 2,000 studios and one-, two-, and three-bedroom units targeted at the rental market. The development will include community retail, leisure amenities, and open green spaces, with direct highway connections to Dubai and proximity to Zayed International Airport.
On Yas Island, the company will deliver 665 rental units, including a gated community with 217 townhouses and villas aimed at young professionals and families. Additionally, Aldar will add 448 apartments as an extension to Yas Residential Village, a community dedicated to accommodating staff working on the island.
Grade A Office and Logistics Infrastructure
Yas Business Park represents Aldar’s commercial expansion, featuring a four-tower office complex with 47,500 square metres of Grade A leasable space. The development, strategically positioned near Yas Mall and Aldar’s headquarters at Aldar Square, is expected to complete by the second half of 2027. It will offer amenity-rich workspaces with expansive, customisable floorplates.
Building on the success of Abu Dhabi Business Hub—which achieved occupancy levels exceeding 93 per cent following its 2024 expansion—Aldar is adding 175,000 square metres of logistics space. The facilities will cater to third-party logistics, e-commerce, and distribution tenants with direct access to the E30 highway.
The investment also includes the planned Abu Dhabi Tesla Experience Centre, a 5,000 square metre facility featuring a showroom, service centre, and delivery operations.
Portfolio Milestone
Upon completion, these new developments will join Aldar Investment’s portfolio of income-generating real estate, valued at AED47 billion. The develop-to-hold strategy underscores a broader market shift in the UAE, where developers increasingly focus on long-term asset retention and rental income alongside traditional sales models, particularly amid strong demand for residential rentals and premium commercial space.
The announcement reflects confidence in Abu Dhabi’s economic outlook and Abu Dhabi’s projected 6% economic growth in 2025, supported by continued investment in real estate and infrastructure development across the emirate.
