Emaar Properties  

The entity has grown from a Dubai-focused developer into one of the Middle East’s largest integrated real estate and lifestyle groups, with operations spanning residential development, shopping malls, hospitality, leisure, commercial property and international real estate.

Founded in 1997 and led by founder Mohamed Alabbar, Emaar is responsible for some of Dubai’s most recognisable developments, including Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai, and has built a substantial portfolio of master-planned communities across the emirate and international markets.

The group entered 2026 after delivering its strongest annual financial performance on record. Revenue increased 40 per cent in 2025 to Dhs49.6bn, while EBITDA rose 33 per cent to Dhs25.6bn. Net profit before tax climbed 36 per cent to Dhs25.7bn, while net profit after tax stood at Dhs22.3bn. Property sales reached a record Dhs80.4bn, up 16 per cent. The growth continued during the first half of 2026. Property sales reached Dhs26.6bn, while the revenue backlog increased to Dhs164.9bn by June 30, providing substantial visibility over future revenue recognition. Net profit for the half reached Dhs11.1bn. Emaar’s scale is supported by one of the region’s largest development pipelines. Its 2025 annual report placed the group’s land bank in key markets at approximately 618 million square feet, including about 344 million square feet in the UAE.

A major strength of the business is its mix of development earnings and recurring income. Shopping malls, hospitality, entertainment and commercial leasing contributed 32 per cent of group EBITDA in 2025, reducing Emaar’s reliance on residential property sales alone.

That diversification has become increasingly important as Emaar scales both its development pipeline and its long-term operating assets. Emaar’s next phase will centre on converting its exceptionally large backlog into completed projects and recognised revenue while preserving margins and delivery quality. Its combination of a sizeable land bank, substantial advance sales and recurring income businesses gives the group a broader earnings base than a pure residential developer and keeps it central to Dubai’s continuing urban expansion.