The Company Building Abu Dhabi’s Next Chapter

Under CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi, the developer is combining record growth, international investment and large-scale projects across Abu Dhabi and Dubai to shape the UAE’s next phase of urban development.

For nearly two decades, Abu Dhabi’s transformation has been reflected in its skyline, with Aldar Properties playing a central role in shaping some of the emirate’s most recognisable destinations. From Yas Island and Al Raha Beach to Saadiyat Island and the capital’s commercial districts, Aldar’s projects have accompanied Abu Dhabi’s evolution from an oil-based economy into a diversified global centre.

Today, under Group Chief Executive Talal Al Dhiyebi, Aldar is becoming much more than a property developer. The company has evolved into a diversified investment platform covering residential development, commercial real estate, logistics, hospitality, education, asset management and investment funds.

The scale of that transformation is reflected in Aldar’s financial performance. In 2025, the company recorded its strongest year on record, with net profit rising 36 per cent to Dh8.8 billion and revenue increasing 47 per cent to Dh33.8 billion. Group-wide sales reached Dh40.6 billion, while its development revenue backlog rose to Dh71.7 billion.

International demand has also become increasingly important. International and foreign resident buyers accounted for Dh27.4 billion of sales, representing roughly three-quarters of Aldar’s UAE sales.

Abu Dhabi’s Property Market Enters a New Phase

Aldar’s growth is closely connected to the rapid expansion of Abu Dhabi’s property market. Real estate transactions across the emirate reached Dh142 billion in 2025, a 48 per cent increase from the previous year. Almost 42,800 transactions were recorded, representing a 52 per cent rise in volume.

Sales and purchases accounted for Dh99.4 billion, while mortgage lending made up the remainder. Buyers came from more than 100 nationalities, highlighting the growing international appeal of Abu Dhabi.

Regulatory reforms have played an important role in this transformation. The expansion of freehold ownership, long-term Golden Visas and designated investment zones has made it easier for international investors to participate directly in Abu Dhabi’s property market.

Foreign direct investment in the emirate’s property sector reached Dh8.2 billion in 2025, an increase of 13 per cent, while activity within investment zones exceeded Dh54 billion.

The wider economy is also supporting demand. Abu Dhabi’s economy grew 7.7 per cent year on year in the third quarter of 2025, reaching a record quarterly value of Dh325.7 billion. The non-oil economy accounted for 54 per cent of total output and continued to expand strongly.

Population growth has added another layer of demand. Abu Dhabi’s population increased 7.5 per cent in one year to 4.14 million, driven partly by multinational companies, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and family offices moving to the emirate.

Fahid Island Defines Aldar’s Future Vision

One of Aldar’s clearest expressions of its future strategy is Fahid Island, unveiled in June 2025.

The Dh40 billion masterplan sits between Yas Island and Saadiyat Island and covers approximately 2.7 million square metres, with an 11-kilometre coastline. Eventually, it is expected to accommodate more than 6,000 homes alongside hospitality, retail, education and wellness facilities.

Wellbeing is central to the development. Around 30 per cent of the island is allocated to natural landscapes, while parks, cycling routes, walking trails and beachfront areas are designed to integrate outdoor living into everyday life.

The first launches, including Fahid Beach Residences and The Beach House, generated billions of dirhams in sales and attracted strong interest from UAE residents and international investors.

Yas Island Evolves Into a Residential Destination

Aldar is also continuing to transform Yas Island. Originally known primarily for attractions such as Formula 1, Ferrari World and Yas Mall, the island is increasingly becoming a major residential destination.

Over an 18-month period, Aldar expanded its residential portfolio through projects including Waldorf Astoria Residences Yas, Yas Living, Yas Riva Residences and Yas Park Place.

In July 2026, the company announced Yas Point, a Dh6 billion waterfront masterplan covering approximately 600,000 square metres. The development is planned to include around 1,600 branded residences, a five-star resort, an international school and waterfront retail facilities.

Yas Point is expected to accommodate approximately 5,000 residents. Its proximity to the planned Sphere Abu Dhabi and Disneyland Abu Dhabi further strengthens Yas Island’s position as one of the UAE’s major future entertainment and residential hubs.

Saadiyat Remains the Luxury Centrepiece

Saadiyat Island continues to anchor Aldar’s luxury strategy. Over the past 18 months, the company has expanded its presence through Manarat Living III, The Row Saadiyat, Baccarat Residences Saadiyat and additional releases at Mamsha Gardens.

The island’s appeal is reinforced by major cultural institutions, including Louvre Abu Dhabi, the upcoming Guggenheim Abu Dhabi and the Zayed National Museum.

International institutional interest is also increasing. In 2025, Hong Kong-based Gaw Capital acquired an entire residential building at Mamsha Gardens, marking one of the first major institutional residential investments on Saadiyat Island.

Housing for a Wider Population

Despite its luxury developments, Aldar’s strategy extends beyond premium waterfront properties.

Projects such as Al Deem Townhomes and Al Ghadeer Gardens are designed to address demand for more accessible family housing. Al Ghadeer Gardens, launched in 2026 along the Abu Dhabi-Dubai corridor, sold out at launch.

Aldar has also partnered with Abu Dhabi’s Department of Municipalities and Transport to deliver 9,000 value-oriented rental homes. The programme is intended to provide housing for the emirate’s expanding workforce while adding stable recurring income to Aldar’s investment portfolio.

This diversification is central to the company’s strategy. Alongside property sales, Aldar is expanding its portfolio of rental homes, malls, offices and logistics assets that can generate recurring income over the long term.

Its investment arm managed Dh49 billion in assets and generated Dh8.1 billion in revenue during 2025, up 16 per cent.

Expansion Beyond Abu Dhabi

Aldar’s ambitions are increasingly national. Through a strategic partnership with Dubai Holding, the company has expanded into Dubai through projects including The Wilds and The Wilds Residences.

These developments combine luxury villas and apartments with extensive landscaping and biodiversity features. Further land acquisitions under the partnership are expected to accommodate approximately 14,000 additional homes.

The move demonstrates Aldar’s growing confidence in operating as a national developer rather than remaining focused exclusively on Abu Dhabi.

From Developer to Investment Platform

Aldar’s diversification extends into logistics, commercial offices, hospitality and education. The company has also expanded Aldar Education, including the relocation and development of Cranleigh Abu Dhabi’s campus on Saadiyat Island.

Another major development is Aldar Capital, an investment platform established with Mubadala Capital. The platform is designed to channel international institutional capital into real estate opportunities across the UAE and the wider Gulf.

This represents a significant evolution in Aldar’s business model. The company is no longer simply developing properties; it is increasingly participating in the management and deployment of global capital into the region’s real estate market.

Building Abu Dhabi’s Global Future

For Al Dhiyebi, Aldar’s success is not defined solely by the number of buildings delivered or homes sold. His vision increasingly focuses on sustainability, liveability, economic diversification and long-term value.

That approach closely mirrors Abu Dhabi’s own ambitions. As corporations, investors, entrepreneurs and skilled professionals move to the emirate, the city requires more than landmark buildings. It needs integrated communities, schools, commercial districts, logistics networks, hospitality facilities, rental housing and investment opportunities.

Aldar is increasingly involved in delivering all of them.

With a record 2025 performance, Dh40.6 billion in group-wide sales, a Dh71.7 billion development backlog and buyers representing more than 100 nationalities, the company’s trajectory has become closely connected to Abu Dhabi’s transformation.

From Fahid Island and Yas Point to Saadiyat’s luxury developments, affordable housing, education, logistics and its growing presence in Dubai, Aldar is building a portfolio designed for the long term.

The company’s next chapter is therefore not simply about constructing more real estate. It is about creating the communities, infrastructure and investment ecosystem required for Abu Dhabi to compete as a global city.