Emaar Properties

Overview

As one of the world’s largest real estate companies, Emaar Properties operates with a net asset value exceeding AED 177.5 billion. The developer specializes in creating master-planned communities, premium residential properties, luxury hotels, shopping centers, and entertainment venues.

Listed on the Dubai Financial Market since 2000, Emaar was the first property company in the region to offer shares to foreign nationals. The company maintains a land bank of approximately 1.7 billion square feet across the UAE and international markets, demonstrating its substantial development capacity and long-term growth potential.

Background

Founded in June 1997, Emaar Properties commenced operations as a public company following its initial public offering in 2000. The Dubai government initially held complete ownership, with founding shareholders maintaining a minority stake. Over nearly three decades, Emaar has delivered more than 117,000 residential units across Dubai and global markets, establishing itself as a pioneer in transforming urban landscapes.

Areas of operation

Emaar Properties maintains development operations across multiple continents, with strategic presence in over 20 countries worldwide.

• The United Arab Emirates serves as Emaar’s primary operational headquarters, particularly Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where the company has developed iconic landmarks and master-planned communities including Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, and Arabian Ranches.
• Egypt represents one of Emaar’s strongest international markets, with major developments in Cairo including Uptown Cairo and Marassi on the North Coast, contributing significantly to the company’s overseas revenue.
• India hosts several Emaar developments across multiple cities including Gurgaon, Mohali, and Jaipur, featuring residential communities, commercial spaces, and retail destinations within integrated township projects.
• Saudi Arabia has become a strategic expansion market for Emaar, with developments in Jeddah and other key cities, aligning with the Kingdom’s Vision 2030 urban transformation initiatives.
• Pakistan features Emaar projects in major cities, offering premium residential communities and commercial developments that cater to the growing demand for international-standard real estate offerings.

International operations contribute approximately eight percent of Emaar’s total revenue, with Egypt and India representing the strongest performing markets.

Market presence

Emaar Properties dominates the Dubai real estate sector with an unparalleled portfolio of premium developments and lifestyle destinations. In 2024, Emaar achieved record-breaking property sales reaching AED 70 billion, representing a remarkable 72 percent increase compared to 2023, while maintaining a revenue backlog exceeding AED 110 billion.

Notable projects

Emaar Properties is the mastermind behind several world-renowned architectural marvels and groundbreaking urban developments throughout Dubai.

• Burj Khalifa stands as the crown jewel of Emaar’s portfolio, soaring 828 meters as the world’s tallest structure since its completion in 2010, housing residential apartments, corporate suites, and the Armani Hotel.
• The Dubai Mall encompasses over 1,200 retail stores across 1.1 million square meters, welcoming over 100 million visitors annually, making it the world’s most-visited shopping and entertainment destination.
• Dubai Fountain features the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, spanning 275 meters on the Burj Khalifa Lake, performing daily water shows synchronized to music that attract millions of spectators.
• Dubai Opera opened in 2016 as a 2,000-seat multi-format performing arts venue in Downtown Dubai, hosting world-class theater productions, concerts, ballets, and cultural events throughout the year.
• Dubai Creek Harbour represents a six-square-kilometer mega-development currently under construction, designed to become a new global destination featuring residential towers, retail spaces, and the iconic Dubai Creek Tower.

Other landmark projects include Emaar Beachfront, a waterfront community along the Arabian Gulf, and Address Hotels portfolio featuring luxury hospitality properties.

Notable communities

The developer has created numerous master-planned communities that redefine integrated urban living with world-class amenities and infrastructure.

• Downtown Dubai represents Emaar’s flagship mixed-use development spanning 500 acres in the heart of the city, encompassing Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, and premium residential towers within a pedestrian-friendly environment.
• Dubai Hills Estate covers 2,700 acres of prime land, featuring an 18-hole championship golf course, Dubai Hills Mall, schools, parks, and diverse residential options ranging from villas to apartments.
• Arabian Ranches is an established desert-themed community offering Spanish and Mediterranean-style villas, polo and golf facilities, retail centers, and extensive green spaces within a family-friendly gated environment.
• The Greens and The Views comprise two interconnected communities with over 8,000 apartments, offering residents access to landscaped parks, swimming pools, and retail facilities within a tranquil setting.
• Emaar Beachfront is a waterfront island community along the Arabian Gulf, featuring 27 residential towers with direct beach access, marina facilities, and panoramic sea views near Dubai Marina.

Additional prominent communities include The Meadows, Emirates Living, Dubai Marina, and The Oasis, currently under development as Emaar’s most luxurious community.

Recognition

Emaar Properties has garnered numerous prestigious international and regional awards recognizing excellence across multiple business divisions. The company received the Developer of the Year award at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards 2024, alongside recognition as Sustainable Facility Management Organization of the Year at the MENA Green Building Awards. Additional accolades include multiple Guinness World Records, World Travel Awards, and industry-specific honors for facilities management, customer experience, and architectural innovation.

Track record

Since its inception in 1997, Emaar Properties has established an exceptional delivery track record spanning residential, commercial, hospitality, and retail sectors. The company has successfully delivered over 117,000 residential units across Dubai and international markets since 2002, demonstrating consistent execution capabilities and project completion excellence.

In 2024 alone, Emaar launched 62 new projects across all master-planned communities in the UAE, achieving property sales of AED 65.4 billion in the domestic market and AED 4.1 billion internationally. The company operates 38 hotels and resorts with approximately 9,200 keys globally, manages 1.4 million square meters of leasing revenue-generating assets, and maintains prime retail occupancy rates exceeding 98.5 percent across its shopping mall portfolio.

Leadership

Emaar Properties operates under experienced leadership combining visionary entrepreneurship with operational excellence across all business divisions.

Owner & founder

Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and the Investment Corporation of Dubai represent the two largest shareholders in Emaar Properties.

Chief executive officer (CEO)

Amit Jain currently serves in the corporate office following Emaar’s 2020 elimination of formal job titles, having previously held the group CEO position since 2017.

History

Mohamed Alabbar founded Emaar Properties in June 1997 and served as chairman until December 2020, when he transitioned to managing director while maintaining oversight of daily operations. Ahmad Thani Al Matrooshi joined Emaar in 2005 as managing director, bringing over 26 years of real estate experience to oversee company operations, government affairs, and strategic initiatives.

Expansion

Emaar Properties continues aggressive expansion throughout Dubai and international markets with substantial land acquisitions and new project launches. In 2024, the company acquired 141 million square feet of prime development land in Dubai valued at AED 96 billion, ensuring a robust pipeline for future growth.

Major upcoming developments include The Oasis luxury community with 7,000 units, Dubai Square shopping and entertainment complex at Dubai Creek Harbour, and a AED 1.5 billion expansion of The Dubai Mall adding 240 new luxury stores and dining outlets.

Customer service

Emaar Properties provides comprehensive customer support services through multiple communication channels for property inquiries, sales, and after-sales assistance.

• Email: info@emaar.com / pqa@emaar.ae
• Phone: 800 36227 (within UAE) / +971 4 366 1688 (international)
• Website: www.emaar.com

The company maintains customer service centers at Emaar Square Building in Downtown Dubai, providing in-person assistance for property registration, quality assurance, and general inquiries during standard business hours.