Key Stats
Revenue (2024): AED 35.5 billion ($9.6 billion)
Market Cap: AED 117 billion (~$31.4 billion)
Headquarters: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Founded: June 23, 1997
Founder: Mohamed Alabbar
Emaar Properties PJSC ranks among the largest real estate developers in the Middle East. The company created some of Dubai’s most recognizable landmarks, including the Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Mall.
Emaar operates through three main business segments: Real Estate, Leasing and Retail, and Hospitality. The company has delivered over 117,000 residential units since 2002 and maintains a land bank exceeding 1.7 billion square feet across the UAE and international markets.
Listed on the Dubai Financial Market, Emaar has expanded beyond Dubai into Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, India, Pakistan, and other countries. The company’s portfolio includes premium hotels under brands like The Address, Vida, and Palace Hotels.
Emaar Properties History
1997
Mohamed Alabbar founded Emaar Properties on June 23 in Dubai. The company aimed to transform Dubai into a modern metropolis through master-planned communities.
2000
Emaar listed on the Dubai Financial Market as a public joint-stock company. The IPO helped fund the company’s ambitious development plans.
2004
Construction began on Downtown Dubai, a 500-acre mega-project that would house the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, and Dubai Fountain.
2008
The Dubai Mall opened as the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination. It now attracts over 100 million visitors annually.
2010
Burj Khalifa opened as the world’s tallest building at 828 meters. The tower features the Armani Hotel Dubai and At.mosphere restaurant.
2017
Emaar Malls acquired a 51% stake in fashion e-commerce platform Namshi for $151 million. This marked the company’s expansion into digital retail.
2023
Dubai Mall recorded 105 million visitors, becoming the most visited place on Earth. Emaar sold Namshi to Noon for AED 1.23 billion.
2024
Emaar achieved record property sales of AED 70 billion and revenue of AED 35.5 billion. The company acquired 141 million square feet of development land in Dubai.
Emaar Properties Co-founders
Mohamed Ali Alabbar
Founder and Managing Director of Emaar Properties. Alabbar established the company in 1997 and transformed Dubai’s real estate landscape through iconic developments including Burj Khalifa and Downtown Dubai.
Emaar Properties Competitors
Emaar Properties competes with major real estate developers across the UAE and Middle East. Aldar Properties leads Abu Dhabi’s market while DAMAC and Nakheel represent significant competition in Dubai.
| Company | Headquarters | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| DAMAC Properties | Dubai, UAE | Luxury residential, branded residences |
| Nakheel | Dubai, UAE | Waterfront communities, Palm Jumeirah |
| Aldar Properties | Abu Dhabi, UAE | Master-planned communities, mixed-use |
| Sobha Realty | Dubai, UAE | Premium residential, integrated developments |
| Meraas | Dubai, UAE | Lifestyle destinations, entertainment |
| Dubai Properties | Dubai, UAE | Mixed-use developments, JBR |
| Majid Al Futtaim | Dubai, UAE | Retail, shopping malls, entertainment |
| Danube Properties | Dubai, UAE | Affordable luxury residential |
| Binghatti | Dubai, UAE | Architectural design, mid-market |
| Ellington Properties | Dubai, UAE | Design-led boutique developments |
Emaar Properties Market Cap
Emaar Properties maintains a market capitalization of approximately AED 117 billion ($31.4 billion) as of late 2025. The company ranks among the most valuable real estate developers globally and trades on the Dubai Financial Market under the ticker EMAAR.
Emaar Properties Revenue
Emaar Properties recorded revenue of AED 35.5 billion ($9.6 billion) in 2024, a 33% increase from the previous year. The company achieved its highest-ever financial results driven by strong property sales and steady performance from malls and hospitality.
Emaar Properties Acquisitions
Emaar Properties has pursued strategic acquisitions to expand its portfolio beyond traditional real estate development. The company’s acquisition strategy focuses on complementary businesses in retail, hospitality, and international markets.
In 2017, Emaar Malls acquired a 51% stake in Namshi, a leading fashion e-commerce platform in the Middle East, for $151 million. This move aligned with the company’s digital transformation strategy. Emaar completed the full acquisition of Namshi in February 2019, paying an additional $129.5 million for the remaining 49% stake from Global Fashion Group.
Namshi operated as a subsidiary until 2023 when Emaar sold the platform to Noon.com for AED 1.23 billion ($335 million). The sale generated a profit over the original investment and allowed Emaar to focus on its core real estate operations.
Emaar has also expanded through hospitality acquisitions. The company acquired Hamptons International to strengthen its property management services. In October 2024, Emaar purchased Grand Hotel Imperiale to grow its luxury hotel portfolio.
The company’s international expansion included forming joint ventures in key markets. Emaar MGF in India represents a significant partnership for the Indian real estate sector. Emaar also established operations in Egypt through Emaar Misr, in Turkey through Emaar Square Istanbul, and in Saudi Arabia through Emaar The Economic City. These expansions created a global footprint spanning over 36 markets. In 2024, Emaar acquired 141 million square feet of development land in prime Dubai locations with a total development value of AED 96 billion, positioning the company for future growth.
FAQs
Who founded Emaar Properties?
Mohamed Ali Alabbar founded Emaar Properties on June 23, 1997, in Dubai, UAE. He continues to serve as the founder and Managing Director, overseeing the company’s global operations.
What did Emaar Properties build?
Emaar built the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building at 828 meters, The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, and Downtown Dubai. The company has delivered over 117,000 residential units.
Where is Emaar Properties headquartered?
Emaar Properties is headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The company operates as a public joint-stock company listed on the Dubai Financial Market.
What is Emaar Properties revenue?
Emaar Properties generated AED 35.5 billion ($9.6 billion) in revenue during 2024. This represented a 33% increase from 2023 and the company’s highest-ever annual revenue.
Is Emaar Properties publicly traded?
Yes, Emaar Properties trades on the Dubai Financial Market under the ticker symbol EMAAR. The company went public in 2000 and maintains a market cap of approximately $31.4 billion.
