Aldar and Arada forge landmark AED15 billion partnership across Abu Dhabi
Two of the region's leading developers have announced a transformative strategic alliance combining major projects on Yas Island and at Seih Sdeirah, establishing Arada's inaugural presence in the emirate.
Abu Dhabi’s property development landscape has been enriched by the announcement of a significant strategic partnership between Aldar and Arada, unveiled on 30th September. The collaboration encompasses substantial development opportunities across two prestigious locations, with a combined value of approximately AED15 billion.
The initial phase comprises a strategic masterplan joint venture to develop a substantial mixed-use community at Seih Sdeirah on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai border, whilst Arada simultaneously acquires three residential development plots on the iconic Yas Island. This collaboration marks a pivotal milestone for Arada, representing the company’s first development endeavours in Abu Dhabi.
The partnership unites Aldar’s considerable scale, strategic land portfolio and proven development expertise with Arada’s complementary capabilities and distinguished track record in delivering large-scale residential communities. The agreements were formalised in the presence of Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, alongside Talal Al Dhiyebi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Aldar.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr Al Dhiyebi remarked that the partnership represents a convergence of two leading UAE developers united by complementary capabilities and shared aspirations to create exceptional destinations. He noted that the opportunities at Yas Island and Seih Sdeirah establish a robust foundation for collaboration, with considerable potential for expansion across diverse sectors and geographies throughout the Emirates.
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group Chief Executive Officer of Arada, emphasised that Aldar’s scale, vision and established platform in Abu Dhabi provide the ideal framework for the calibre of communities the partnership intends to deliver. He characterised the agreement as the foundation of an enduring and productive collaboration, with substantial opportunities extending across Abu Dhabi and the broader UAE market.
At Seih Sdeirah, the partners will co-develop an expansive mixed-use community spanning up to 1.5 million square metres. The development will comprise villas and townhouses complemented by retail and recreational amenities, leveraging the distinctive strengths of both companies. Arada will assume leadership of development and construction management, whilst both entities will jointly brand and market the community.
The Yas Island acquisition involves three development plots totalling over 27,500 square metres of land area, with approximately 130,000 square metres of gross floor area. Two plots offer canal-facing positions, enabling Arada to establish premium residential communities whilst enhancing Yas Island’s residential portfolio. This represents Arada’s inaugural market entry in Abu Dhabi through direct residential development.
The partnership’s initial phase encompasses these flagship projects, with both developers committed to exploring additional collaboration opportunities across multiple asset classes, sectors and locations throughout the UAE.
Source: WAM