Emaar Eyes Global Expansion Through Acquisitions

Dubai’s real estate giant Emaar Properties is setting its sights on international growth, with founder and managing director Mohamed Alabbar confirming that the company is actively exploring mergers and acquisitions in “big countries” such as the US, India, China, and Europe.

Backed by a surge in Dubai’s property market — which drove net profit before tax up 25% to AED 18.9 billion ($5.1 billion) in 2024 and a further 34% growth in the first half of 2025 — Emaar is now considering global expansion to sustain its momentum.

Alabbar noted that while Emaar has previously operated subsidiaries abroad, a buy-over strategy could prove more effective than building businesses from scratch. With a low debt profile and strong balance sheet, the company is well-positioned to leverage equity and debt financing for international acquisitions.

Quoting Alabbar: “Emaar is strong in the UAE, but perhaps the local market is becoming too small for us to continue this growth story. The model of investing in a big local player abroad is a smarter way forward.”

This strategic pivot reflects Emaar’s ambition to capitalize on booming real estate returns in Dubai while expanding its global footprint. The plan, however, still awaits board approval.

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