1 – EMAAR PROPERTIES
Emaar Properties has been making waves in the UAE’s real estate sector since it was established in 1997. As one of the leading developers in the UAE, Emaar’s interests stretch throughout hospitality, retail, residential and commercial property development. Apart from the United Arab Emirates, the company has a presence across several foreign markets like North Africa and the Middle East.
The Dubai-based developer is responsible for several iconic projects in Dubai. Two jewels in Emaar’s crown are the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and The Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world. A relatively new addition to their portfolio is the Dubai Opera, which is also the first dedicated opera house in the UAE. Furthermore, Emaar were also the masterminds behind the creation of The Dubai Fountain, a choreographed fountain display which is immensely popular with both visitors and tourists alike.
Apart from hotels and resorts, Emaar’s portfolio also includes several residential communities like Downtown Dubai, Emaar Beachfront, Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, The Meadows, The Lakes, The Greens and The Springs.
2 – NAKHEEL
Nakheel is another well-known name which is often featured in the list of best real estate developers in Dubai, for good reason. The company’s projects cover a major portion of the country’s real estate sector – spanning across leisure developments, retail, hospitality, commercial and residential projects.
One of Nakheel’s many noteworthy projects is the massive Palm Jumeirah in Dubai. The development of the artificial archipelago was a feat in itself, considering that it added more than 300 kilometres to Dubai’s coastline. It also expanded the city’s real estate sector with hundreds of waterfront resorts, hotels, homes and other attractions.
Aside from the man-made island, Nakheel has a growing range of other notable residential projects to its name. This includes Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Village, The Gardens, Nad Al Sheba Villas and International City. Additionally, Nakheel has many popular retail projects in its portfolio, including Nakheel Mall, The Pointe, Dragon Mart, Dragon Mart 2, Ibn Battuta Mall, and Golden Mile Galleria.
3 – DUBAI PROPERTIES
As the property management and development unit of the Dubai Holding Group, Dubai Properties is known for shaping some of Dubai’s most recognisable real estate destinations. Dubai Holding was established in 2004 and has operations in over 13 countries. Collectively, its asset portfolio is estimated to be worth around AED 130 billion.
Their portfolio of projects includes highly acclaimed developments such as JBR (Jumeirah Beach Residence), Dubailand, Business Bay and others. Additionally, the company’s projects also include the freehold residential project Madinat Jumeirah Living and Marsa Al Arab, a luxury tourism and waterfront destination in Jumeirah.
4 – MERAAS
Meraas is a Dubai-based holding company that has launched several developments in multiple sectors including real estate, F&B, retail, entertainment, healthcare and hospitality. It was founded in 2007 and has developed a number of popular projects since its inception. Examples include Boxpark, City Walk, The Outlet Village, The Beach and La Mer.
As one of the top property developers in Dubai, Meraas is also credited for spearheading a diverse range of residential projects in the emirate. These include Port de la Mer, a pristine island community located at the heart of Jumeirah. Other prominent projects by Meraas are Nkki Beach Resort and Spa, Caesars Palace Bluewaters, Bvlgari Resort and Residences.