Aldar Enters Sharjah Real Estate Market with Dh1.1 Billion Aljada Acquisition
The agreement with Arada covers nine residential buildings containing more than 1,100 homes, with handover expected in the fourth quarter of 2029.
Aldar Properties is entering Sharjah's residential real estate market through a Dh1.1 billion agreement with Arada to acquire nine residential buildings within the Aljada master development.
Announced on October 15, 2026, the forward purchase agreement covers more than 1,100 residential units across three residential blocks. The properties are scheduled for delivery in the fourth quarter of 2029.
The transaction expands Aldar's develop-to-hold investment pipeline to Dh21 billion, supporting its strategy of building a portfolio of residential assets that generate recurring rental income.
The move also strengthens the relationship between Aldar and Arada following their previously announced Dh15 billion development partnership.
Aldar Expands Its Residential Investment Portfolio
The acquisition marks Aldar's first real estate investment in Sharjah and represents a further step in the company's expansion into new UAE markets.
According to Aldar Group Chief Executive Officer Talal Al Dhiyebi, the transaction supports the company's strategy of growing its residential rental portfolio while entering markets with long-term investment potential.
Al Dhiyebi highlighted Aljada as an attractive entry point because of its position as one of Sharjah's major master-planned communities.
The acquisition will give Aldar exposure to Sharjah's residential market while increasing the company's portfolio of properties intended for long-term ownership and rental returns.
More Than 1,100 Residential Units Expected by 2029
The nine buildings will add more than 1,100 homes to Aldar's portfolio once Arada completes and delivers the properties.
The homes are expected to appeal primarily to residents looking for long-term accommodation, including households seeking comparatively accessible housing within an established, integrated community.
The transaction reflects Aldar's focus on acquiring residential assets that can generate recurring income over an extended period rather than relying exclusively on property sales.
The planned handover in late 2029 also provides a longer-term view of the development pipeline and the future supply of rental homes within Aljada.
Arada Highlights Confidence in Sharjah's Housing Market
Arada Group Chief Executive Officer Ahmed Alkhoshaibi described the agreement as a positive indication of investor confidence in Aljada and Sharjah's wider residential market.
He also noted that the transaction strengthens the partnership between the two developers, with further opportunities being explored across different sectors.
The agreement brings together Aldar's strategy of expanding its investment property portfolio and Arada's development capabilities within one of Sharjah's largest mixed-use communities.
Aljada's Long-Term Development Plans
Aljada covers approximately 2.2 million square metres and is planned to accommodate around 25,000 residential units when fully developed. The master development has an anticipated gross sales value of Dh35 billion.
According to the reported figures, more than 8,800 homes had been delivered since residential handovers began in 2021.
The community also features Madar, a family entertainment destination, two international schools, two hotels, the Nest student accommodation complex and more than 300,000 square feet of occupied retail space.
Further planned developments include the Arada Central Business District and Madar Mall, which are expected to broaden the community's commercial, retail and leisure facilities.
These amenities form part of Aljada's wider vision as a mixed-use destination combining residential living with education, business, entertainment and shopping.
What the Deal Means for Sharjah Real Estate
Aldar's Dh1.1 billion acquisition represents a notable addition to Sharjah's residential investment market. It also signals the growing importance of income-generating residential assets in the strategies of major UAE property developers.
For Aldar, the transaction offers an entry into a new emirate and an opportunity to expand its rental portfolio. For Arada, the agreement strengthens its relationship with an established institutional property investor.
With delivery scheduled for late 2029, the development will contribute more than 1,100 homes to Aljada's residential offering once completed.
The transaction further highlights Aljada's continuing development and Sharjah's role in attracting investment from major UAE real estate companies.
