Aldar Reports AED 7.1 Billion Profit as UAE Property Expansion Gains Momentum
Abu Dhabi developer records 19% profit growth, expands its investment portfolio to AED 57 billion and strengthens its project pipeline across the Emirates
Aldar Group has reported a strong financial performance for the first nine months of 2026, with higher earnings supported by property development activity, rental income and investments in income-generating assets.
The Abu Dhabi-based developer recorded AED 7.1 billion in net profit after tax between January and September, representing a 19% increase compared with the same period last year. Earnings per share also advanced by 20% to AED 0.77, according to the company's latest results.
The figures reflect contributions from the company's development business and its expanding portfolio of investment properties, which provides a recurring source of income beyond individual project sales.
Investment Portfolio Reaches AED 57 Billion
Aldar Investment increased the value of its assets under management to AED 57 billion, supported by acquisitions and the completion of new facilities.
Recent additions include a cold storage facility operated by Emirates Snack Foods and the first phase of a Grade A logistics centre at National Industries Park in Dubai. These assets broaden the group's exposure to specialised commercial and industrial property segments.
Adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation rose 21% year-on-year to AED 2.8 billion. Higher occupancy, rental growth and contributions from recently acquired properties supported the increase.
The company's develop-to-hold programme, which involves retaining completed assets to generate long-term income, also continues to expand. Its pipeline reached AED 21.3 billion following the announcement of AED 6.6 billion in additional projects since the beginning of the year.
Major Transactions Strengthen Aldar's UAE Presence
Aldar continued to pursue investment opportunities through partnerships and acquisitions during the third quarter.
One notable transaction involved the acquisition of Masdar City Square by Aldar and Mubadala for AED 918 million. The nearly fully occupied property was purchased through a joint venture established in 2024, adding another income-producing asset to their portfolio.
The company also announced a strategic partnership with Arada in September. The arrangement creates AED 11 billion in development opportunities through projects in Seih Al Sedeirah and the sale of land on Yas Island to Arada.
In October, Aldar agreed to acquire more than 1,100 residential units at Arada's Aljada development in Sharjah through a forward purchase agreement valued at AED 1.1 billion. The transaction marks Aldar's first real estate investment in Sharjah and extends its residential investment activities beyond Abu Dhabi.
Property Sales Remain a Major Revenue Driver
Aldar's development business generated AED 18.9 billion in sales during the first nine months of 2026, including AED 6.8 billion in the third quarter. UAE sales accounted for AED 14.4 billion of the nine-month total.
The company introduced seven projects during the third quarter, taking its total number of launches for the year to 12. The stronger launch activity followed a more measured approach during the first half of 2026.
International buyers and expatriate residents continued to contribute significantly to demand. Sales to these customer groups reached AED 11.3 billion during the nine-month period, equivalent to 78% of Aldar's UAE sales.
At the end of September, the group's development backlog stood at AED 71.6 billion, including AED 59.3 billion in the UAE. This represents contracted development work yet to be recognised as revenue and provides visibility over future earnings, subject to project execution and delivery.
New Destinations Expand the Development Pipeline
Aldar is also building its longer-term project portfolio through new residential destinations in Abu Dhabi.
Among its latest developments are Marsa Al Saadiyat, with a gross development value of AED 60 billion, and Yas Point, valued at AED 6 billion in gross development value.
These projects add to the company's development opportunities and reinforce its presence in established and emerging residential locations across the emirate.
Beyond the UAE, Aldar's international businesses also recorded substantial sales growth. SODIC, its Egyptian property business, reported a 99% increase in sales for the first nine months, while London Square recorded growth of 177% over the same period.
Strong Liquidity Supports Future Investment
Aldar's financial position was supported by access to funding and a series of financing transactions completed earlier in the year.
The group raised US$2 billion through hybrid issuances during the first quarter and secured an AED 5 billion sustainability-linked revolving credit facility in the second quarter. Its total liquidity reached AED 38.2 billion at the end of September.
This financial flexibility provides resources to support development commitments, manage funding requirements and assess further investment opportunities.
Outlook: Development Delivery and Recurring Income
As Aldar enters the final quarter of 2026, the company's priorities include progressing existing projects, converting customer demand into sales and advancing its development and investment pipelines.
Its latest results highlight two important elements of its business strategy: continuing to launch and deliver residential developments while increasing the contribution of properties that generate recurring rental income.
For the UAE property market, Aldar's performance offers insight into how major developers are combining residential sales, commercial property investments and long-term development plans to diversify their earnings and expand their presence across the country.
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