Arada Developer: Building Integrated Communities in Dubai & Beyond

Arada  is one of the Gulf’s fastest‑growing real estate developers. Founded in December 2016 as a joint venture between Sharjah’s Basma Group (owned by HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi) and KBW Investments (chaired by HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud), the company officially launched in 2017.

From the outset, Arada developer are pledged to deliver integrated communities that combine residential, commercial and leisure elements rather than isolated housing projects. Its debut development, Nasma Residences, launched in March 2017, became Sharjah’s fastest‑selling residential project when its first phase sold out in under a month. Today the Arada developer is active across the United Arab Emirates and expanding internationally, with a portfolio valued at more than AED 70 billion and a pipeline of 55,000 homes worth AED 130 billion.

Vision: Sustainable, Human‑centred Communities

Arada’s leadership describes the company not simply as a property developer but an ecosystem builder. Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi believes developments should offer residents gyms, schools, hotels, cafés and wellness facilities so people can live, work and play in one community. His long‑term vision is to create neighbourhoods that allow people to enjoy happier, healthier and more meaningful lives. This ethos informs each project, from expansive green corridors to car‑free zones and smart‑home technology.

Rapid Growth and Record Sales

Arada’s sales have accelerated dramatically in recent years. In 2025 the company sold 5,140 homes and generated AED 17.3 billion in sales – 199 % growth over the previous year. Group revenue rose 170 % to AED 6.7 billion and earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) increased 174 % to AED 1.6 billion, reflecting strong profitability. Arada has now sold more than 17,000 homes across nine developments and delivered over 10,000 units. The firm’s backlog exceeded AED 15 billion by Q1 2025, underlining the robust demand for its off‑plan communities.

Flagship Developments in the UAE

Aljada: Sharjah’s Mega Community

Arada’s largest project is Aljada, a 2.2‑square‑kilometre mixed‑use master plan in Sharjah. Home to more than 20,000 residents, Aljada integrates retail, entertainment, sports, education and wellness facilities. When complete, it will feature over 25,000 homes, a 38‑building Central Business District and a range of lifestyle amenities near Sharjah International Airport and the future Etihad Rail station.

The focal point is the Central Hub, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects. Inspired by a water droplet hitting the ground, the car‑free complex spans 1.9 million sq ft (equivalent to 25 football fields) with public plazas, observation towers, recycled water features, solar‑powered lighting and a micro‑climate created by elliptical buildings. The first phase includes a food‑truck village, outdoor cinema and skate park; later phases add water play areas, extreme‑sports centres and an 11‑screen cinema

Masaar: The UAE’s First Forested Community

Masaar is Arada’s signature project in Sharjah and the UAE’s first forested villa community. Phase 1 delivered over 1,500 homes and includes tree‑lined cycling tracks and active‑living facilities. Masaar 2, launched in December 2023, comprises 2,000 villas and townhouses across a 19 million sq ft site valued at AED 5.6 billion. It sold out within three hours of launch and features a green spine with 40,000 trees, a swimmable lagoon with a waterfall, jogging and cycling tracks, a mosque and an outdoor cinema. The first homes will be handed over in 2027 and the entire community by 2028.

Masaar 3, announced in January 2026, adds 4,000 villas and townhouses across eight gated neighbourhoods on a 21 million sq ft plot and is valued at US $3.4 billion. This phase will include a central lagoon pool with waterfalls, 100,000 trees, a five‑kilometre green spine, district‑specific pools, padel and basketball courts, a community centre and a Zad food‑truck park. Construction of Masaar 3 begins in early 2026 with handover due in 2027.

Nasma Residences: Sharjah’s Fastest‑Selling Development

Nasma Residences, launched in March 2017, is a 5 million sq ft neighbourhood with over 1,100 villas and townhouses. The community includes Bareem Townhouses (two‑ and three‑bedroom), semi‑detached villas, signature villas, a large park, a Nasma Square retail centre, GEMS International School and sports and leisure facilities. Located 20 minutes from Sharjah International Airport, Nasma was the emirate’s fastest‑selling development, with its first phase selling out in less than a month.

Jouri Hills at Jumeirah Golf Estates

Arada developer ‘s first Dubai project, Jouri Hills, lies within the prestigious Jumeirah Golf Estates. Scheduled for completion in Q2 2025, it offers 294 luxury homes ranging from three‑bedroom townhouses to six‑bedroom mansions. Residents benefit from smart‑home technology, contemporary interiors, double‑height living spaces and private gardens. Community amenities include 24‑hour security, parks, looped jogging/cycling tracks, a Wellfit membership, sports facilities, entertainment zones and signature villas with private pools and home theatres.

Upcoming Ultra‑Luxury Projects

Armani Beach Residences

Armani Beach Residences at Palm Jumeirah will offer 57 individually designed homes with panoramic Arabian Gulf views, spanning two‑bedroom apartments to penthouses and two presidential suites with private gyms, cinemas and infinity pools. The project, designed by Armani/Casa and Pritzker prize‑winning architect Tadao Ando, features 90,000 sq ft of amenities and is scheduled for completion by 2027.

Akala, World’s first precision wellness destination.

Arada developer were targeting the ultra‑luxury market with several high‑profile projects. Akala, announced in 2024, is billed as the world’s first precision wellness destination, combining a luxury hotel and branded residences between Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Downtown Dubai.

W Residences at Dubai Harbour

In October 2024 Arada unveiled W Residences at Dubai Harbour, a three‑tower seafront complex valued at AED 5 billion that will house 400+ branded residences, including one- to five‑bedroom units and penthouses. Residents will enjoy a 200‑metre infinity pool, Wellfit gym, wellness spa, cinema, music studio and kids’ club; the towers share a podium with co‑working and co‑gaming spaces and are designed to LEED Silver standards.

International Expansion

Arada’s ambition extends well beyond the UAE. In September 2025 the developer acquired a 75 % stake in UK developer Regal (now Arada London), committing AED 2.5 billion to the deal. Regal had a pipeline of 10,000 properties across 11 projects; Arada plans to triple its London pipeline within three years. A separate deal in 2025 saw Arada purchase 80 % of the Thameside West project in London for Dh 12.3 billion; the 2 million sq ft site will deliver 5,000 homes with half the area dedicated to green spaces and strong transport links. In Australia, Arada has an initial pipeline of 5,000 homes valued at US $4 billion across seven developments.

A 2024 investment of AU$200 million established an office in Sydney, with plans to deliver 2,500 homes across the city’s inner‑west, south‑west and Hills Shire suburbs. The company also acquired the New South Wales arm of Roberts Co in May 2025 to control construction and targets US $1 billion in annual revenues from Australia by 2028. These moves reflect a strategy of diversifying into mature markets while exporting Arada’s community‑focused approach.

Complementary Brands and Diversification

To support its communities and reduce reliance on residential sales, Arada has built a portfolio of complementary brands. Wellfit operates the UAE’s largest gym network, including Wellfit, FitnGlam, FITCODE and Platform fitness brands. The company has also entered the food and beverage sector through Zad food‑truck parks and the Manbat farmers’ market partnership with the UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment. Education and hospitality divisions include schools within Aljada and Nasma, and the upcoming Anantara Sharjah Resort & Residences in partnership with Minor Hotels. Arada’s diversification strategy aims to create recurring revenue streams while enhancing the lifestyle offering for residents.

Arada’s Top Leadership

HH Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi – Chairman

Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, a member of the Sharjah ruling family, holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arkansas State University and a Master of Science in Computer Information Systems from the University of Detroit Mercy. He has chaired Basma Group since 2005, Tilal Properties since 2014 and Arada since 2017. Beyond real estate, he chairs the Sharjah National Oil Corporation and the Sharjah Media Council, founded the Sharjah 24 news portal in 2015 and launched the OMNES Media digital‑communications platform in 2017. His broad experience in government, media and business provides strategic guidance for Arada’s growth.

HRH Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud – Executive Vice Chairman

Prince Khaled is a Saudi entrepreneur, investor and advocate for clean energy and healthy living. Born in California and raised in Riyadh under the mentorship of his father, billionaire philanthropist Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, he has holdings on three continents. He is the founder and CEO of KBW Ventures and his investments span fintech, ag‑tech, food technology, aviation, biotechnology and entertainment. In the property market he serves as co‑founder and Executive Vice Chairman of Arada, bringing venture‑capital expertise and a global perspective to the business.

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi – Group Chief Executive Officer

Ahmed Alkhoshaibi has led Arada since its formation in 2017 and is the driving force behind its transformation into an international developer. Under his leadership the company has built a portfolio exceeding AED 70 billion and expanded into sectors including retail, wellness, education, industry and hospitality. Arada has sold more than 17,000 homes, delivered over 10,000 units and launched projects such as Akala, Armani Beach Residences, W Residences and Anantara Sharjah Resort. Ahmed champions sustainable design and community‑focused amenities, oversees a team of 1,500 professionals and has diversified revenues through bonds and sukuk issuances. He articulates Arada’s mission to build integrated, sustainable communities that support healthier, happier lives

Future Outlook

Arada developer ‘s roadmap suggests continued expansion and innovation. Masaar 2 and 3 will deliver thousands of forested villas through 2028, while Aljada’s Central Hub and business district continue to evolve. Ultra‑luxury developments such as Armani Beach Residences and W Residences position the company in the global branded‑residence arena. Internationally, the UK and Australia ventures diversify revenue and mitigate geographic risk. With strong demand and a healthy sales backlog, Arada appears poised to list publicly by 2028, offering investors exposure to one of the region’s most dynamic real estate developers.

Why Arada Appeals to Investors and Buyers

Arada stands out because it prioritises human‑centric design, sustainable infrastructure and holistic amenities. Buyers are attracted to features such as forested environments, lagoon pools, smart homes, schools, retail centres and wellness facilities integrated into each community. The company’s transparent governance and use of escrow accounts for off‑plan developments build trust with investors. Arada’s diversification into hospitality, fitness, food and education enhances its communities and creates recurring revenue streams. For local families and international investors seeking Dubai and Sharjah properties, Arada’s projects offer a blend of lifestyle appeal and capital appreciation potential.