Home/Developers
Who builds it
The developers
Who you buy from matters more in Dubai than almost anything else. The largest are government backed.
Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall, Downtown, Dubai Hills, Creek Harbour. Listed in Dubai, with the government's investment arm as its largest shareholder. Rated BBB+ by S&P.
Dubai Holding
The investment group of Dubai's Ruler. Government backed.
NakheelPalm Jumeirah, Palm Jebel Ali, Dubai Islands
MeraasCity Walk, Bluewaters, Port de La Mer
MeydanMeydanMeydan and Mohammed Bin Rashid City
Dubai PropertiesDubai PropertiesBusiness Bay, JBR, Mudon
Major private developers
The names behind most of the off plan property sold to overseas investors.
Aldar PropertiesAbu Dhabi's largest developer. Moody's rated
Sobha RealtyBuilds and fits out its own schemes. S&P rated
DAMAC PropertiesOne of the largest private developers. S&P rated
Ellington PropertiesDesign led, with a good delivery record
BinghattiHigh volume, distinctive towers
IMAN DevelopersBoutique developer whose launches sell out in hours
Emaar figures from Emaar Properties 2025 results.
Free guide, produced Q4 2026
Investing in Dubai property
How the market works, what it costs, how your money is protected and how to buy safely from abroad. 26 pages in plain English.
- What is different in Dubai, compared with buying at home
- Payment plans, mortgages, costs, fees and tax
- How escrow and RERA protect your money
- The 20 questions I am asked most