ALEF Group: A Closer Look at Sharjah's Homegrown Developer

It's easy to get lost in Dubai's skyline of glass towers and billion-dirham developments. But away from the headlines, another story is quietly unfolding in Sharjah.

That story belongs to ALEF Group, a homegrown developer building its presence in one of the UAE's fastest-growing real estate markets. With a clear focus on mid-sized, community-led projects, ALEF isn't trying to compete with the country's most prominent names — at least not yet. Instead, the company has carved out a niche in Sharjah's property sector, offering practical residential options for buyers and investors seeking alternatives to Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

While ALEF's project scale is minor compared to giants like Emaar or Aldar, its steady off-plan sales, community-focused designs, and Sharjah-first approach have made it a name worth watching in the northern emirates.

Who Owns ALEF Group?

ALEF Group was founded by the late Sheikh Khalid Bin Sultan Al Qasimi. Today, the company is privately owned and continues to operate under that structure. Issa Ataya leads the group as CEO and plays a central role in overseeing its projects and business strategy.

Since ALEF is a private company, there is limited public information available about its full ownership details. This differs from larger developers like Emaar or Aldar, which are listed on the stock market and are required to share more information with the public.

Where ALEF Operates: A Sharjah-Focused Approach

Most of what ALEF Group is working on right now is based in Sharjah, especially in the Muwaileh area. Their biggest and most well-known project is Al Mamsha, located close to University City Road. The development reflects the company’s focus on creating neighbourhoods with a mix of homes, shops, and shared public spaces, all designed to be easy to walk around.

In addition to Al Mamsha, ALEF has been involved in other projects in Sharjah, such as:

• Hayyan – A villa community with natural landscaping features.

• Early-stage plans for potential developments outside Sharjah, including off-plan projects in Dubai, are available, though details are limited.

Compared to larger UAE developers that operate across multiple emirates or internationally, ALEF remains primarily focused on Sharjah.

ALEF's Projects: Delivery, Off-Plan Sales, and Current Pipeline

The bulk of ALEF's work to date has been in Al Mamsha, a mixed-use community that has been developed in phases:

Similar to other developers in the UAE, ALEF Group uses off-plan sales to help fund the construction of its projects. During the ACRES 2025 real estate exhibition, the company announced that it had signed AED 1.37 billion worth of sales agreements, most of which were linked to properties still under development. For buyers, purchasing off-plan remains a typical way to secure a home at an earlier stage, often with more flexible pricing options compared to completed properties. It also reflects how ALEF's current growth depends on the Group's continued sale and delivery of these projects.

What to Expect from ALEF Group's Construction and Design

ALEF promotes its developments as being built to modern residential standards. The focus is on mid-rise buildings, landscaped areas, and integrated retail and leisure spaces. While the company emphasizes quality in its public statements, detailed information on construction materials (such as imported marble and high-spec finishes) is limited in available reports.

Architecturally, ALEF follows a contemporary, functional design style, in line with many similar mid-market developments across Sharjah and the UAE. Public spaces, pedestrian routes, and car-free zones are included in Al Mamsha, although Dubai's scale and finish differ from those of luxury projects found in Dubai's more high-profile districts.

ALEF Group and the Greenness Index

Sustainability has become an increasingly important factor for both investors and end-users in the UAE property market. Some developers have achieved formal green building certifications such as LEED or Estidama, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.

In ALEF's case, the company emphasizes a focus on walkability, community spaces, and well-being in its developments, aligning with broader sustainability trends. However, there is no record of ALEF holding recognized third-party certifications for green building at this stage.

The lack of ALEF's sustainability Index data or independent sustainability ratings distinguishes ALEF's projects from developments like The Sustainable City in Dubai or LEED-certified towers by Aldar and Emaar.

ROI and Market Performance: How ALEF Compares

For property investors in Sharjah, Return on Investment (ROI) is often a key consideration. Sharjah's market, including ALEF developments, tends to offer relatively competitive ROI figures due to lower purchase prices and consistent rental demand.

These ROI numbers are general estimates and can vary depending on the type of property and its location. ALEF’s projects sit in the mid-market range, offering returns that are in line with other Sharjah developers. But they’re quite different from what you typically find in Dubai’s high-end, luxury property market.

ALEF vs. Other Developers: Scale and Market Position

ALEF reported AED 2.4 billion in sales for 2024. Within the context of the UAE property market, this positions the company as a mid-sized developer in the country, with significant activity in Sharjah, but a limited scale compared to the country's largest real estate firms.

For comparison:

While ALEF holds a strong position within Sharjah's development market, its revenue, project scale, and geographic footprint remain smaller compared to those of the most prominent developers operating across the UAE.

ALEF Group's Expansion Plans

For now, ALEF Group's primary focus remains on Sharjah. The company has taken some early steps to explore projects in other emirates, including Dubai. Still, its core developments remain closed to developers. Like many UAE developers, ALEF depends largely on off-plan sales to fund and deliver its projects. Its current portfolio is built around mid-market housing and community-style neighbourhoods, which shape how it's positioned in the market.

If you're thinking about buying or selling, there are a few practical points to keep in mind:

• The developer's track record within Sharjah, particularly in Al Mamsha.

• Limited public information on specific construction materials or third-party certifications.

• ROI potential in the company compared to other emirates.

• The absence of a formal Greenness Index or green building certifications. ALEF's smaller project scale relative to national developers like Emaar or Aldar.

A Growing Player with a Sharjah Focus

• ALEF Group is a privately owned developer based in Sharjah, with a focus on mid-market residential projects.

• The company's largest project to date is Al Mamsha, offering walkable, community-oriented living spaces.

• Most of ALEF's units have been sold through off-plan channels, following a common trend among UAE developers.

• ALEF reported AEDALEF's sales in 2024, positioning it as a mid-sized player in Sharjah's real estate market.

• The company has limited project activity beyond Sharjah, though early steps towards UAE-wide expansion are underway.

• Compared to larger developers like Emaar, Aldar, or Arada, ALEF operates on a smaller scale, delivering fewer projects.

• The ROI for ALEF's Sharjah properties typically ranges from 6% to 7%, comparable to other mid-market developments in the emirate.

• There is no public record of ALEF achieving internationally recognized green building certifications.

• The company emphasizes walkability and community design but remains early in its formal sustainability efforts.

• Buyers and investors should carefully review project details, particularly those related to construction standards and delivery timelines.