Arada

Arada Developments was set up in 2017 by KBW Investments and Basma Group. The company began with a focus on Sharjah, where it developed large-scale communities that included homes, retail areas, and public facilities. Most of Arada's early work took place there, and it remains the developer's main base of activity.

In recent years, Arada has begun expanding into Dubai, launching several high-end projects, including Jouri Hills in Jumeirah Golf Estates and branded developments on the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Harbour. These new launches indicate that the company is expanding beyond its original market.

While Arada is still smaller than many of the better-known names in the UAE property sector, its shift toward Dubai suggests it's looking to expand its footprint and test demand in more competitive areas.

Delivered and Ongoing Projects

As of the end of 2023, Arada Developments has completed and launched several projects across Sharjah and Dubai. The company’s activity is mainly concentrated in Sharjah, with newer developments now entering the Dubai market.

• Over 9,000 units have been delivered since the company's founding.

• More than 14,000 units sold, based on cumulative project data.

• In 2023, Arada delivered 2,610 units across different sites.

• Around 3,300 units were under construction by the end of 2023.

• Main completed and ongoing projects include:

• Aljada (Sharjah) – a large mixed-use community

• Masaar (Sharjah) – residential development focused on natural surroundings

• Jouri Hills (Dubai) – part of Jumeirah Golf Estates

• Armani Beach Residences (Dubai) – located on Palm Jumeirah

• W Residences (Dubai) – launched in Dubai Harbour

These numbers reflect Arada’s current scale. While its Dubai presence is growing, the Sharjah market still accounts for most of its delivered units and construction activity.

Construction Materials and Design Standards

Arada Developments follows a contemporary design approach across its main projects. The materials and design elements used are based on current trends in residential and mixed-use development.

• Most buildings follow modern architectural layouts with open-plan interiors.

• Common materials include imported marble, natural stone, and wood finishes.

• Several projects feature custom lighting and built-in smart home systems.

• Collaborations with external design firms have influenced select projects, including work by Tadao Ando on a branded development.

• The company's larger sites, such as Aljada and Masaar, feature landscaped areas and integrated community infrastructure.

• In newer buildings, especially in Dubai, Arada has included smart technology and aims to meet certifications such as LEED and WiredScore.

These standards apply to both Sharjah and Dubai projects, although premium features are more prevalent in developments targeting higher-income buyers.

Geographic Focus: From Sharjah to Dubai

Arada Developments began its operations in Sharjah, where most of its early and current projects are located. The company has gradually expanded into Dubai, with a few developments launched in recent years.

• In Sharjah, Arada’s main projects include Aljada and Masaar, both designed as master-planned communities with residential and retail elements.

• In Dubai, the company is active in specific areas:

• Jumeirah Golf Estates: Jouri Hills project with a mix of villas and townhouses

• Palm Jumeirah: Armani Beach Residences, a branded residential development

• Dubai Harbour: W Residences, launched in partnership with a global hotel brand

While Arada’s portfolio is growing, most of its delivered units and ongoing construction remain centered in Sharjah. Its entry into Dubai reflects a shift toward more competitive and high-value areas, albeit on a smaller scale, compared to long-established developers.

Sharjah Market Share and Regional Comparison

Arada Developments holds a significant position in the Sharjah property market. According to Fitch Ratings, the company accounted for approximately 51% of all off-plan residential sales by volume in the emirate as of 2023. This makes it the largest private real estate developer operating in Sharjah’s master-planned community segment. Arada has only recently started building in Dubai, so its presence there is still relatively small. Unlike larger developers such as Emaar or Sobha Realty, which have been active in the city for years, Arada is still in the early stages of entering the Dubai market. Its primary operations and most delivered units remain within Sharjah, where it continues to focus on large-scale community developments.

End-User and Investor Considerations

Many buyers considering Arada Developments refer to its work in Sharjah, where projects like Aljada and Masaar have already seen on-site progress, and some units have been handed over. This has made it easier for end-users to judge the company’s delivery pace and how the communities are coming together. In Dubai, things are still at an earlier stage. Most of the company’s projects there are under construction, and buyers don’t yet have the same reference points to rely on. Arada has only recently started building there, and most of its projects are still under construction. For investors, especially those considering short-term returns or rental income, this means fewer data points to assess performance or resale value.

Some interest has been generated from buyers looking at branded units, such as W Residences or Armani Beach Residences. However, these are early-stage developments, and the long-term outlook—especially in terms of pricing and secondary market activity—remains to be seen. As a result, both investors and end-users may find more predictability in Arada’s Sharjah projects compared to its newer activity in Dubai.

Infrastructure and Amenities in Master Developments

In its larger master developments, Arada Developments has incorporated a range of built-in infrastructure and services designed for long-term residents. In Aljada, several amenities are already in use, including a school operated by the SABIS network and a community mall. Public spaces and basic road networks have been completed in some phases. In Masaar, the infrastructure is still under development, though the initial phase includes internal roads, green areas, and access to planned retail zones. These features are part of Arada’s broader approach to developing self-contained communities rather than standalone residential units. While this model has taken shape in Sharjah, similar facilities have not yet been delivered in the company’s newer Dubai projects, which are still in the early stages of construction.

Sustainability and Smart Development Commitments in Master Developments

Arada Developments has announced plans to incorporate sustainability and smart infrastructure features into some of its larger master developments. In particular, the company has announced that its Central Business District (CBD) within Aljada will aim for certifications such as LEED, WiredScore, and SmartScore. These certifications focus on energy efficiency, digital connectivity, and user-friendly building systems. While these goals are part of Arada’s public statements, most of the related infrastructure is still under development, and no certifications have been confirmed yet. The use of smart technology and sustainable design is positioned as a long-term part of the company’s approach; however, these efforts are currently mostly visible in project plans rather than in completed residential units. The company’s Dubai sites are still under construction, so it remains to be seen how or when these commitments will be implemented there.

Development Strategy and Business Model

Arada Developments builds large projects in phases, mainly focusing on full-scale communities rather than individual buildings. In Sharjah, most of its work follows this model—projects like Aljada are broken into sections that are built and sold over time. These areas typically include residential units, shops, schools, and public spaces that are planned as part of a single site.

In Dubai, the approach is slightly different. Instead of launching large communities, Arada has started with a few smaller, branded developments, such as those in the Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Harbour. These are being done in partnership with well-known global names. While this helps the company enter the Dubai market, it’s also a step away from the type of projects it has focused on in Sharjah. Overall, Arada’s model is built around long-term control of each development, with plans adjusted depending on the area and market.

Risk Factors and Buyer Cautions

For buyers considering Arada Developments, it’s essential to look at how the company’s track record differs between Sharjah and Dubai. In Sharjah, Arada has delivered multiple phases of significant master developments, allowing buyers to evaluate the infrastructure, handover timelines, and ongoing management. In Dubai, however, most of the company’s projects are still in the early stages, with no completed units available for resale or rental comparison. This makes it more challenging to evaluate how these properties will perform once they are delivered.

Branded developments like W Residences and Armani Beach Residences may draw interest, but there is limited data on pricing trends or rental demand for these specific units. Since Dubai’s market is more competitive and pricing fluctuates across locations, buyers should be cautious about assuming similar outcomes to Arada’s earlier residential units in Sharjah. Those looking for short-term returns or ready properties may find fewer immediate options in the company’s current Dubai portfolio.

Final Assessment

Arada Developments has established a solid foundation in Sharjah, where it holds a significant share of the off-plan market and continues to expand its master developments. Its move into Dubai reflects a shift toward higher-value projects, but most of these are still under construction, with no completed units yet available for comparison. The company’s business model remains centered on phased delivery and planned communities, with recent interest in branded properties and smart infrastructure. For buyers and investors, Arada offers a growing portfolio with a clear focus on Sharjah and early-stage activity in Dubai. The scale and scope of its residential units may suit those looking at integrated communities. However, its limited track record in Dubai is something to consider when comparing it to longer-established developers.