Aldar and Arada have formed an AED15 billion strategic partnership to jointly develop major projects in Abu Dhabi, bringing together two of the UAE’s largest developers as they target new residential and mixed-use opportunities in the capital.
October 02, 2026 | Palak Kataria | UAE | Developer | 3 Min Read
Image Courtesy: Zawya
Two major UAE developers are joining forces for an AED15 billion development push in Abu Dhabi, creating a new partnership aimed at delivering large-scale projects across the capital.
Aldar and Arada have entered into a strategic agreement that will see the companies jointly develop a pipeline of projects with a combined gross development value of approximately AED15 billion.
The partnership represents a notable meeting of two developers with established but distinct footprints in the UAE property market: Aldar’s core development base in Abu Dhabi and Arada’s substantial portfolio in Sharjah and growing presence elsewhere in the country.
The partnership is expected to focus on major new developments in Abu Dhabi, combining Aldar’s knowledge of the capital’s property market with Arada’s experience in developing large-scale communities.
For Arada, the agreement provides another route to expand its footprint in Abu Dhabi. For Aldar, it introduces an additional development partner as the company continues to grow its residential pipeline.
The scale of the agreement also makes it significant beyond an individual project. At AED15 billion in planned development value, the partnership represents a multi-project commitment rather than a single residential launch.
Further details on individual developments, locations and launch schedules are expected to emerge as the partnership progresses.
Both companies enter the partnership during an active period for UAE residential development.
Aldar has continued to expand its pipeline across Abu Dhabi and other UAE markets. As of June 30, 2026, its development revenue backlog stood at AED71.6 billion, including AED59.9 billion in the UAE.
Arada, meanwhile, has built its development base around large master-planned communities including Aljada and Masaar in Sharjah, while expanding into new markets and sectors.
The partnership comes as Abu Dhabi continues to attract significant residential development and investment, with new communities being added across destinations including Saadiyat Island, Yas Island, Al Reem Island and Hudayriyat Island.
For the capital’s development market, the significance of the agreement lies not only in its AED15 billion value but also in the combination of two established UAE developers behind the planned pipeline.
The next milestone will be the announcement of the specific developments that will make up that investment, providing a clearer picture of where the partnership will add new supply to Abu Dhabi’s property market.
Sources: Aldar Properties; Arada; Zawya
