Aldar Properties Acquires AED 1.1 Billion Dubai Studio City Residential Rental Community

Aldar Properties PJSC has announced the acquisition of a residential and community retail development in Dubai Studio City from private developer SRG for AED 1.1 billion, the company said May 14. The deal expands Aldar's recurring income platform and deepens its footprint in Dubai, which the Abu Dhabi-based firm has identified as a priority growth market.

The development, targeted for completion in 2028, will comprise six mid-rise buildings with 312 residential units — a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes and duplex units — along with a community mall featuring retail, recreational, and food-and-beverage concepts. A 16,000-square-meter park with activity areas, a jogging track, and a playground will also be integrated into the community.

Expansion Into Dubai Residential and Retail Real Estate

This acquisition builds on Aldar's growing presence in Dubai across multiple asset classes. Aldar Investment's recurring income portfolio in the emirate now spans residential, commercial, logistics, and mixed-use assets, including a mixed-use joint venture with Expo City Dubai, a landmark commercial tower in DIFC, a Grade A office tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, and logistics assets in National Industries Park and Dubai South.

On the development side, Aldar's joint venture with Dubai Holding has already launched three master-planned residential communities, with an expanded pipeline exceeding 2.3 million square meters of new gross floor area aligned with Dubai's 2040 Urban Masterplan.

"Dubai is a priority growth market for Aldar, and this acquisition reflects our belief in the city's residential market and the central role that institutionally owned, professionally managed rental housing plays in meeting the needs of a growing population," said Jassem Saleh Busaibe, Chief Executive Officer of Aldar Investment. "This transaction is the latest step in a deliberate and broadening strategy to build a diversified portfolio of income-generating assets in Dubai, one that we expect to continue growing as the city attracts increasing global interest and talent."

Acquisition Details and Location

The development is located in Dubai Studio City, positioned within what Aldar describes as a high-demand residential catchment area. The site benefits from direct connectivity to Al Qudra Road and Hessa Street, and is in close proximity to employment and lifestyle hubs including Motor City and Dubai Sports City. Leisure destinations such as Dubai Autodrome, Dubai International Cricket Stadium, and Dubai Butterfly Garden are also nearby, along with schools and community facilities.

The six mid-rise buildings are designed with sandstone-toned façades and feature generous terraces and balconies. The integrated community mall and park are intended to serve the everyday lifestyle needs of residents within a single cohesive environment.

Retail Component and Mixed-Use Design

The inclusion of a community mall within the development combines residential rental units with on-site retail. The retail component — encompassing retail, recreational, and F&B uses — is designed to serve residents directly.

Aldar describes the counterparty, SRG, as having successfully delivered large-scale projects across the region, with a portfolio spanning residential towers, community retail destinations, and lifestyle amenities.

Forward Acquisition Structure

The transaction is structured as a forward acquisition — Aldar is purchasing the asset ahead of its 2028 completion date. This approach allows the company to secure future recurring income while the development is still underway. The deal reflects a broader strategy among large regional developers in the UAE to balance for-sale development pipelines with hold-to-rent asset strategies, in line with Aldar's stated goal of building a diversified recurring income portfolio in Dubai.