The choice of developer is a key factor in any real estate investment.
This is particularly pertinent when purchasing Dubai property, as not only do you want to be assured of build quality, but due to the high proportion of off-plan opportunities in the market, you also want to be assured of timely completion.
As an investor, you can take confidence in your acquisitions by assessing the track record and credibility of a developer.
Chestertons is an expert in Dubai real estate and we’ve taken the time to introduce you to some of the emirate’s favoured and most successful developers.
1. Sobha Realty
Headquartered in Dubai and operating for nearly five decades, Sobha Realty describes itself as ‘the only foremost backward-integrated company in the world’ and proudly explains this provides investors and owners with unsurpassed craftsmanship.
It’s an approach that has helped the developer win over 100 prestigious awards, including the coveted Real Estate Developer of the Year title.
Because Sobha has total oversight and management of all the key competencies and in-house resources a developer operating in a prime market like Dubai needs, it doesn’t rely on 3rd party partners at any point from conceptualization to completion and handover.
Of course, this is especially comforting when anticipating future delivery dates of off-plan properties, but it also allows a holistic and microscopic attention to detail and quality control. In fact, Sobha states its properties are subject to 8,000-man hours of quality supervision via its 5-tier inspection process.
This approach has seen Sobha deliver some of the most eye-catching and jaw-dropping developments in the world – not just in Dubai. It has an impressive back catalogue that boasts grand mosques in Muscat and a Lourve-inspired Multimedia centre for an IT giant in India.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from Sobha Realty: Crest Grand
Aiming to bring a Miami-inspired lifestyle to Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City, Crest Grand offers investors 1, 2, 3 and 4-bed luxury apartments complete with resort-style relaxation. Crest Grand is part of the Sobha Hartlands masterplan, which is located 5 minutes outside of Downtown Dubai and just 20 minutes from Dubai International.
Starting at AED 1.5 million, investors can acquire these properties with a generous developer payment plan. Currently, in a pre-launch phase, 40% of the purchase price can be deferred for up to 2 years post-completion.
The Crest at Sobha Hartland
Nad Al Sheba - Nad Al Sheba 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates Details2. Select Group
Select Group is a resilient and trusted developer that has successfully operated through numerous peaks and troughs in the Dubai Real Estate market.
Initially focusing its operations in Dubai back in 2002, including delivery of what was then the world’s tallest residential building, Select has now expanded to new markets such as the UK and the GCC.
However, its focus very much remains on the Dubai real estate market – where it has delivered the majority of its premium residential, commercial and mixed-use developments in waterfront communities. Indeed, in 2021 Select was named the Best Luxury Developer in Dubai at the Luxury Lifestyle Awards.
Investors can take heart that Select’s commitment to luxury is also combined with an entrepreneur’s appreciation of value and the group makes it its mission to ensure its investment customers are always presented with competitive pricing options.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from Select Group: Peninsula 3
The latest and most luxurious entry to Select Group’s Peninsula series, Peninsula 3 is a collection of studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments located at the heart of Business Bay.
As you’d expect from Select Group, Peninsula 3 offers waterfront living and high specifications throughout the apartment units and wider development. Even by Dubai standards, the array of amenities is extensive: tennis courts, basketball courts, yoga decks, swimming pools, gyms and skate parks.
Current payment plans allow for 50% on completion.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from Select Group: Jumeirah Living
Also in Business Bay and slated for a Q4 2025 completion, you’ll find Jumeirah Living.
This 35-storey tower features 82 premium branded residences. There are no studios or 1 beds available, as Jumeriah Living is comprised of more spacious 2, 3, 4, and 5 bedroom units. Amenities include 2 swimming pools, a spa bath and a steam room.
No listing found.
3. EMAAR
Not only one of the biggest real estate names in Dubai, but one of the biggest property companies in the world, EMAAR is one of the very few property developers on Earth that can state every property investor knows one of their schemes.
Emaar Properties PJSC was the Master Developer of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.
That said, as notable a development as the Burj Khalifa is, it is only one of the numerous prestigious projects delivered by EMAAR. The developer has a rich history of delivering boundary-pushing residential properties, shopping malls and hospitality schemes.
Although very much based in Dubai with an extensive portfolio and pipeline, EMAAR has now expanded to other markets including Egypt, Turkey and India.
As a Public Joint Stock Company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, current and future investors can get a very transparent view of Emaar’s stock market trends and related data, which can be very assuring – particularly when buying off-plan.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from EMAAR: Dubai Hills (Hills Park Phase)
Dubai Hills Estate is a verdant urban oasis comprised of master-planned neighbourhoods of contemporary apartment buildings and villa complexes. Hills Park is one of the more prominent communities within the wider scheme. All properties will be close to plenty of leisure and recreational amenities, and within walking distance of retail, dining and entertainment experiences.
Investors can choose from 66 1, 2 and 3-bedroom properties starting at AED 1.2 million.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from EMAAR: Creek Palace (EMAAR Beachfront)
When it comes to breathtaking views, few developments offer the splendour of EMAAR’s Creek Palace. Apartments offer a vista that includes the azure waters of Dubai Creek and the majesty of the Burj Khalifa dominating the horizon.
4. DAMAC
DAMAC too is also one of the foremost names in Dubai Real Estate.
Having operated in the emirate since 1982, DAMAC has developed and delivered almost 40,000 units within Dubai to great acclaim. It has now received over 100 global awards and commendations for various projects. DAMAC specialises in everything from high-rise architecture and interior design to international golf course communities.
DAMAC’s progress shows no sign of abating. As well as the incredible existing portfolio, the developer’s pipeline comprises a further 28,000 units that are currently in planning or construction.
Like EMAAR, DAMAC is also a Public Joint Stock Company listed on the Dubai Financial Market.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from DAMAC: DAMAC Lagoons
Popular with investors looking to diversify away from the apartment market, DAMAC Lagoons is a new master development full of townhouses and villas inspired by Mediterranean living.
It’s a huge 45 million sq ft development complete with private white sandy beaches, enchanting lagoons and a floating amphitheatre.
Dubai Lagoons is an off-plan opportunity due for completion in Q4 2024.
5. Ellington
Ellington Properties is one of the newer major developers to establish a strong reputation within the prime Dubai real estate market.
In the decade or so since it was founded in 2014, Ellington has progressed from strength to strength, delivering properties and schemes that are as artistic as they are lucrative, as a self-confessed ‘design-led developer’.
Currently, Ellington has 14 developments across Dubai – a notable feat considering it has only been operating within the emirate for 8 years. The majority of these are situated within Jumeirah Village Circle and the Palm Jumeirah.
Part of Ellington’s unique approach is the application of its four key pillars. These are change mindsets, establish credibility, evoke emotions and differentiation, and have been integral to its success for its investors and residents.
Ellington is particularly popular with seasoned Dubai investors looking to add a very distinctive and unique asset to their portfolio.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from Ellington: Berkeley Place
Located 12 minutes from Downtown Dubai and comprising 12 floors of studio, 1 and 2-bedroom apartments, Berkeley Place is a typically beautiful Ellington development. The residence also features exclusive wellness and entertainment amenities and an eye-catching façade.
Berkeley Place is an off-plan development that has a staggered payment plan culminating in a 50% payment on completion.
Notable Dubai real estate developments from Ellington: The Portman
Another off-plan offering from the thriving Ellington pipeline is The Portman, set to complete in Q1 2025. Investors can secure any of the studio, 1 or 2-bedroom apartments with a 20% down payment and a 70/30 payment plan.
Dubai’s Jumeirah Village Circle offers lush green space and an excellent central location with easy access to the rest of the emirate.
Seeking to invest in Dubai real estate?
At Chestertons, we’ve many years of experience operating in the Dubai property market, helping investors acquire assets that outperform even the strongest growth cycles. We have extensive knowledge of all the mainstream and specialist developers operating within the Emirate and can help any purchasing decision that you, as an investor, may have.
As part of our service, we can provide you with multiple properties filtered and tailored by any developer.
If you have questions about investing in property in Dubai, please contact us by clicking below.
