From Abu Dhabi to London: Aldar’s Growing British Property Footprint
Aldar Properties is best known for reshaping Abu Dhabi’s skyline, but the UAE developer is increasingly making its presence felt in one of the world’s most competitive property markets: London.
Through its acquisition of London-based developer London Square in 2023, Aldar has established a significant foothold in the British capital, with an expanding portfolio spanning residential regeneration, affordable housing and premium developments.
Its ambitions are now becoming clearer, with plans to deliver around 9,000 homes across 30 sites over the next five years.
Since the acquisition, the pipeline has grown in value by around £5 billion and underlines Aldar’s determination to build an international property business alongside its established operations in the UAE.
The homes will comprise more than 3,600 for open-market sale, 1,538 build-to-rent properties and 3,575 affordable homes.
Building communities
Aldar acquired 100 per cent of London Square in December 2023 for an enterprise value of £230 million, marking its first acquisition outside the Middle East and North Africa.
Founded in 2010, London Square specialises in creating homes and mixed-use communities across Greater London, often transforming former industrial sites and underused buildings.
The scale of its ambitions is reflected in projects such as Nine Elms, a residential development overlooking the US Embassy in one of central London’s major regeneration districts.
The scheme combines more than 750 homes with commercial and retail space, while the transformation of the former Surrey County Council headquarters at County Hall in Kingston will deliver 292 homes, incorporating the restoration of historic structures.
London Square’s portfolio also spans locations including Bermondsey, Wandsworth Common and Brook Green, reflecting a strategy that extends beyond London’s traditional luxury property hotspots.
World of Aldar
The expansion is being supported by a more visible international presence. Aldar recently opened its World of Aldar hub in Mayfair, creating a London base from which to showcase its growing portfolio and strengthen relationships with investors, customers and business partners.
The initiative brings together Aldar’s wider property ambitions, connecting opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Egypt and the UK with London Square’s developments in Britain and the group’s interests in other international markets.
For Aldar, London is no longer simply an overseas investment destination but an increasingly important part of its ambition to become a major international real estate player.
Its London programme has also included a partnership with The O2 and engagement with the city’s cultural and investment communities.
For Aldar, the opportunity is not simply about exporting an Abu Dhabi property brand to London. It is about connecting two markets with different characteristics, customer needs and development challenges, while using its financial resources and international network to support growth.
Capital player
London Square is targeting 600 completed homes in 2026, up from 398 in 2025. It recorded £251 million in sales during the first half of 2026, a 236 per cent year-on-year increase, and is targeting a sales backlog of £1 billion by the end of the year.
International buyers are also an important part of the equation. Buyers from the Middle East account for 10 to 15 per cent of London Square’s international sales, with UAE purchasers leading activity from the region.
Their motivations range from investment and capital preservation to securing a second home or accommodation for children studying in Britain.
The next five years will test whether Aldar can translate its regional development expertise into sustained growth in a mature, competitive market.
With 9,000 homes planned and a dedicated presence in Mayfair, its London strategy is moving well beyond a single overseas acquisition.
