February 23, 2026
Methodology About Newsletter
WE THE UAE 2031
The Vanderbilt Terminal for the UAE's National Transformation
INDEPENDENT GLOBAL INTELLIGENCE FOR THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% | UAE GDP: AED 2.03T ▲ 5.7% | Non-Oil GDP Share: 84.3% ▼ -5.2pp | FDI Inflows: $45.6B ▲ 48.7% | GDP Growth: 4.0% ▲ -0.3pp vs 2023 | Inflation: 1.7% ▼ +0.0pp vs 2023 | Female Participation: 55.1% ▲ +0.6pp vs 2023 | Population: 11.0M ▲ 4.8% | Emiratisation Rate: 12.5% ▲ 2.1pp | Global Competitiveness: #7 ▲ 3 places | Clean Energy Capacity: 7.2 GW ▲ 18.4% | ADX Index: 9,842 ▲ 4.7% | DFM Index: 4,621 ▲ 6.2% |

Definition

Emaar Properties is a publicly listed real estate development company headquartered in Dubai, widely recognized as the developer of the Burj Khalifa (the world’s tallest building), The Dubai Mall (one of the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destinations), and the Downtown Dubai master community. Founded in 1997, Emaar has diversified beyond its Dubai base to operate in multiple countries and sectors including residential development, hospitality (under the Address and Vida hotel brands), retail mall management, and entertainment. The company is listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM) and is one of the most valuable real estate companies globally.

UAE Context

Emaar Properties is inseparable from Dubai’s modern identity. The company’s flagship developments have defined Dubai’s skyline and created globally recognized landmarks that drive tourism and investment. Downtown Dubai, centered on Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall, functions as the city’s commercial and cultural heart. Emaar’s master-planned communities including Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, and Emaar Beachfront have shaped the residential patterns of the emirate. The company’s chairman, Mohamed Alabbar, is one of Dubai’s most prominent business figures. Emaar’s stock performance is often viewed as a proxy for sentiment on Dubai’s broader real estate and economic outlook.

Key Data

  • Headquarters: Dubai, UAE
  • Founded: 1997
  • Listed on: Dubai Financial Market (DFM)
  • Flagship projects: Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
  • Master communities: Dubai Marina, Arabian Ranches, Emaar Beachfront, Dubai Hills Estate
  • Hospitality brands: Address Hotels + Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts
  • International presence: Egypt, Saudi Arabia, India, Turkey, and others

Significance for Vision 2031

Emaar Properties is a primary driver of the real estate, tourism, and hospitality sectors that underpin the D33 Agenda and Vision 2031 targets. The company’s ongoing developments expand Dubai’s residential and commercial capacity to accommodate projected population and economic growth. Emaar’s new projects in Dubai Creek Harbour, including the planned Dubai Creek Tower, signal continued investment in landmark infrastructure that sustains Dubai’s global brand appeal and attracts the foreign investment and talent targeted by the 2031 strategy.

  • D33 Agenda - Dubai’s economic strategy supported by Emaar’s development pipeline
  • DAMAC Properties - Another major Dubai-based developer
  • Nakheel - Developer of Palm Jumeirah and other waterfront communities
  • PropTech - Technology sector transforming real estate development and management