Emaar Sales Jump 46% as Dubai Giant Eyes Global Expansion and M&A

Dubai, UAE – September 24, 2025: Emaar Properties, one of the world’s leading real estate developers, is setting its sights on international markets after another record-breaking performance at home. The Dubai-based property giant announced plans to explore mergers and acquisitions (M&A) across some of the world’s largest economies, including the United States, India, China, and parts of Europe, as it looks to extend its global footprint.

The company’s decision comes on the back of stellar H1 results, with property sales in its core UAE market reaching USD 12.52 billion (AED 46 billion), a 46% year-on-year increase. Revenue rose 38%, while net profit before tax climbed 34%, reinforcing Emaar’s position as the dominant player in Dubai’s thriving real estate sector.

Emaar’s Strong Financial Position Fuels Ambitions

With its latest results, Emaar is now well-positioned to pursue growth opportunities outside the UAE. The developer has a substantial backlog valued at USD 39.73 billion (AED 146 billion) and a low debt ratio, giving it both financial strength and flexibility to fund acquisitions.

This combination of liquidity and operational success has emboldened the company to look beyond organic growth strategies. Instead of starting new ventures from scratch in unfamiliar territories, Emaar is considering acquisitions of established developers, providing immediate market access and reducing operational risk.

“Rather than starting from the ground up, non-organic growth is a smart choice,” said Josh Gilbert, Market Analyst at eToro. “Buying into established developers offers a quicker route to market. This approach reduces project lead times, mitigates regulatory hurdles, eases supply chain challenges, and allows Emaar to leverage local partner expertise.”

Such acquisitions would allow Emaar to rapidly tap into lucrative international markets while maintaining its current momentum in Dubai.

Lessons From Past International Ventures

Emaar has a history of operating internationally, with past projects in markets such as Egypt and Saudi Arabia. However, these ventures have delivered mixed results, offering valuable lessons for the company as it charts its next global moves.

This experience underscores the importance of disciplined execution. Expanding internationally brings challenges including local regulations, market dynamics, and cultural nuances. A misstep could lead to delays, cost overruns, or reputational damage.

The timing, however, may now be ideal. Dubai’s property market is performing strongly, providing a solid financial base to support overseas initiatives. Still, diverting management focus and capital abroad could come at a cost, particularly if it results in missed opportunities in Dubai, currently one of the most robust and profitable real estate markets in the world.

Investor Considerations and Funding Strategy

Investors are expected to pay close attention to how these potential acquisitions are financed. Emaar’s current low debt load provides room to maneuver, but aggressive borrowing or issuing new equity to fund deals could affect shareholder returns and future dividend policies.

“The funding mix will be closely scrutinized by the market,” Gilbert noted. “Investors want to see strategic growth without compromising the company’s balance sheet or return profile.”

Emaar’s share price has already surged 65% over the past 12 months, driven by strong earnings, margin expansion, and a growing backlog of projects. Much of the company’s domestic growth potential is now reflected in its valuation, making overseas expansion an important next step to sustain momentum and continue delivering returns for shareholders.

Domestic Success Provides a Strong Foundation

Emaar’s recent performance highlights the strength of its domestic operations. Its UAE-based portfolio has been thriving, supported by:

• High occupancy levels across its malls and retail assets.
• Strong returns from its residential and mixed-use development projects.
• Steady growth in recurring revenue streams, including hospitality and commercial properties.

This local success not only generates reliable cash flow but also enhances Emaar’s global brand recognition, credibility, and customer trust — vital assets as it enters competitive foreign markets.

Balancing Growth and Risk

While international expansion offers exciting potential, it also brings risk. Successful acquisitions could accelerate Emaar’s growth and diversify its revenue streams, positioning it as a global real estate leader. However, any signs of integration difficulties, costly write-downs, or underperforming foreign assets could quickly trigger investor concerns.

“If they can successfully execute an M&A strategy abroad over the years ahead, investors will have reason to be excited,” said Gilbert. “On the flip side, any signs of integration failure or stressed overseas deals could cause a sharp reassessment of risk.”

For now, the market remains optimistic, with Emaar’s strong balance sheet and proven execution giving it a solid platform to expand internationally.

A Pivotal Moment for Emaar

Dubai’s real estate sector remains one of the strongest globally, with high demand for luxury and mixed-use developments. Emaar’s continued dominance in its home market provides the resources and confidence to take bold steps overseas.

As the company prepares for this next phase, the challenge will be balancing global ambitions with domestic priorities. With the right strategy, Emaar has the potential to evolve into a truly global property powerhouse, shaping skylines not just in Dubai but in major cities across the world.