UAE Developer Arada Acquires 75% of UK’s Regal in $681M Deal, Launches Arada London

Dubai, Sept 23, 2025 (Saudi Arabia Breaking News) – United Arab Emirates property developer Arada said on Monday it has acquired a 75% stake in British developer Regal, marking its second international expansion after entering the Australian market last year.

The Sharjah-based company committed an initial 2.5 billion dirhams ($681 million) for the acquisition. Regal, a privately held developer, has a pipeline of 10,000 properties across 11 projects. The business will be rebranded as Arada London, the company said.

“London is one of the world’s leading cities, and our expansion into this market represents a strategic step for Arada in response to strong demand for residential space,” said Arada Chairman Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi.

Arada Group CEO Ahmed Alkhoshaibi told Reuters that more than half of the investment will go toward tripling the UK pipeline within three years. “We’re going to be aggressive. We strongly believe in financially capitalising on the opportunity before the market heats up again. We feel the London market is at a stressing point now,” he said.

Gulf developers are increasingly targeting the UK property sector as part of diversification strategies amid strong regional growth. UAE firms Damac, Aldar, and Modon have all launched ventures in London through subsidiaries or joint projects.

“The London residential market is very complicated, and if you’re an outsider, even with a lot of capital, you will struggle and lose time, so the smarter way is to enter through an acquisition,” Alkhoshaibi added.

Founded in 2017 by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, a member of Sharjah’s ruling family, and Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal Al Saud, son of Saudi billionaire Prince Alwaleed bin Talal, Arada has projects across the UAE and Australia valued at more than 95 billion dirhams.

Alkhoshaibi said Arada also plans to enter Saudi Arabia by mid-2026 as part of its expansion strategy.