Dubai developers compared
Who are you really buying from?
When you buy off-plan, the developer matters as much as the home. These profiles set out each developer’s history, what they promised and when they actually delivered, what they are selling now and how owners have done, with every figure dated and sourced.
Not sure which developer or project suits you? We have sold off-plan for most of the developers here and will give you a straight answer.
Emaar Properties
Emaar built Downtown Dubai and Dubai Hills Estate. It has a strong delivery record and finances, but charges premium prices and mostly uses 80/20 payment plans.
- Founded
- 1997, by Mohamed Alabbar
- Ownership
- Listed on the Dubai Financial Market since 2000 (EMAAR). Largest shareholders are…
- Projects now
- 22 listed
DAMAC Properties
DAMAC is Dubai's largest private developer, known for villa communities, branded towers and flexible payment plans. Lower entry prices and higher yields, but handovers often run late.
- Founded
- 2002, by Hussain Sajwani
- Ownership
- Private. Delisted from the Dubai Financial Market in 2022 and controlled by…
- Projects now
- 18 listed
Nakheel
Nakheel, part of state-owned Dubai Holding, built Palm Jumeirah and is building Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Islands. Recent projects mostly on track; long timelines, limited disclosure.
- Founded
- Early 2000s as Dubai World's property arm (sources give 2000 or 2003)
- Ownership
- Dubai Holding, the Ruler of Dubai's investment company, since the merger of…
- Projects now
- 17 listed
Meraas
Meraas, part of state-owned Dubai Holding, built City Walk, Bluewaters and La Mer. Prime locations and design; slow build programmes, high service charges and premium prices.
- Founded
- 2007, in Dubai
- Ownership
- Subsidiary of Dubai Holding, the Ruler of Dubai's investment company, since 2020.…
- Projects now
- 19 listed
Sobha Realty
Private Dubai developer that designs and builds in-house. Known for Sobha Hartland and above-average finishing; most recent towers delivered close to plan, but some dates have moved.
- Founded
- Sobha Realty set up in Dubai in 2003; the wider Sobha Group…
- Ownership
- Private, controlled by the Menon family through PNC Investments LLC. A separate…
- Projects now
- 20 listed
Binghatti
Family-owned Dubai developer known for studios under AED 1m and Bugatti, Jacob & Co and Mercedes-Benz towers. Mid-rise towers delivered fast; branded flagships are running late.
- Founded
- 2008, Dubai, by Dr Hussain BinGhatti
- Ownership
- Private and family-owned (Binghatti Holding Ltd). Chairman Muhammad BinGhatti; CEO Katralnada BinGhatti
- Projects now
- 26 listed
Ellington Properties
Private, design-led Dubai developer founded in 2014. Most handovers have come on time or within two quarters; premium launch pricing is the main trade-off.
- Founded
- 2014, Dubai
- Ownership
- Private. Co-founders Robert Booth, Joseph Thomas and Elie Naaman (CEO)
- Projects now
- 21 listed
Azizi Developments
Family-owned Dubai developer with some of the city's lowest entry prices and large lagoon communities. Several big projects have handed over late; allow for this when buying.
- Founded
- 2007 in Dubai; parent Azizi Group founded in 1989 by Mirwais Azizi
- Ownership
- Private and family-owned. Chairman Mirwais Azizi; Group CEO Farhad Azizi
- Projects now
- 18 listed
Samana Developers
Private Dubai developer known for 1%-a-month payment plans and private-pool apartments. Five buildings handed over since 2021; its 2023 launches have run about a year late.
- Founded
- 2017-18 (first project launched September 2018); parent SAMANA Group founded 1996
- Ownership
- Private, part of SAMANA Group; founder and CEO Imran Farooq; not listed
- Projects now
- 33 listed
Beyond Developments
Omniyat Group's waterfront brand, launched in 2024, selling towers in Dubai Maritime City, Dubai Islands and Palm Jumeirah. Nothing delivered yet; first handover, Aria, due Q1 2027.
- Ownership
- Private, part of the Omniyat Group, whose founder and executive chairman is…
- Projects now
- 13 listed
Aldar Properties
Listed, government-linked Abu Dhabi developer rated investment grade. In Dubai it builds villa communities in Dubailand with Dubai Holding; first handovers are due 2027-28.
- Founded
- 2004, Abu Dhabi
- Ownership
- Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ALDAR); Mubadala 28.03% (August 2026),…
- Projects now
- 19 listed
Modon Holding
Abu Dhabi government-owned developer building on Hudayriyat Island and Al Reem Island. No Dubai projects, and no freehold homes handed over yet; first villas due 2026-27.
- Ownership
- Listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (MODON); about 84.75% held by…
- Projects now
- 15 listed
How to judge a developer
Look at what they delivered, not what they launched. Industry trackers estimate that only around half to 60% of the homes due for handover in Dubai in 2025 were actually completed that year (Cavendish Maxwell, ValuStrat), so a developer’s record of finishing on time is the best guide you have. Each profile lists promised and actual handover dates.
Check the money is protected. Every off-plan payment in Dubai must go into the project’s escrow account, registered with the Dubai Land Department. Pay only into that account and get your Oqood registration.
Compare launch prices with resales. In 2026 some off-plan homes are reselling below their launch price. A resale in a finished building nearby can be the better buy.
Read the payment plan and the handover clause. How much is due on handover, what happens if the date slips, and whether you can sell before completion all differ by developer and project.