Arada Expands into London: Gulf Developers Eye Global Growth

The momentum from the Gulf’s booming property market is crossing borders — and this time, it’s heading straight to London.

Arada, a UAE-based real estate developer co-owned by Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Deputy Ruler of Sharjah, and Prince Khaled bin Alwaleed bin Talal of Saudi Arabia, has announced a $680 million investment into the UK property scene. The company acquired a 75% stake in Regal Holdco, the parent company of London developer Regal, known for its residential, student, and senior living projects with a 10,000-home pipeline.

Following the deal, Regal will rebrand as Arada London, with its existing executive team remaining in place. The move marks Arada’s bold step into one of the world’s most established real estate markets — after already expanding into Australia last year.

According to Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Arada’s Group CEO, this move is both a vote of confidence in Regal and in London itself — a city that has long attracted Gulf investors for its stability and strong fundamentals. Arada plans to triple Regal’s residential pipeline within the next three years.

While Arada is doubling down on international expansion, Alkhoshaibi reaffirmed that the company remains deeply committed to its UAE portfolio, where demand continues to outpace supply despite predictions of a cooling market.

This investment also aligns with the UK government’s target to deliver 1.5 million new homes in the coming five years — a challenge amid rising construction costs and shifting demand. But for Arada, it’s an opportunity to enter a recovering market with global visibility and a trusted local partner.

As Regal’s CEO Jonathan Seal noted, the UK housing market is showing early signs of renewed momentum — and with Arada’s backing, the company is well-positioned to capture that growth.