UAE-based property developer Arada has announced its entry into the UK housing market with the acquisition of a majority stake in Regal, one of London’s leading residential-led mixed-use developers.
The deal, which sees Arada take a 75% share in Regal, marks the company’s second international expansion following its move into Australia last year. Regal, with a 30-year track record in the capital, will be rebranded as Arada London.
10,000-unit pipeline
The acquisition gives Arada an immediate foothold in London, where Regal currently has an 11-project pipeline of 10,000 residential units. Arada said it intends to accelerate delivery of this portfolio, with ambitions to more than triple the pipeline over the next three years.
As part of the transaction, Arada is committing an initial AED2.5 billion (£560m) to acquire and invest in the Regal business, which employs 150 people. Regal’s executive team and founders will remain with the company.
Strategic expansion
His Highness Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, Chairman of Arada, described the move as a “strategic step” in response to rising demand for residential space in the UK capital.
“London is one of the world’s leading cities, and our expansion into this market provides a significant opportunity to accelerate the delivery of new residential assets,” he said. “This aligns fully with Arada’s long-term strategy to develop high-quality projects that enable people to live healthier and more prosperous lives.”
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Arada’s Group Chief Executive Officer, said the acquisition would allow the company to leverage its capital strength and design expertise to support Regal’s next stage of growth.
“We have been impressed by the platform the Regal team has built, as well as the inspirational schemes they are delivering,” he said. “With Arada’s resources, we are well placed to unlock new opportunities in London.”
Regal’s legacy
Founded three decades ago, Regal has delivered more than 4,000 residential units and 1 million square feet of commercial space, building its reputation on large-scale, mixed-use schemes.
Jonathan Seal, Chief Executive of Regal, said Arada had been chosen as a partner for its shared vision and long-term approach.
“Over the last 30 years, Regal has built a reputation for aligning with businesses that share our long-term vision and deep understanding of the property industry,” he said. “It is in this spirit that we have carefully chosen Arada as our partner, a business that shares our management team’s ambition to continue shaping the London skyline.”
Growing portfolio
Arada, launched in 2017, is now one of the fastest-growing developers in the Middle East. Its projects in the UAE and Australia are valued at over AED95 billion, comprising more than 42,000 residential units, with 10,000 already completed.
By acquiring Regal, the company gains a strategic presence in Europe’s largest housing market, where demand for new homes continues to outpace supply.
