UAE developer Arada steps up London expansion with strategic Thameside West deal

United Arab Emirates-based property developer Arada has made a significant move into the UK housing market by acquiring a majority stake in one of London’s largest regeneration sites, Thameside West.

The transaction follows the company’s UK market entry in September and positions Arada to play a key role in shaping London’s residential future.

With this acquisition, the Sharjah-backed firm expands its UK pipeline to 15,000 homes and sets a firm trajectory towards delivering 30,000 residential units in the capital over the next three years.

Major land acquisition boosts long-term plans

The newly announced deal gives Arada an 80% stake in Thameside West, a riverfront development located in east London.

Valued at £2.5 billion, the mixed-use scheme is one of the most valuable regeneration opportunities in the capital.

The development plans to deliver at least 5,000 new homes, making it a central part of Arada’s broader vision for the UK market.

The first phase, expected to begin construction in 2027, will focus on delivering 1,000 homes.

This phased approach aligns with the developer’s strategy to manage delivery across long-term timelines, in line with the capital’s housing and infrastructure demands.

Arada’s UK entry reflects broader Gulf trends

Arada’s latest expansion echoes a broader regional trend among Gulf property companies diversifying into international markets.

The firm, which is backed by the ruling family of Sharjah, is leveraging strong financial performance at home to scale its presence abroad.

Its UK operations mark the company’s first significant step beyond the Middle East, placing it among a growing cohort of Gulf developers looking westward.

The acquisition also reflects the growing interest in London’s real estate sector by international investors, particularly those from oil-rich economies.

As Gulf countries continue to shift away from hydrocarbons, real estate investments in stable overseas markets like the UK have become key to their diversification efforts.

London pipeline set to triple as Arada builds momentum

With the Thameside West deal, Arada’s London development pipeline now stands at 15,000 homes.

The company aims to double this number and ultimately reach 30,000 properties in the capital within the next three years.

This ambitious target puts Arada in direct competition with other major developers active in London.

However, with backing from Gulf sovereign wealth and access to a maturing network of development partners, the firm is well-positioned to become a leading player in the UK’s urban regeneration space.

The project will also play into wider efforts to address housing shortages in London.

The delivery of thousands of new homes on strategic brownfield sites like Thameside West forms a critical part of the city’s long-term urban planning and population growth strategy.

Regional investment flows strengthen UK-Gulf ties

The move by Arada to deepen its involvement in the UK property market reflects strong bilateral economic ties between the Gulf and Britain.

London continues to be an attractive investment destination, offering long-term stability, favourable legal frameworks, and strong demand for new housing stock.

While this is Arada’s first major step into the UK, it may not be the last.

The firm’s clear plans to expand its residential portfolio over the next three years suggest further site acquisitions could follow.

With its growing pipeline and high-profile backing, Arada is set to become a defining name in the UK’s future urban development landscape.

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