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UAE real estate developer Arada to acquire 80% of London riverfront development

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on November 17, 2025

2 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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ABU DHABI (Reuters) -United Arab Emirates real estate developer Arada, backed by Gulf royals, will acquire a majority stake in London's Thameside West mixed-use development, it said in a statement on

Arada to Secure 80% Stake in London's Thameside West Development

Arada's Strategic Investment in London

ABU DHABI (Reuters) -United Arab Emirates real estate developer Arada, backed by Gulf royals, will acquire a majority stake in London's Thameside West mixed-use development, it said in a statement on Monday, following the launch of its UK business in September.

Project Overview and Timeline

Arada will take an 80% stake in the riverfront development in London's east which has a gross development value of 2.5 billion pounds ($3.29 billion) and plans to deliver at least 5,000 homes, the statement said.

Market Trends and Developer Growth

The first phase of the project is expected to deliver 1,000 homes, with construction expected to begin in 2027, Arada said.

Impact of Oil and Gas Diversification

"Our entry into this market was grounded in our unwavering faith in London and its attractiveness as one of the world’s leading capital cities," said Arada Chairman Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, a member of Sharjah emirate's ruling family.

Future Development Plans

Gulf property developers have registered strong growth, driven by rising demand and increased investment as regional oil and gas producers accelerate diversification strategies. Several have launched development arms in Britain through subsidiaries or joint ventures as a way to diversify operations.

Arada's acquisition of Thameside West increases its London development pipeline to 15,000 homes, part of a broader strategy to triple its London residential pipeline to 30,000 properties over the next three years.

($1 = 0.7606 pounds)

(Reporting by Rachna Uppal; Editing by Jamie Freed)

Key Takeaways

  • Arada acquires 80% of Thameside West in London.
  • The project is valued at £2.5 billion.
  • First phase to deliver 1,000 homes by 2027.
  • Arada aims to triple its London pipeline to 30,000 homes.
  • Gulf developers are diversifying into the UK market.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is real estate?
Real estate refers to land and any permanent structures on it, such as buildings. It is a significant sector in the economy, involving buying, selling, and renting properties.
What is an investment?
An investment is an asset or item acquired with the goal of generating income or appreciation. Investments can include stocks, bonds, real estate, and other financial instruments.
What is property development?
Property development is the process of buying land, financing real estate deals, building projects, and selling or leasing the finished properties. It involves various stages including planning, construction, and marketing.
What is a mixed-use development?
A mixed-use development combines residential, commercial, and sometimes industrial spaces in one project. This approach aims to create vibrant communities by integrating living, working, and leisure environments.

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