Developers

Who builds Dubai

Before you buy off-plan, you're really buying the developer. Here's what each of the city's major builders is known for, where they build and the projects that made their name.

Close view of the Burj Khalifa's stepped glass facade

Founded 1997
Emaar Properties
The master developer behind Downtown Dubai and Dubai's best-known suburbs
Known for: Burj Khalifa, Arabian Ranches, Dubai Hills Estate
Founded 2002
DAMAC Properties
Luxury and branded residences, from golf communities to canal towers
Known for: DAMAC Hills, DAMAC Lagoons, DAMAC Hills 2
Founded 1976
Sobha Realty
A developer that designs, manufactures and builds in-house
Known for: Sobha Hartland, Sobha Hartland II, Sobha One
Founded 2000
Nakheel
The island-builder behind Palm Jumeirah and Dubai's affordable suburbs
Known for: Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Village Circle, International City
Founded 2007
Meraas
Design-led leisure destinations and boutique residential enclaves
Known for: City Walk, Bluewaters Island, La Mer
Founded 2008
Binghatti
Fast-built towers with bold facades and hypercar-branded residences
Known for: Burj Binghatti Jacob & Co Residences, Bugatti Residences by Binghatti, Mercedes-Benz Places by Binghatti
Founded 2014
Danube Properties
Mid-market apartments with long 1% monthly payment plans
Known for: Bayz, Lawnz, Elz
Founded 2007
Azizi Developments
Large mid-market pipelines, from Al Furjan to Azizi Venice
Known for: Azizi Riviera, Azizi Venice, Burj Azizi
Founded 2014
Ellington Properties
Design-first boutique buildings with a residential, hotel-like feel
Known for: Belgravia, DT1, Wilton Park Residences
Founded 2005
Omniyat
Ultra-luxury architecture on the Palm and in Business Bay
Known for: The Opus by Omniyat, One at Palm Jumeirah, Orla