The company’s international ambitions gained momentum following its acquisition of London-based developer London Square in 2023. Aldar is now targeting the delivery of approximately 9,000 homes across 30 sites over the next five years, marking a significant step in its strategy to build a broader international property business.
The planned portfolio comprises more than 3,600 homes for open-market sale, 1,538 build-to-rent properties and 3,575 affordable homes. The development pipeline has reportedly increased in value by around £5 billion since the acquisition.
London Square Acquisition Establishes Aldar’s UK Presence
Aldar acquired 100% of London Square in December 2023 at an enterprise value of £230 million, marking its first acquisition outside the Middle East and North Africa.
Founded in 2010, London Square focuses on residential development and mixed-use regeneration across Greater London. Its projects frequently involve transforming former industrial sites, underused buildings and established urban locations into new residential communities.
The acquisition gave Aldar an established platform in the British capital, allowing it to expand beyond its core UAE operations while accessing London’s development pipeline and local market expertise.
Major Regeneration Projects Across London
Aldar’s UK portfolio includes developments in several London neighbourhoods, combining new homes with commercial, retail and community facilities.
One notable project is Nine Elms, a major regeneration district near the US Embassy. London Square’s scheme includes more than 750 homes alongside commercial and retail space.
Another key development involves the former Surrey County Council headquarters at County Hall in Kingston upon Thames. The project is expected to deliver 292 homes while incorporating the restoration of historic buildings.
London Square’s wider portfolio also includes locations such as Bermondsey, Wandsworth Common and Brook Green, reflecting a strategy that extends beyond the capital’s traditional luxury property districts.
World of Aldar Opens a London Base
Aldar is supporting its international expansion through a stronger physical presence in London. The company recently opened its World of Aldar hub in Mayfair, providing a base to showcase its developments and engage with investors, customers and business partners.
The initiative connects property opportunities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Egypt and the UK, reflecting the group’s broader international reach.
For Aldar, London is increasingly important not only as an investment destination but also as a platform for building relationships with international buyers and expanding its real estate operations.
The developer has also pursued engagement with London’s cultural and business communities, including a partnership involving The O2.
Sales Growth Supports Expansion Plans
London Square’s performance is another important part of Aldar’s UK strategy. The business is targeting 600 completed homes in 2026, compared with 398 in 2025.
According to the figures provided in the original report, London Square recorded £251 million in sales during the first half of 2026, representing a 236% increase year on year. The company is also targeting a sales backlog of £1 billion by the end of the year.
These targets indicate the scale of the group’s ambitions, although sustained delivery will depend on market conditions, buyer demand and the successful execution of its development pipeline.
Middle Eastern Buyers Remain an Important Market
International purchasers are an important component of London Square’s sales strategy. Buyers from the Middle East reportedly account for 10% to 15% of its international sales, with UAE purchasers leading regional demand.
Their motivations vary, ranging from property investment and capital preservation to purchasing second homes or securing accommodation for children studying in the UK.
This international customer base gives Aldar an opportunity to connect its established relationships in the Gulf with London’s residential property market.
Aldar’s Next Phase of International Growth
Aldar’s expanding British portfolio represents a broader effort to diversify its business geographically while combining its financial resources with local development expertise.
The next five years will test the company’s ability to deliver its planned homes, maintain sales momentum and navigate London’s competitive property market.
With approximately 9,000 homes planned across 30 sites and a dedicated presence in Mayfair, Aldar’s UK strategy is evolving beyond a single acquisition into a more substantial international real estate operation.
