In the dynamic world of real estate, few companies stand out like Emaar Properties, which recently reported a stunning financial performance for Q1 2025. The developer recorded a revenue of AED10.1 billion (approximately $2.74 billion), marking a remarkable 50% increase compared to the same period in 2024. This upward trajectory is complemented by an impressive EBITDA of AED5.4 billion ($1.5 billion), reflecting a 24% increase year-on-year and a healthy margin exceeding 53%. Notably, net profit before tax also surged by 27%, reaching AED5.4 billion ($1.5 billion) compared to Q1 2024. Such robust numbers not only underscore Emaar’s success but also highlight its ongoing commitment to redefining industry standards and fostering sustainable growth across its diverse portfolio.
Remarkable Property Sales
Property sales at Emaar surged to approximately AED19.3 billion ($5.3 billion), a striking 42% increase from the AED13.5 billion recorded in Q1 2024. As of March 31, 2025, the company’s revenue backlog from these property sales reached approximately AED127 billion ($34.6 billion), indicating a phenomenal 62% rise from the previous year. This growth showcases Emaar’s operational excellence and customer-centric approach, reflecting a steadfast commitment to creating enduring value for all stakeholders.
Record Dividends and Customer Focus
Emaar has also made headlines by declaring a record dividend of AED8.9 billion ($2.4 billion) to its shareholders. This commitment to financial return is paralleled by a relentless focus on customer satisfaction, with the company striving to meet the highest standards in design, product quality, and community services. Emaar invests heavily in nurturing young talent through various training and development initiatives, ensuring the next generation of leaders is well-prepared. By emphasizing efficient cost management while maximizing performance across all business lines, Emaar is setting a benchmark that others in the industry might aspire to achieve.
The company has also made strides in advancing its sustainability strategy. Focusing on resource efficiency, waste management, and responsible sourcing practices, Emaar has recently celebrated its third ESG rating upgrade in four years from MSCI. Adding to this momentum, S&P Global upgraded Emaar’s credit rating to BBB+ with a stable outlook, showcasing confidence in the company’s robust financial health and growth potential.
Commitment to the Future
Mohamed Alabbar, the founder of Emaar, observed, “Every quarter is an opportunity to reinvent what’s possible.” He emphasized that the impressive results reflect the ambition of a team that thrives on innovation and a community that inspires growth. “At Emaar, we don’t follow momentum — we create it,” he asserted, reinforcing the company’s ethos of forward-thinking and continuous improvement.
Emaar Development has also been on a roll, launching 12 projects in the UAE during Q1 2025 and achieving another record quarterly property sales of AED16.5 billion ($4.5 billion). This signifies a remarkable 28% increase from Q1 2024. The revenue from Emaar Development reached AED5 billion in this quarter, marking a growth of 43%, with net profit before tax soaring to approximately AED2.8 billion ($753 million), representing a 49% increase year-on-year.
The consolidated revenue from Emaar Properties’ development operations in the UAE also demonstrated robust performance, reaching AED6.9 billion, bolstered by successful initiatives like Dubai Creek Harbour.
Performance in Retail and Commercial Leasing
Emaar’s shopping malls and commercial leasing divisions generated impressive revenues of AED1.5 billion in Q1 2025. This achievement can be attributed to improved lease renewals, growing tenant sales, and high occupancy rates across key assets. Notably, the mall portfolio maintained an average occupancy of 98% as of March 31, 2025. The company’s international real estate operations recorded AED2.8 billion in property sales during the same quarter, affirming consistent demand across key markets.
Hospitality Sector Expansion
In the hospitality and leisure sectors, Emaar reported revenues of AED1.1 billion ($299 million) during Q1 2025, driven by booming tourism and domestic demand. The average occupancy across Emaar’s UAE hotels reached 82%, with the addition of two new hotels that feature over 600 keys, further solidifying Emaar’s presence in the hospitality landscape.
Emaar’s diverse portfolio encompasses malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and commercial leasing, culminating in a robust revenue of AED2.6 billion for Q1 2025 and an EBITDA of AED2 billion. This segment alone constituted 37% of Emaar’s total EBITDA, reflecting the stability and resilience of its recurring revenue-generating assets.
