Mubadala Investment Fuels Growth for Property Finder with $170 Million Funding
A Significant Investment Round
Abu Dhabi’s Mubadala Investment Company has spearheaded a substantial funding round, injecting $170 million into Dubai-based Property Finder, a key player in the real estate aggregation sector. This investment not only strengthens Property Finder’s financial position but also supports its ongoing growth strategy, reflecting a strong confidence in the booming real estate market of Dubai.
Contributions from Notable Investors
In this recent funding round, Mubadala was joined by Beco Capital and another unnamed sovereign wealth fund from the UAE. Each of the two sovereign funds contributed $75 million, while Beco Capital contributed $20 million, marking the deployment of the first tranche from its newly established $250 million Growth Fund I. Notably, Beco Capital was Property Finder’s inaugural venture capital investor.
Commitment to Economic Development
According to Bakheet Al Katheeri, chief executive of the UAE investments platform at Mubadala, the investment underscores the company’s commitment to nurture national champions and high-growth technology platforms. He emphasized that these efforts contribute significantly to the long-term economic advancement of the UAE, particularly in supporting the rise of future unicorns.
Context of Previous Investments
This latest funding round follows a considerable $525 million investment led by global private equity firm Permira and Blackstone, which occurred in September. Together, these investments signify a meaningful minority stake in Property Finder, showcasing the increasing interest from significant investment players in the real estate domain. General Atlantic, an early investor in Property Finder since 2018, also participated in the previous funding cycle, selling a part of its stake yet retaining a notable minority holding.
The Boom in Dubai’s Real Estate Sector
The timing of this investment aligns with notable growth in Dubai’s real estate sector. Recent statistics reveal that the volume and value of real estate transactions in the emirate reached a record high, thanks to approximately 130,000 new investors entering the market. Data from the Dubai Land Department indicates an increase of 20% in transaction numbers compared to the prior year, with the total value soaring to Dh917 billion—a substantial rise of 20% year-on-year.
Supportive Government Initiatives
Dubai’s thriving property market benefits significantly from government measures such as new residency permits for retirees and remote workers, as well as the expansion of the ten-year golden visa program. These policies, combined with ongoing economic diversification efforts, have effectively propelled growth in the real estate sector.
Population Growth and High Demand
The surge in property prices and rental rates can also be attributed to soaring population growth in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The influx of high-net-worth individuals into the UAE has intensified demand, further bolstering the property market.
Remarkable Economic Momentum
“The region continues to experience exceptional economic momentum,” remarked Michael Lahyani, founder and CEO of Property Finder, acknowledging the dynamic landscape of the UAE’s real estate sector. Established in 2007, Property Finder offers an extensive range of listings across the Middle East and North Africa, positioning itself as a key resource for home buyers and renters alike.
Recent Financial Moves
Earlier this year, in May 2025, Property Finder secured $90 million in debt financing from Francisco Partners. The funds obtained were strategically used to facilitate the buyback of the entire stake held by Beco Capital, further illustrating the company’s proactive approach in managing its financial structure.
In summary, the infusion of $170 million by Mubadala, along with backing from other significant investors, not only bolsters Property Finder’s operational capacity but also signifies an optimistic outlook for Dubai’s ever-expanding real estate market.
