Aldar Deepens Logistics Reach with AED 530 Million Almarkaz Deal
The Almarkaz site spans six million sq m and operates under special economic zone status, offering premium infrastructure and modular facility design that enables seamless scalability. With this purchase, Aldar's logistics portfolio surpasses 600,000 sq m of operational and under-development space, encompassing holdings in Abu Dhabi's Business Hub, Dubai's 7 Central, and forthcoming logistics parks at Dubai South and Jebel Ali with DP World.
Jassem Salah Busaibe, CEO of Aldar Investment, explained the deal aligns closely with the firm's strategic direction to enhance and diversify recurring revenue streams. He noted demand for 'well-located premium logistics and industrial space' across Abu Dhabi and Dubai continues to intensify, underpinning Aldar's capital allocation into high-quality warehousing with 'strong fundamentals and growth potential'.
ADVERTISEMENT
For Waha Capital, the divestment marks a pivotal phase in extracting value from over a decade of development at Almarkaz. Mohamed Hussain Al Nowais, Managing Director at Waha Capital, praised the transformation of the property from a green‑field plot to a strategic logistics hub, describing the sale as a validation of the platform's scalability and the group's long‑term, value‑creation objectives.
Market observers attribute this flurry of logistics investment to several drivers. E‑commerce growth, burgeoning regional trade flows, and population expansion are converging, creating heightened demand for grade‑A logistics assets. The Almarkaz facilities, offering modular layouts with variable unit sizes and heights, are well suited to support this evolving tenant landscape.
Analysts also view Aldar's move as reinforcing its status as a leading logistics landlord in the UAE, Ramsay Consultants senior director Sarah Al‑Zafiri remarked: 'By adding scale, occupancy and diversification, Aldar is consolidating its edge in a competitive sector increasingly driven by global supply chain dynamics.' The company's pipeline of projects in Jebel Ali and Dubai South—particularly the joint venture with DP World—demonstrates a long‑term commitment to expand capacity in line with regional logistics demand.
The strategic purchase comes against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi's broader economic agenda, driving diversification away from hydrocarbons towards industrial, logistics and business infrastructure development. It aligns with the Emirate's infrastructure milestone ambitions, including that of Almarkaz itself, which grew under government-backed initiatives and Waha Capital's vision over the past decade.
Financially, the AED 530 million consideration—equivalent to US$144 million—reflects growing investor appetite for stable, income-generating real estate underpinned by long‑term leases and resilient tenant profiles. The acquisition further strengthens Aldar's balance sheet diversification, reinforcing revenue stability as the logistics unit contributes increasingly meaningful recurring income.
Looking ahead, both Aldar and Waha Capital signalled openness to future collaborations within Almarkaz. Their aligned interests, combined with the availability of undeveloped land and infrastructure, could unlock new logistic and industrial developments.
With Almarkaz now integrated into Aldar's ecosystem, and development momentum building in key zones like Dubai South, Jebel Ali and across Abu Dhabi, the move positions the Emirates to benefit from an expanding logistics network. As strategic partnerships and phased developments roll out, the sector appears primed to support national economic diversification goals alongside private-sector returns.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Web Release
8 hours ago
- Web Release
Line Investments & Property Concludes UAE's Biggest Summer Shopping Carnival with Exciting Car Giveaways
Line Investments & Property SP LLC, the shopping mall development and management arm of Lulu International Holdings Ltd, has successfully concluded the much-anticipated Summer Shopping Carnival, a dynamic month-long festival that transformed the retail experience across 12 malls in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Al Dhafra. The Summer Shopping Carnival offered visitors 31 days of exclusive promotions, global-themed experiences, cultural activations, live entertainment, and the chance to win exceptional prizes. Shoppers who spent AED 200 or more had the opportunity to enter two types of draws: a digital raffle draw to win brand-new Chevrolet Spark EUV vehicles presented by Bin Hamoodah Auto, and a physical raffle draw to win all-inclusive travel packages from Nex World Travel and Tourism LLC. These exciting prize opportunities added another layer of engagement and anticipation to the festival experience. Throughout the campaign, each participating mall brought unique cultural celebrations to life. Al Wahda Mall, Al Raha Mall, and Mushrif Mall highlighted vibrant European festivals, while Al Foah Mall and Al Falah Central Mall celebrated the rich heritage of the UAE and GCC. Khalidiyah Mall presented an immersive Egyptian theme, and Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre showcased colorful Chinese traditions. Forsan Central Mall and Barrari Outlet Mall brought to life the spirit of Middle Eastern culture, while Mazyad Mall and Al Dhafra Mall offered a captivating blend of Asian and Middle Eastern experiences. Shawamekh Central Mall also participated in the campaign. The initiative underscored the company's commitment to creating immersive experiences that connect communities and celebrate diversity. The highlight of the carnival was the announcement of the winners of the coveted Chevrolet Spark EUVs. Over four weeks of draws, Ahammed Paramban, Ayisha Ali, Sayed Kamaluddin, Mahmoud, and Ahmed Farouk Mohammed Ahmed were among the lucky shoppers whose visits turned into life-changing moments as they won brand-new vehicles. Commenting on the success of the campaign, Wajeb Al Khoury, Director of Line Investments & Property, stated, 'The Summer Shopping Carnival has once again demonstrated our dedication to delivering vibrant, rewarding experiences that bring people together. We are proud to see the excitement and joy this initiative has created, not only for our winners but for all the visitors who joined us to celebrate culture, community, and innovation.' Biju George, General Manager of Line Investments & Property, added, 'The response to the Summer Shopping Carnival has been truly inspiring. Our vision was to create a destination where families could enjoy rewarding experiences beyond traditional retail, and the overwhelming participation shows how much our communities value these shared moments. We look forward to continuing to elevate the shopping journey across all our malls.' Ayman Al Bijawi, Director of Sales & Marketing at Bin Hamoodah Auto said, 'Partnering with Line Investments & Property on this landmark campaign has been a fantastic opportunity to showcase the Chevrolet Spark EUV and connect with customers in meaningful ways. Seeing the excitement on the winners' faces as they received their new vehicles was a powerful reminder of the impact such initiatives can have.' Mohammed Yahya, Chairman of Nex World Travel and Tourism LLC, said: 'This partnership with Line Investments & Property has provided exceptional exposure to thousands of potential customers throughout their extensive mall network. We're thrilled to offer these international travel packages to destinations worldwide, and seeing the excitement of winners heading off to amazing locations has been incredibly rewarding.' The Summer Shopping Carnival reflects Line Investments & Property's vision to redefine the shopping centre experience through experiential retail and strategic collaborations, setting a benchmark for engaging and value-driven campaigns in the region.
Filipino Times
12 hours ago
- Filipino Times
Fly with PAL, Shop & Save with Brands For Less!
Philippine Airlines passengers in UAE get an exclusive AED 30 OFF at Brands For Less stores! 🗓️ Promo Period: July 5 – Sep 5, 2025 🛒 How to Redeem: Spend AED 200+ in-store & show your Original PAL boarding pass (within 30 days of travel) + valid ID. 🎁 Get instant AED 30 discount — one-time use per customer. 📍Available at all BFL stores across the UAE. 🚫 Not valid online or with other promos. Hurry—limited redemptions only! Terms and Conditions Apply. Related Articles
Arabian Post
a day ago
- Arabian Post
Dubai Duty Free Surpasses AED4.1bn in Half‑Year Sales
Dubai Duty Free posted its strongest first-half performance to date, recording turnover of AED 4.118 billion, a 5.34 per cent increase over the same period in 2024. This figure eclipses the previous H1 record by AED 208.95 million, signalling robust recovery and sustained growth since the pandemic. The surge was underpinned by heightened passenger engagement during the Eid holiday and early summer travel season, with April, May and early June emerging as particularly strong months. This rise was reflected in higher spend per passenger, a metric now exceeding June 2024 levels, according to managing director Ramesh Cidambi. Perfumes topped the sales chart at AED 744.24 million, followed by beverages at AED 513.37 million, and cigarettes and tobacco at AED 439.91 million— the latter marking a 12.24 per cent uplift. Gold sales contributed AED 416.90 million, while confectionery achieved the most dramatic rise—a 62.70 per cent increase totalling AED 412.52 million. Cosmetics also grew modestly to AED 201.51 million, up 3.36 per cent. ADVERTISEMENT Growth was consistently distributed across the airport's terminals. Terminal 3 led with a 6.37 per cent gain, while Terminal 1 rose by 5.25 per cent. All major source regions posted positive results: Europe saw an increase of 16.89 per cent, the Middle East was up 8.15 per cent, Russia climbed 4.41 per cent and the Indian sub‑continent recorded a 1.02 per cent rise. Cidambi emphasised that the strong performance reflects not just rising traffic, but also increased engagement per traveller: 'The spend per passenger is likely to be better than last year June… a testament to our team's hard work and the strength of Dubai as a global travel hub'. Looking forward, Dubai Duty Free is preparing for an intensified second half, traditionally buoyed by back-to-school demand, year-end travel, and festive shopping occasions. Execution of its long-term strategy has also advanced: three Arrivals Shops have been renovated and the retailer is gearing up to unveil luxury boutiques from Louis Vuitton, Chanel and Cartier in Terminal 3's Concourse A. These upgrades aim to further enhance the high-end shopping experience and capitalise on the spending power of premium travellers. Founded in December 1983, Dubai Duty Free has evolved into one of the world's largest airport retailers, reaching a turnover of US $2.16 billion in 2023. Its top markets include India, Russia, China and the UK. The performance during the first half of 2025 demonstrates resilience and strategic diversification across categories, geographies and terminals. Luxury expansion and strategic product mix adjustments appear to be the cornerstone of the company's forward plan. By augmenting its high-end retail offerings and leveraging strong travel traffic, Dubai Duty Free is poised to maintain momentum through the remainder of the year. Cigarettes & tobacco, gold and perfumery remain core pillars, while confectionery's exceptional growth suggests broader category appeal among travellers. As passenger numbers climb and spending habits evolve, the retailer's ongoing investments in both infrastructure and branded boutiques seek to reinforce its leadership in travel retail. Economic analysts note that this escalate in passenger spend is not confined to Dubai—the broader travel retail sector across the Gulf region is experiencing parallel growth, aided by tourism rebounds and expanded flight connectivity. However, Dubai Duty Free's strategic emphasis on luxury positioning and global brand partnerships gives it a competitive edge within this landscape. While the company has not yet released final June passenger traffic figures, all indicators show an upward trend in both transit volume and per capita spend. With the expansion of Concourse A's luxury offerings and the completion of renovation works, expectations are that H2 will not only replicate H1 gains but potentially surpass them.
