Aldar buys $1bn portfolio from TDIC in one of the largest real estate deals in UAE history

Aldar Properties says its $1 billion acquisition of a portfolio of prime real estate assets announced from Abu Dhabi’s Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) is one of the largest real estate acquisitions in the UAE’s history.

In a statement on WAM, Aldar said it has purchased key development assets from TDIC with a focus on Saadiyat Island.

The deal comprises of 14 operating assets within various sectors ranging from hospitality, retail, residential, education and infrastructure, in addition to a selection of prime strategic land plots and projects under development on Saadiyat Island. The operating assets being acquired include Eastern Mangroves complex, Saadiyat Island district cooling assets, Cranleigh School Abu Dhabi, Westin Golf & Spa and other community retail and leisure assets, and will deliver an incremental net operating income of approximately AED120 million to Aldar’s Asset Management portfolio on an annualised basis.

The gross development value of the projects under development on Saadiyat Island is AED2.5 billion. The land being acquired is located on Saadiyat Island, is infrastructure enabled and includes approximately 1.1 million sqm gross floor area.

“Acquiring assets on Saadiyat Island presents Aldar with an unprecedented opportunity to add significant value to its portfolio,” said Talal Al Dhiyebi, CEO, Aldar Properties. “The opening of the Louvre Abu Dhabi has demonstrated the government’s commitment to make Saadiyat Island one of the most sought after destinations in the world. We believe this landmark acquisition will further advance Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector and accelerate the development of Saadiyat Island, taking it to the next level. This is a very exciting time for the market, and as its leading player, we’re well placed to take advantage, with the injection of these new assets representing a strong addition to our impressive portfolio.”

Aldar explained that the acquisition of TDIC’s operating assets will “enhance Aldar’s asset management business with an additional stream of recurring revenue in line with its growth investment plan. The acquisition of the land and projects under development will form part of Aldar’s development destination strategy. The acquisition will immediately positively contribute to the performance of both the Development and Asset Management business in 2018 and beyond.”

The acquisition is expected to fully complete by the end of June 2018 and it is subject to fulfilment of certain conditions.