Emaar: the developer known even by those who’ve never been to Dubai

Ask someone who has never set foot in the UAE what they know about Dubai, and chances are the answer will be: “That’s where the tallest tower in the world is - the Burj Khalifa. And the biggest luxury shopping mall. And that waterfront that feels like Monaco meets Miami - Dubai Marina.”

What most people don’t realize is that all three of these landmarks are masterpieces by the same developer: Emaar Properties. This article is part of our series on the developers who turned the desert into a global brand.

Why all the world knows them

Burj Khalifa - 828 meters. A world record still unbeaten. Movie roles, New Year’s Eve firework shows broadcast worldwide all over social media - it’s become Dubai’s postcard to the world. This is truly the number one building in the UAE. That’s why on Dubadu, when users search for apartments, the “distance to Burj Khalifa” filter is always there. You can see the tower from so many parts of Dubai, it literally rises above the city like a desert lighthouse. Like the Eiffel Tower in Paris or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, it’s always there, watching you from every corner.

The Dubai Mall - officially the most visited place on the planet in 2023, with over 105 million visitors in a single year and record-breaking sales. But this isn’t just a mall, it’s a city under one roof. A giant aquarium with sharks, an ice rink in the middle of the desert, cinemas, kids’ theme parks - and all of it surrounded by thousands of stores. Every luxury brand you can think of, from Chanel and Cartier to Rolex and Dior, has a flagship here - often bigger than their boutiques in Paris or London. Imagine shopping while bumping into a sheikh or a global celebrity doing the same. That’s the magnetism of this place: people literally fly in just for the experience.

Dubai Marina - the largest man-made marina in the world. Over 3 kilometers of waterfront, lined with residential towers, yacht clubs, rooftop restaurants, and hotels where the evenings feel like an endless movie about the good life. Locals call it the “Monaco of the Middle East”. Yachts glitter, lights reflect off the water, and the whole place buzzes with resort-style glamour. By day, it’s pure Instagram heaven: jogs along the canal, coffee with a view, boat rides under the sun.

Collaborations with luxury brands 

Inside Burj Khalifa, you’ll find the Armani Hotel Dubai, created in partnership with Giorgio Armani - a stamp of quality that speaks for itself.

On Emaar Beachfront, the company launched Grand Bleu Tower by Elie Saab - the world’s first residential building designed by the legendary couturier.

And in Downtown Dubai, Emaar created Dubai Stars, a walk of fame honoring international celebrities and cultural icons.

Rumors even suggest that David and Victoria Beckham own property in Burj Khalifa, one of Emaar’s flagship projects - though it’s never been officially confirmed.

Emaar by the numbers

• Founded in 1997.
• According to the Dubai Financial Market, as of August 2025 Emaar’s market capitalization exceeds $15 billion.
• Its portfolio includes more than 1.2 million square meters of retail space and tens of thousands of residential units - said in official Emaar annual report.
• Emaar Malls generated over $1.5 billion in revenue in 2023 and shared that numbers in Emaar Annual Report 2023.
• The company operates in more than 12 countries, including Egypt, India, Turkey, and Saudi Arabia.

Why investors choose Emaar

According to The National, Emaar’s flagship projects - from Burj Khalifa to Dubai Marina - have already become global symbols.

According to ValuStrat 2025 report - in areas like Downtown Dubai and Dubai Marina, rental yields for residential properties average 5-8% per year. That making the market highly competitive worldwide.

Bloomberg analysts mentioned that Emaar successfully weathered the 2008 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic, not only retaining its leadership but also launching new projects. This resilience proves the company’s ability to adapt and grow even in turbulent times.

Experts at Khaleej Times add that Emaar’s projects remain consistently liquid. Rising values and solid rental income make them attractive both for short-term gains and long-term strategies.