International developer BCD Global has acquired a second development plot in Dubai South, accelerating its UAE expansion after its inaugural Dubai project was fully committed within weeks of launch.

The 70-year-old real estate group is targeting approximately Dh300 million ($81.7 million) in UAE revenue during the first half of 2026, marking its first meaningful earnings contribution from the market.

The latest acquisition follows BCD Global’s entry into Dubai last month with a freehold mid-market residential development in Warsan, where construction has already commenced. According to the company, all units were committed shortly after launch amid strong investor demand.

Scalable Platform Strategy

Chairman Dr. Angad Singh Bedi said the rapid absorption of the first project validated the group’s strategy of building a governance-led, scalable development platform rather than pursuing opportunistic transactions.

“The acquisition of a second site in Dubai South reflects our conviction in the long-term fundamentals of this market,” Bedi said. 

“We are building a platform designed for sustained capital deployment and disciplined growth.”

BCD Global has delivered more than 155 million square feet of real estate across over 300 projects spanning residential, mixed-use and large-scale developments in seven countries over seven decades.

Chief Executive Amit Puri described the move as part of a phased expansion strategy focused on structural demand drivers.

“Dubai remains one of the most resilient global property markets, supported by population growth, capital inflows and regulatory stability,” Puri said. 

“Dubai South represents the next phase of urban expansion, with infrastructure growth and demographic momentum supporting long-term housing demand.”

Market Backdrop

Data from the Dubai Land Department show total real estate transactions in Dubai reached Dh917 billion in 2025, up approximately 20% year-on-year. Average residential prices have climbed to around Dh1,597 per square foot, while rental yields in mainstream submarkets range between 6% and 8%, among the highest across major international cities.

Industry analysts project continued residential demand across the UAE, with close to 300,000 units expected to be delivered by 2028 amid sustained population growth and investor migration.

Pipeline and Regional Expansion

The newly secured Dubai South site forms part of BCD Global’s broader UAE pipeline. Another groundbreaking is scheduled next month, with construction on the second project expected to begin in the coming months.

The developer said its strategy centres on mid-market housing targeted at end-users and long-term investors, positioning itself away from short-term speculative segments.

From its Dubai base, BCD Global plans to expand across the Gulf, identifying Saudi Arabia as a priority growth market as it builds a diversified regional portfolio.

In a city that thrives on bold ambition and global connection, a new landmark has quietly taken its place at the heart of Dubai’s business future.

DMCC has officially opened The Plaza at Uptown Dubai, a 21,000 square metre open-air destination designed to host everything from high-level corporate summits to large-scale concerts and community gatherings.

For UAE residents and business leaders alike, this isn’t just another development announcement. It’s a signal that Uptown Dubai is stepping into a new era.

A new gathering space in town

Strategically positioned at the centre of Uptown Dubai, The Plaza physically connects the iconic Uptown Tower with the district’s wider commercial and residential community.

Designed to accommodate up to 4,000 guests, the venue features advanced staging, lighting and digital display infrastructure, enabling year-round programming and rapid event turnover.

For Dubai’s fast-moving corporate ecosystem, that means seamless hosting of:

• Global trade conferences
• Finance and technology forums
• Industry expos
• Cultural performances
• Community celebrations

In a city known for world-class event venues, The Plaza adds something different: scale, accessibility and integration within a thriving business district.

For UAE residents, the venue offers more opportunities for networking, collaboration and global visibility without leaving the city.

Next business hub taking shape

The Plaza’s launch comes as Uptown Dubai moves into its next development phase.

Currently under construction:

• Two commercial towers (23 and 17 storeys)
• 62,000 square metres of additional Grade A commercial and retail space

Once complete, the full district will deliver:

• 538,000 square metres total gross floor area
• 232,000 square metres dedicated to Grade A commercial office space

What’s in it for residents

For professionals, it means:

• More international events are hosted locally
• Increased networking and industry exposure
• Expanded commercial opportunities

For residents, it offers:

• Open-air concerts and cultural events
• Community experiences within a premium urban setting
• A new social hub integrated into Dubai’s skyline

Dubai is getting a brand-new desert destination, and it’s massive.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai,  has approved Al Layan Oasis, a 10 million square foot eco-tourism and leisure project set to transform part of the emirate’s desert into a lake-centred retreat packed with walking trails, camping areas and family attractions.

Located about 50 minutes from Dubai city centre, the oasis is expected to attract 330,000 visitors a year.

A 2.5 Million Sq Ft Lake in the Desert

At the heart of Al Layan Oasis will be a 2.5 million sq ft lake, surrounded by:

• 14km of walking and cycling tracks
• Elevated pathways five metres above ground
• 1,000 parking spaces
• Sports and recreation facilities
• Camping and caravan zones

The elevated 4km track will offer panoramic desert views and connect to existing routes in Al Marmoom.

Four Zones for Families and Visitors

The destination will feature four themed areas:

• Camping Oasis: 100 caravan spots and a visitor centre
• Gathering Oasis: Open-air cinema, amphitheatre and food trucks
• Family Oasis: 28 shaded rest areas and children’s play zones
• Recreation Oasis: Retail, activities and leisure facilities

Officials say the project balances eco-tourism with environmental protection, expanding native planting and shaded areas to enhance comfort.

Part of Dubai’s Sustainability Plan

Al Layan Oasis forms part of Dubai Municipality’s Blue and Green Roadmap 2030, under a Dh4 billion package aimed at investing in nature to improve the quality of life.

The project also supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan and the emirate’s long-term sustainability and wellbeing goals.

Once completed, Al Layan Oasis is expected to become one of Dubai’s key desert lifestyle and eco-tourism destinations, offering residents and tourists a new way to experience nature without leaving the emirate.