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

In his capacity as Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, has issued a decree appointing Abdulla bin Damithan as Chairman of the Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation.

The appointment places one of the UAE’s most experienced trade and logistics leaders at the helm of one of Dubai’s most strategically important economic entities.

A Veteran in Ports and Global Trade

Abdulla bin Damithan brings more than two decades of experience in ports, logistics and international trade. He currently oversees DP World’s operations across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region, managing ports, economic zones, marine services and trade solutions.

He previously served as CEO and Managing Director of DP World UAE, where he led strategic growth across key regional markets. He oversees Jebel Ali Port and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).

Bin Damithan joined DP World in 2001 and has since held several senior leadership roles, contributing to the company’s transformation into a global provider of smart trade and logistics solutions.

New Leadership Appointments at DP World

Separately, DP World confirmed the appointment of Essa Kazim as Chairman of its Board of Directors, alongside the appointment of Yuvraj Narayan as Group CEO.

Kazim currently serves as Governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and Chairman of Borse Dubai. He brings extensive expertise in financial and economic affairs, having held senior leadership positions across several national institutions.

Narayan, who joined DP World in 2004, has played a key role in leading strategic and transformational initiatives that strengthened the company’s global footprint.

Serving as Group Chief Financial Officer since 2005, Narayan has been instrumental in enhancing DP World’s financial resilience, operational efficiency and supply chain capabilities worldwide.