Dubai’s rapid journey into a global hub of real estate would be largely dependent on a few major players within the market, and of those, Tamweel is indeed one first amongst equals for innovative Sharia-compliant financing solutions. This relatively small institution until its establishment in 2004 had very quickly become synonymous with innovative property financing that specifically reached out to both residential and commercial markets. But beyond being a provider of great financial services, the legacy of Tamweel lies in its forward-looking approach to real estate that eventually moved into Islamic banking standards, reflecting a new benchmark for property finance across the UAE.

Tamweel’s history began in March 2004 when it was constituted as a limited liability company. The whole idea was simple: to provide financing solutions Sharia compliant by the principles of Islam, therefore offering an ethical option to orthodox banking for property investor and owner alike. From the day of its establishment, Tamweel was one of the pioneer real estate financiers in Dubai, as well as basking on the booming population and property market. Come July 2006, Tamweel went public as a public joint-stock company, two years from the time it started operations. This led to a major milestone – Tamweel getting listed on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), which further increased its visibility and enabled more investors to be part of its growth story. Going public marked a landmark for the company: its growth was accelerated, and it reached more customers in the UAE with such facilitation.

What made Tamweel distinctly different from all other financiers in the region was the alignment with Islamic finance. This company specialized in providing Sharia-based solutions, with most emphasis on fair, transparent property financing that is more so ethical in sharing profits. Generally, Tamweel’s financing solutions were categorized into two major groups: home financing and commercial financing. For home financing, Tamweel provided financing options such as Murabaha (cost-plus financing), Ijara (leasing), Forward Ijara, Istisna (construction finance), amongst many others. These products were tailored to meet the concepts of home ownership for personal and investment in commercial property for business enterprises. Baiti, which is one of the flagship services, was a home finance product that grants no ownership until payments, if permitted by Islamic laws, are made.

The growth of property development and trading businesses also facilitated the company’s ability not only to finance but also to be involved in developing real estate projects for owners. This further consolidated its role in the booming property sector as an advocate in Dubai. Tamweel therefore established a synergistic model between financing and development for the mutual benefit of investors and developers by aligning the project’s financial sustainability with all requirements of Islamic law.

Tamweel’s journey was certainly not facile. The 2008 global financial crisis was felt in real estate markets of the UAE, which seriously negated real estate prices and finance activities on a highly dramatic scale. As such, on 1 November 2008, to this effect, as part of crisis-driven measures that were announced by the federal government of the UAE, Tamweel was going to be merged with Amlak – another significant operator in the Sharia-compliant finance industry. This marked the strategic step in stabilizing the real estate finance market, which would protect the interests of the investors and homeowners. Tamweel and Amlak by the early months of 2010 were incorporated into an Islamic bank, marking the end of Tamweel run as an independent financier of real estate. This then set the beginning of a new life for the organization and evolved to be more of a complete financial institution, with its own capabilities in offering a varied type of Islamic banking products and services.

The contribution of Tamweel to Dubai’s real estate finance will undoubtedly never be questioned. Indeed, Tamweel was the first firm that introduced a specific manner of Islamic Sharia-compliant financial products. Its launch became a benchmark for ethical financing in the region. It opened the door for future market players, pushing further innovation with more Islamic finance solutions to bring the region towards becoming a global Islamic banking hub in Dubai.

The entire journey for Tamweel, from the property financier to being an integral part of Islamic banking in Dubai, actually reflects such resilience, ability, and forward-thinking approach by the company. Its contribution to the real estate market in the UAE leaves an enduring legacy and its influence continues to be felt in this growing landscape of Sharia-compliant finance.

Union Properties has emerged as a pathfinder in the UAE property development sector, establishing a name with commitment to excellence and innovation. With its headquarters located in Dubai, the company listed on the bourse has given much to shape the skyline of one of the world’s fastest-growing cities. With over 6,000 employees, Union Properties has delivered more than 10,000 residential, commercial, and retail units, changing the face of the real estate territory of Dubai.

Union Properties was started as Union Property Private Limited in the year 1987 as a Company to be the real estate leader in UAE. The company went on the list of Dubai Financial Market in 1993 and has become a popular destination, marking a big milestone in its journey. Over the past few years, Union Properties has built a comprehensive portfolio that features some of the most iconic and recognizable structures within Dubai city, like UP Tower, Index Tower, Limestone House, and the internationally known Dubai Autodrome. The successful completion of these projects has not only enhanced the architectural beauty of Dubai but has also contributed to the economic growth and development of this city.

Portfolio and Subsidiary Diversity

Union Properties’ portfolio is rather variant due to its diversified nature in the real estate industry. The flagship projects developed by Union Properties are:

• UP Tower: Luxury mixed-used development, as it is so called, living defines modern architecture.
• Index Tower: Iconic building, both living and commercial spaces plus great views over the city.
• Limestone House: Luxurious residential, as it has received the name, classy and high quality in design.
• Dubai Autodrome: A multi-purpose facility for motorsport events.

It has also established five subsidiaries including Serveu, Dubai Autodrome, EDACOM, The FITOUT, and GMAMCO. These subsidiaries have complemented the capabilities of the company in carrying out its operations with a versatile set of services, capable of fitting as many market needs as possible.

Union Properties was also the subject of news lately when it sold its 50 percent stake in Emirates District Cooling (Emicool) to Dubai Investments for 500 million Dirhams in 2018. This tactical move was also aimed at the restructuring of the debts of this company and maintaining significant emphasis on its core business. Last year, Union Properties extended its reach further as it took a stake in Egypt’s Palm Hills Company, which is the underpinning of its diversification plans from the United Arab Emirates’ platform. Apart from quality projects, Union Properties also focuses on sustainable development and corporate social responsibility. The company is active in its pursuit of environmental sustainability and community welfare. Using innovative practices and sustainable building techniques will help Union Properties significantly reduce its footprint on the environment but contribute to the welfare of the communities it services.

Union Properties is well set for that wider share of the gradually ever-increasing pie in high-quality real estate. As a company currently focused on innovation, sustainability, and high standards for customers, Union Properties will play a very central role in shaping the future of the United Arab Emirates’ real estate market. Through new projects and partnerships that they come up with, Union Properties continues to live up to its vision of building iconic developments that really enhance the lifestyle of residents and visitors alike.

Deyaar’s growth profile has been nothing but great. Now, following its successful IPO in May 2007, Deyaar’s share capital ballooned to a whopping AED 5.78 billion, making the company one of the largest real estate developers in Dubai. The fast-paced growth here is undoubtedly just an affirmation of the forward thinking vision of Deyaar and commitment to quality developments in some of the most premium locations in the city.

The Deyaar portfolio reveals a very resourceful and ambitious image of the company. Its developments are strategically positioned within the major growth corridors and prime locations of Dubai. From Business Bay-the thriving commercial hub to Dubai Marina, where luxury waterfront living awaits, Deyaar’s projects are very skillfully curated to meet all the expectations of the diverse cross-section of clients. Other strategic locations in the company’s extensive inventory include Al Barsha, Dubai International Financial Centre, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai Production City, Dubai Silicon Oasis, Al Barsha South and Al Barsha Heights. All of these head-quarters have expanded dramatically over the years, making Deyaar’s developments of massive interest to investors, residents and businesses alike. Whether it is a high-rise residential tower or a cutting-edge commercial development, Deyaar’s ventures are designed to meet the needs of a dynamic and ever-evolving city.

Behind Deyaar’s growth lies a well-structured set of operations, divided into four main business units. At the very heart of this is Property Development, in which Deyaar focuses its efforts on creating residential and commercial properties that consistently outperform the expectations of investors and residents alike. Iconic projects such as The Atria and Midtown represent landmarks in Dubai’s real estate landscape. Property Management is key to ensuring that the properties Deyaar constructs are well maintained and their long-term value is maximized. The division offers end-to-end management services that help investors maximize their returns. Aside from the property management service, its facility management also ensures safe, secure, and operationally sound properties that make up the quality and functionality of each development.

The Management services that Deyaar offers related to the Owners’ Association allow for support offered to property owners dealing with the intricacies related to the management of common spaces. Its divisions here assist in improving the living experience for Deyaar’s clients by streamlining operations and evoking the sense of community.

Deyaar is now entering the hospitality sector, further diversifying its offerings. The company has a number of hospitality-related projects up its sleeve, which would help cement its ground as one of the leading real estate development houses in the region. Such developments are well aligned with Dubai’s becoming one of the pre-eminent tourist destinations in the world and probably will lead to the increasing demand for world-class hospitality experiences.

Deyaar aims to serve the goals of its investors by maximizing returns while building towards the provision of excellent service at an industry level. In terms of cutting-edge designs, superior property management or strategic investments in growth areas of Dubai, Deyaar continues to look for real solutions that add value to the portfolios of investors.

In fact, Deyaar has been at the forefront and is even better positioned for leading Dubai in innovative real estate development. With a strong financial foundation, diversified portfolio, and commitment to excellence, Deyaar’s future shines as bright as the sky line of Dubai, which the company helped create in its earlier days. The expansion of Deyaar into hospitality coupled with continuous investment in strategic locations goes on to ensure that Deyaar will remain one of the major players in shaping the future of Dubai’s real estate market.

The journey from a modest capital base to today’s multi-billion-dirham powerhouse reflects Deyaar’s resilience, innovation, and commitment to excellence. It will forever make a mark in the contribution to the developments of Dubai as it continues to build iconic structures and redefine urban living in one of the world’s most dynamic cities.