Aldar Properties, a leading property development company in Abu Dhabi, UAE, said it has reached an agreement with Tourism Development & Investment Company (TDIC) to acquire a portfolio of prime real estate assets worth Dh3.7 billion ($1.01 billion), in one of the largest real estate acquisitions in the country’s history.

The Emirati developer has acquired assets located in key destinations, with a focus on Saadiyat Island.

It includes 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 that island, said a statement from the company.

The acquisition of TDIC’s operating assets will thus enhance Aldar’s high-quality asset management business with an additional stream of recurring revenue in line with its growth investment plan, it stated.

Aldar said the acquisition of the land and projects under development will form part of its development destination strategy.

The acquisition will immediately positively contribute to the performance of both the Development and Asset Management business in 2018 and beyond, it added.

On the strategic move, CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi said: "Acquiring assets on Saadiyat Island presents Aldar with an unprecedented opportunity to add significant value to its portfolio. 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," noted Al Dhiyebi.
 
"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," he added.

Saadiyat Island, he said, is commonly regarded as the jewel in the crown of Abu Dhabi’s real estate portfolio, and one of the most coveted in the entire Arabian Gulf.

With long stretches of prime beach, and with iconic beachfront hotels, as well as high quality beach villas and apartments, Saadiyat Island has for some time been the destination of choice for many discerning residents and visitors, he added.

According to Aldar, the value of Saadiyat Island was more recently reinforced by the opening last year of the Louvre Abu Dhabi, to much international acclaim; and with Saadiyat Island’s cultural district to be extended further through the development in the coming years of the Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, the growth opportunities on offer are very clear.

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, which will deliver an incremental net operating income of Dh120 million to Aldar’s Asset Management portfolio on an annualised basis, said the Abu Dhabi developer.

The gross development value of the projects under development on Saadiyat Island is Dh2.5 billion. The land being acquired is located on Saadiyat Island, is infrastructure enabled and includes approximately 1.1 million sqm gross floor area, it stated.  

The acquisition is expected to be fully completed by the end of June subject to fulfilment of certain conditions, it added.-TradeArabia News Service