Emirates Reit Reports 24% Surge in Q1 2025 Property Income and Strong Leasing Performance

Wednesday, 2 July 2025

Emirates Reit posted a 24% year-on-year increase in total property income for Q1 2025, with occupancy reaching 95% and commercial rents up 17%. Strategic refinancing and cost efficiency have further boosted net income, underscoring robust investor and tenant confidence.

Key Highlights:

  • Strong Financial Growth:
    • Total property income hit $19M in Q1 2025, a 24% YoY increase.
    • Net property income steady at $16M, despite asset disposals.
    • Operating expenses dropped 8.4% YoY, driven by enhanced efficiency.
    • Net finance costs fell 57% due to successful Sukuk refinancing in 2024.
  • Robust Portfolio Performance:
    • Fair value of investment properties rose 14% YoY to $1.2B (Dh4B).
    • Unrealized revaluation gains of $149M supported this growth.
    • Occupancy reached 95%, with commercial/retail rents up 17% YoY.
  • Dividend and Capital Strategy:
    • $7M cash dividend approved for FY2024 ($0.02/share), with potential for more in 2025.
    • Two-stage strategy included occupancy boost, cost control, and asset sales.
    • Sale proceeds used for debt repayment and capital structure optimization.
  • Market Outlook and Demand:
    • CEO Thierry Delvaux highlighted UAE’s real estate maturity and investor confidence.
    • Office sector under-supplied — pre-leasing likely to rise amid growing demand.
    • Commercial and retail space demand fueled by economic momentum and population growth.
  • Sustainability and Reit Investment Trends:
    • Tenant demand increasingly driven by energy efficiency and build quality.
    • Corporate tax exemption may make UAE Reits more attractive to investors.
    • Emirates Reit not currently exploring tokenization or fractional ownership, focusing on core growth.