Aldar Acquires AlMarkaz Logistics Assets in $144.3 Million
Friday, 4 July 2025
In a major boost to the UAE’s logistics and industrial real estate landscape, Aldar has acquired high-quality warehousing and light industrial assets in Abu Dhabi’s Al Dhafra region for AED 530 million (US$144.3 million) from Waha Capital.
This strategic move adds 182,500 sqm of net leasable area (NLA) to Aldar Investment’s rapidly growing logistics portfolio, strengthening its presence in the thriving AlMarkaz Industrial Park.
Key Highlights of the Acquisition
- Transaction Value: AED 530 million (US$144.3 million)
- Location: AlMarkaz Industrial Park, Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi
- Net Leasable Area Added: 182,500 sqm
- AlMarkaz Size: 6 million sqm, developed by Waha Land (subsidiary of Waha Capital)
- Status: Special Economic Zone with high-quality infrastructure
Why This Matters
- Near Full Occupancy: The acquired assets have a strong tenant mix, including international, regional, and government-related entities.
- Flexibility & Modularity: Buildings offer a range of unit sizes and heights, allowing tailored solutions for tenants.
- Strategic Location: Positioned to benefit from booming e-commerce, intra-regional trade, and population growth in the UAE.
- Diversified Growth: Expands Aldar’s reach across Abu Dhabi and Dubai, including existing assets in:
- Abu Dhabi Business Hub
- 7 Central, Dubai Investments Park
- Upcoming sites in Dubai South and National Industries Park, Jebel Ali
CEO Insight: Vision for the Future
“The acquisition of assets at AlMarkaz is another step in Aldar’s ongoing expansion within the UAE’s logistics sector, aligning with our strategy to scale and diversify our recurring income streams,”
— Jassem Salah Busaibe, CEO, Aldar Investment
A Milestone for Waha Capital
- Over a Decade of Investment: Waha transformed a government-granted greenfield site into a thriving logistics hub.
- Platform Legacy: AlMarkaz is now a high-quality, income-generating industrial platform in the UAE.
“This transaction is a testament to the strength and scalability of the platform we have built,”
— Mohamed Hussain Al Nowais, Managing Director, Waha Capital
What’s Next?
- Aldar is actively developing logistics parks in Dubai South.
- A major 146,000 sqm logistics park is also in progress through a partnership with DP World at National Industries Park, Jebel Ali.
- With this acquisition, Aldar’s total net leasable area crosses 600,000 sqm, including operational assets and those under development.
This deal marks a pivotal moment in Aldar’s journey to become a dominant player in the UAE’s logistics real estate sector, while also reflecting Abu Dhabi’s broader ambition to diversify its economy through world-class infrastructure and industrial growth.
