Aldar Deepens Logistics Reach with AED 530 Million Almarkaz Deal

Aldar Investment has sealed the acquisition of 17 high‑quality warehousing and light industrial units from Waha Capital for AED 530 million, immediately expanding its net leasable area by 182,500 sq m at Almarkaz Industrial Park in Al Dhafra, Abu Dhabi. The assets, now near full occupancy, welcome a mix of international, regional and government-related tenants, reinforcing Aldar’s logistics footprint across the UAE.

The Almarkaz site spans six million sq m and operates under special economic zone status, offering premium infrastructure and modular facility design that enables seamless scalability. With this purchase, Aldar’s logistics portfolio surpasses 600,000 sq m of operational and under-development space, encompassing holdings in Abu Dhabi’s Business Hub, Dubai’s 7 Central, and forthcoming logistics parks at Dubai South and Jebel Ali with DP World.

Jassem Salah Busaibe, CEO of Aldar Investment, explained the deal aligns closely with the firm’s strategic direction to enhance and diversify recurring revenue streams. He noted demand for “well-located premium logistics and industrial space” across Abu Dhabi and Dubai continues to intensify, underpinning Aldar’s capital allocation into high-quality warehousing with “strong fundamentals and growth potential”.

For Waha Capital, the divestment marks a pivotal phase in extracting value from over a decade of development at Almarkaz. Mohamed Hussain Al Nowais, Managing Director at Waha Capital, praised the transformation of the property from a green‑field plot to a strategic logistics hub, describing the sale as a validation of the platform’s scalability and the group’s long‑term, value‑creation objectives.

Market observers attribute this flurry of logistics investment to several drivers. E‑commerce growth, burgeoning regional trade flows, and population expansion are converging, creating heightened demand for grade‑A logistics assets. The Almarkaz facilities, offering modular layouts with variable unit sizes and heights, are well suited to support this evolving tenant landscape.

Analysts also view Aldar’s move as reinforcing its status as a leading logistics landlord in the UAE, Ramsay Consultants senior director Sarah Al‑Zafiri remarked: “By adding scale, occupancy and diversification, Aldar is consolidating its edge in a competitive sector increasingly driven by global supply chain dynamics.” The company’s pipeline of projects in Jebel Ali and Dubai South—particularly the joint venture with DP World—demonstrates a long‑term commitment to expand capacity in line with regional logistics demand.

The strategic purchase comes against the backdrop of Abu Dhabi’s broader economic agenda, driving diversification away from hydrocarbons towards industrial, logistics and business infrastructure development. It aligns with the Emirate’s infrastructure milestone ambitions, including that of Almarkaz itself, which grew under government-backed initiatives and Waha Capital’s vision over the past decade.

Financially, the AED 530 million consideration—equivalent to US$144 million—reflects growing investor appetite for stable, income-generating real estate underpinned by long‑term leases and resilient tenant profiles. The acquisition further strengthens Aldar’s balance sheet diversification, reinforcing revenue stability as the logistics unit contributes increasingly meaningful recurring income.

Looking ahead, both Aldar and Waha Capital signalled openness to future collaborations within Almarkaz. Their aligned interests, combined with the availability of undeveloped land and infrastructure, could unlock new logistic and industrial developments.

With Almarkaz now integrated into Aldar’s ecosystem, and development momentum building in key zones like Dubai South, Jebel Ali and across Abu Dhabi, the move positions the Emirates to benefit from an expanding logistics network. As strategic partnerships and phased developments roll out, the sector appears primed to support national economic diversification goals alongside private-sector returns.