Aldar Acquires Commercial Tower in DIFC from H&H Development

In one of the largest commercial tower purchases registered in Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Aldar on Wednesday said that it has acquired a flagship tower from H&H Development for $630 million.

H&H Development is Dubai’s premier real estate developer renowned for its prestigious and iconic projects in DIFC, including the Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre and the upcoming Janu Hotel and Residences, which is adjacent to the commercial tower acquired by Aldar.

The deal will harness the combined expertise of Aldar and H&H Development to bring forward a truly world-class development that will set a new standard for commercial space in the region. Located in a highly desirable area within DIFC and set for completion in 2028, the landmark tower will include commercial and retail space split across 40 floors.

The transaction reflects Aldar’s commitment to further scaling its Grade A commercial portfolio and positions the company as the only UAE developer with commercial assets in both ADGM and DIFC — the UAE’s premier financial centres.

Moreover, the acquisition complements Aldar’s growing footprint in the emirate, after its recent expansion into Dubai’s commercial real estate market with the acquisition of 6 Falak, the development of an iconic Grade A office tower on Sheikh Zayed Road, and a mixed-use joint venture with Expo City Dubai.

The tower’s prime location also provides easy access to top-tier dining, retail, and leisure destinations, and with direct access to Sheikh Zayed Road and excellent transport links, the tower offers unparalleled connectivity to the rest of city.

Designed by renowned architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron, the tower is targeting LEED Platinum certification, reinforcing Aldar and H&H Development’s shared commitment to sustainable building. With flexible floorplates for tenant customisation, the tower will offer a blend of multi-tenanted and single-tenanted spaces to suit diverse leasing needs.

With an increasing number of regional and international financial services and innovative firms stablishing themselves in DIFC, there has been a considerable uptick in demand for world class commercial space, driving a 15% year-on-year increase in average Grade A rents in the area.

 The tower acquired by Aldar will help to address this demand, providing firms with flexible floor plans and premium amenities in one of the leading international financial hubs across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.

Significant Milestone

Aldar Properties Group CEO Talal Al Dhiyebi said that expanding into Dubai’s DIFC marked a significant milestone in their growth, providing Aldar with key exposure to the Emirate’s financial centre.

This acquisition not only diversified their commercial portfolio but also responded to the sustained demand for high-quality office spaces, driven by a favourable macroeconomic backdrop and the UAE’s position as a global business hub.

“As we continue to expand in Dubai, this tower will serve as a flagship asset, delivering flexible, premium commercial spaces that meet the evolving needs of multinational and regional businesses,” he noted.

H&H Development Chairman Shahab Lutfi said that their collaboration with Aldar on this landmark project exemplified their shared commitment to excellence, innovation, and delivering transformative developments that shape the future of the real estate market.

“This deal underscores H&H Development’s commitment to bringing together the best architects, designers, and operators, which will further enhance the DIFC skyline and reinforce Dubai’s position as a global business hub, with Grade A commercial space that set an international benchmark for premium quality,” Lutfi added.