Naguib Sawiris’ Ora Developers expands presence with new Dubai office

Key Points

• Ora Developers opens UAE HQ at One Central, signaling commitment to regional growth and alignment with UAE’s urban development goals.
• The company plans a major investment in Ghantoot, a 4.8 million sqm community featuring a golf course and Arabian Gulf beachfront.
• Ora’s UAE expansion includes dedicated offices, a local team of 94, and plans to increase to 300 by 2025, aiming for long-term success.

Ora Developers, a leading real estate operator founded by Egypt’s second-richest man Naguib Sawiris, has opened its UAE headquarters at One Central in Dubai’s vibrant business district. This reflects the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in the region and aligns with the UAE’s vision for creating sustainable urban environments that drive economic growth.

As part of its regional growth strategy, Ora Developers is preparing to unveil a major investment in the UAE, a 4.8 million square meter master-planned community in Ghantoot, situated between Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The project will feature a 1.2km stretch of prime Arabian Gulf beachfront, and Ora will also establish customer experience centers in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai to strengthen relationships with clients and stakeholders. In addition, the company is a key investor in Discovery Dunes, a project developed by Discovery Land Company.

New UAE HQ signals growth plans

Ora’s newly established UAE headquarters marks a significant step in the company’s plans to create communities that balance nature, connectivity, and modern infrastructure. A standout feature of the Ghantoot development will be a championship golf course designed by Tom Fazio, reinforcing Ora’s reputation for delivering luxurious, forward-thinking developments.

Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO of Ora Developers, highlighted the strategic importance of the new headquarters, noting that it aligns with the UAE’s ambitious urban development goals. He emphasized that the move will enhance the company’s ability to create communities that are both sustainable and future-ready, integrating global best practices with the region’s unique needs. With a focus on nature, connectivity, and design, Ora Developers aims to deliver developments that strike a harmonious balance for residents.

Sawiris’ Ora Developers poised for growth

A subsidiary of Orascom Investment Holding, Ora Developers has quickly become a key player in luxury mixed-use developments across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA). Sawiris, whose focus shifted from Vimpelcom to strategic investments in various sectors, has been instrumental in driving Ora’s growth. With a net worth of $6.8 billion, Sawiris is ranked among the top 500 wealthiest individuals globally by Bloomberg.

Ora Developers currently holds a land bank of over 76 million square meters and has 17 projects across seven countries, with a projected sales value of more than $45 billion. The UAE real estate market is expected to grow significantly, from $704.25 billion in 2024 to $1.08 trillion by 2030. Ora’s expansion into the UAE reflects Sawiris’ vision of reshaping regional real estate, particularly in luxury residential developments.

Since entering the UAE in 2023, Ora Developers has made significant progress, acquiring prime land, securing regulatory approvals, and laying the groundwork for major developments. It has built a dedicated local team of 94 employees, with plans to expand to at least 300 by the end of 2025. With a team that brings deep expertise in development, sales, branding, marketing, and finance, Ora Developers is well-positioned for sustained success in the UAE market.