The UAE’s property development sector is extending its international footprint, with Dubai-based developer Arada announcing a major residential project in Australia’s Gold Coast. The development, valued at approximately $1.36 billion (AED 5 billion), represents Arada’s first major expansion into Queensland and its largest Australian commitment to date.
The twin-tower project is planned for Broadbeach, one of the Gold Coast’s most established lifestyle and residential destinations. The scheme will deliver 952 residences and is being positioned as a premium, wellness-focused community designed to appeal to residents seeking high-quality urban living close to the beach, retail, entertainment and transport.
The announcement is significant not only for Arada but also for the growing connection between UAE real estate capital and Australia’s residential property market.
Arada’s $1.3bn Gold Coast Development Explained
The new Arada Australia development will comprise two residential towers connected by a landscaped podium. Designed by Plus Studio, the project will offer 952 apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms.
The development has been designed around contemporary lifestyle and wellness. Planned facilities include a lagoon swimming pool, lap pool, gym, sauna, steam room, mist room, infrared room and salt scrub facilities.
Residents will also have access to communal terraces, private dining areas, a library, lounge spaces and dedicated work-from-home facilities. Around 1,200 square metres of ground-floor retail and hospitality space will add another layer to the mixed-use character of the project.
This combination of residential, retail, hospitality and wellness amenities reflects a broader shift in premium real estate, where buyers increasingly look beyond apartment specifications and place greater importance on the overall lifestyle ecosystem.
Prime Broadbeach Location on the Gold Coast
Location is one of the strongest aspects of the new Gold Coast project.
The development site sits directly opposite the Gold Coast Convention Centre, placing residents close to one of the city’s major business and events destinations. The site also provides convenient access to the beachfront, restaurants, retail outlets and entertainment venues.
The project will have immediate access to the Gold Coast light rail network and is within walking distance of The Star Gold Coast and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
For property investors, this combination of connectivity, tourism infrastructure and established amenities can be particularly important. Prime Gold Coast locations continue to benefit from the area’s appeal as both a lifestyle destination and a growing urban centre.
Why Is Arada Investing in the Gold Coast?
Arada’s move into Queensland comes as South East Queensland continues to attract population growth, infrastructure investment and development activity.
The Gold Coast has evolved considerably from its traditional tourism identity. It is increasingly recognised as a major residential, business and lifestyle market, supported by interstate migration, expanding infrastructure and its international tourism profile.
The upcoming 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are also expected to contribute to infrastructure investment and long-term economic activity throughout South East Queensland. Arada’s new project is specifically targeted for completion ahead of the Games.
For a global developer, this provides an opportunity to establish a presence in a market where population growth, infrastructure upgrades and international visibility are converging.
Arada’s Growing Australian Property Strategy
The Broadbeach development is not an isolated investment. Arada entered Australia in 2024 and has since assembled a pipeline of eight projects representing more than 5,000 homes across the country. The group also acquired tier-one construction company Roberts Co in 2025.
This vertical integration is strategically important because Arada can combine development expertise with in-house construction capabilities. Roberts Co is expected to deliver the new Gold Coast project, giving Arada greater control over construction quality, delivery and project execution.
The strategy indicates that the company is building a long-term Australian platform rather than simply pursuing an individual development opportunity.
What Makes the Gold Coast Attractive to International Developers?
The Gold Coast offers several characteristics that make it increasingly attractive to international property developers.
Its coastal lifestyle remains a major selling point, while population growth and infrastructure development are expanding the city’s economic base. The region also benefits from a combination of tourism, residential demand, retail activity and major infrastructure investment.
Broadbeach is particularly attractive because it already has established transport, retail, hospitality and entertainment infrastructure. Rather than developing in an emerging location that requires significant supporting infrastructure, Arada is entering an established precinct with strong lifestyle credentials.
The project’s proximity to the convention centre, light rail, Pacific Fair and The Star Gold Coast further strengthens its positioning within the city’s premium residential market.
A New Model of Luxury Residential Development
The Arada Gold Coast project also highlights how luxury residential development is changing.
Premium buyers increasingly expect developments to provide more than large apartments or attractive views. Wellness, fitness, social spaces, flexible working environments and hospitality-style services are becoming important components of high-end residential communities.
Arada’s plans reflect this trend. The inclusion of wellness facilities, communal spaces, private dining, work-from-home areas and curated retail is designed to create an integrated lifestyle environment rather than a conventional apartment building.
For investors, this can make a development more competitive in a market where new residential supply increasingly competes on experience, amenities and location.
Implications for the Gold Coast Property Market
A project of this scale could have wider implications for the Gold Coast property market.
The delivery of 952 residences will introduce substantial new housing supply into Broadbeach while also increasing the area’s profile among domestic and international buyers. A globally active developer entering the market can potentially increase competition around design quality, amenities and development standards.
The project may also contribute to construction activity and employment while strengthening demand for supporting retail, hospitality and professional services.
Its planned completion before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games gives the development a particularly interesting timeline. The Games are expected to increase international attention on South East Queensland, potentially creating additional demand for accommodation and residential property in strategically located areas.
UAE Real Estate Developers Are Becoming Increasingly Global
Arada’s Australian expansion reflects a wider trend in which successful UAE property developers are increasingly looking beyond the domestic market.
The UAE has developed a highly competitive real estate sector, particularly in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, where developers have gained experience delivering large-scale master-planned communities, branded residences, mixed-use developments and hospitality-led projects.
International expansion allows developers to diversify geographically while transferring experience gained in rapidly growing Middle Eastern property markets into other global cities.
Arada’s operations now span the UAE, Australia and the UK, with the company reporting a global portfolio of more than 55,000 homes and projects valued at approximately AED130 billion.
What the Project Means for Property Investors
For investors watching the Gold Coast property market, Arada’s entry is an important development.
The project brings a major international developer into one of Australia’s most recognisable coastal markets and introduces nearly 1,000 new residences alongside extensive lifestyle infrastructure.
However, investors should evaluate the development based on fundamentals rather than simply the reputation of the developer. Factors such as purchase price, rental demand, body corporate costs, projected completion timelines, local supply, financing conditions and Australian property regulations remain important when assessing any investment.
The project’s location in Broadbeach, proximity to transport and established amenities, and alignment with the region’s long-term infrastructure story could nevertheless make it a development worth monitoring.
Gold Coast Property Market and the 2032 Olympics
The 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games are becoming an important consideration in South East Queensland’s long-term property outlook.
Major international sporting events can increase infrastructure spending, tourism activity and global awareness of host cities. In the Gold Coast and wider Queensland market, this is occurring alongside existing population growth and urban development.
Arada’s decision to target completion before the Games demonstrates how developers are considering the region’s future growth trajectory when making large-scale investment decisions.
The key question for property investors will be whether increased infrastructure and population growth translate into sustained housing demand beyond the Olympic period.
Arada’s International Expansion Could Continue
The Broadbeach project strengthens Arada’s position as an increasingly international property developer.
Its Australian strategy combines residential development with investments across other consumer and lifestyle businesses. The company has also invested in Australian dessert brand Brooki Bakehouse and holds a master franchise agreement for Boost Juice in the UAE. Its wider portfolio includes hospitality, fitness, wellness and healthcare businesses.
This diversified approach could allow Arada to develop communities that incorporate elements of its broader lifestyle and hospitality expertise.
For Australia, the Gold Coast project could therefore be viewed as more than a standalone residential development. It represents another step in Arada’s ambition to establish a multi-city presence across the country.
What Happens Next?
The next stage will be the progression of the Broadbeach project toward construction and eventual delivery.
With Roberts Co responsible for construction and Plus Studio behind the design, Arada has established an integrated development and delivery structure. The company is targeting completion before the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games.
As the project progresses, attention will likely focus on planning, construction milestones, apartment sales, pricing and the broader response from Gold Coast buyers and investors.
Conclusion
Arada’s $1.36 billion Gold Coast project marks a significant step in the international expansion of a UAE-based property developer. The 952-residence twin-tower development in Broadbeach combines a prime coastal location with extensive wellness, lifestyle, retail and hospitality facilities.
More importantly, the project demonstrates the growing appeal of Australia’s Gold Coast to international real estate developers. With population growth, infrastructure investment and the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games shaping the region’s future, South East Queensland is attracting increasing attention from global property investors and developers.
For Arada, the Broadbeach project strengthens its Australian platform and provides a foundation for further expansion. For the Gold Coast, it adds another major international developer to a market increasingly positioned as one of Australia’s key lifestyle and residential destinations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of Arada’s Gold Coast project?
Arada’s Broadbeach development is valued at approximately $1.36 billion, equivalent to around AED5 billion. Some company and media materials describe the project as a $2 billion development when using a different project-value convention, while the commonly reported investment figure is approximately $1.36 billion.
Where is Arada’s new Australian development located?
The project is located in Broadbeach on Australia’s Gold Coast, directly opposite the Gold Coast Convention Centre. It is also close to the beach, light rail, The Star Gold Coast and Pacific Fair Shopping Centre.
How many homes will the Gold Coast project contain?
The development will include 952 residences across two residential towers, with apartments ranging from one to three bedrooms.
Who will build Arada’s Gold Coast project?
Construction will be carried out by Roberts Co, Arada’s tier-one construction subsidiary. Arada acquired Roberts Co in 2025 as part of its expansion in the Australian market.
When is the project expected to be completed?
Arada is targeting completion ahead of the 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, which are expected to support further investment and development across South East Queensland.
Why is Broadbeach attractive for property investment?
Broadbeach offers proximity to beaches, retail, dining, entertainment, public transport and major attractions. The new development will be directly opposite the Gold Coast Convention Centre and close to the light rail network, The Star Gold Coast and Pacific Fair.
Is Arada already active in Australia?
Yes. Arada entered Australia in 2024 and has built a pipeline of eight projects representing more than 5,000 homes. The Broadbeach project represents its first expansion outside New South Wales.
What could the project mean for the Gold Coast property market?
The development will add 952 residences and introduce a major international developer to Broadbeach. Its scale, location and planned amenities could contribute to greater competition in the premium residential market while adding new housing supply to the Gold Coast.
Is the Gold Coast property market attracting international developers?
Yes. The Gold Coast’s lifestyle appeal, population growth, infrastructure investment and preparations for the 2032 Olympics are helping increase international attention toward South East Queensland’s property market. Arada’s Broadbeach project is one example of this growing international interest.
