Relaam, one of Abu Dhabi’s largest property management firms, is expanding its reach beyond the capital as demand for professionally managed properties in the UAE continues to rise. The company, which rebranded earlier this year from Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties, aims for a 15% growth in its portfolio by 2026. This expansion includes a push into Dubai, the Northern Emirates, and plans to eventually enter regional and international markets.
Relaam’s growth reflects strong fundamentals in the Abu Dhabi real estate market, where it currently manages over 50,000 residential and commercial units across 2,000 properties. The firm’s portfolio, valued at approximately Dh30 billion, generates annual rental revenues between Dh2 billion and Dh3 billion. Its occupancy rate has improved significantly, rising to 94% from 87% in mid-2024, showing sustained confidence in the city’s property market.
Expansion Plans and Strategic Focus
Relaam’s CEO, Manal Fraiwat, emphasised that the firm’s expansion is driven by rising demand for professional property management services across the UAE. “Our growing portfolio reflects Relaam’s dedication to creating long-term value for stakeholders,” Fraiwat said. She added that the company remains committed to enhancing operational efficiency and scaling its operations to meet the changing needs of residents and investors in high-demand urban centres.
The company’s expansion into Dubai comes at a time when the city is seeing increasing interest from institutional investors. Owners are seeking more professional management services, and Relaam plans to respond by offering higher operational efficiency and digital transparency in property management. The firm intends to focus on the mid- to high-end residential segments and selected commercial developments in Dubai, alongside new partnerships and asset management contracts.
Professionalisation of the UAE Property Sector
Relaam’s move into Dubai and the broader regional market reflects a trend of professionalisation within the UAE’s property sector. As new projects are launched and institutional investors expand their portfolios, there is a growing shift towards professional management rather than merely owning assets. Analysts point out that property management firms like Relaam are integrating digital systems for maintenance, tenant communication, and performance tracking, aligning with international standards.
This shift is in response to increasing demand for managed residential and mixed-use developments, particularly in GCC markets. Relaam’s regional ambitions are focused on stabilising its UAE operations first before considering entry into key Gulf cities such as Riyadh and Doha. The firm has indicated it may explore selective international expansion once its operations in the UAE and GCC are well-established.
Outlook for the Future
With its growing portfolio and improving occupancy rates, Relaam is positioning itself as one of the most active players in the UAE’s property management sector. The company’s continued focus on operational efficiency and strategic expansion will likely see it evolve from a capital-based operator to a significant regional player. This shift in focus is also in line with the broader professionalisation trend across the UAE property market, where the emphasis is increasingly on long-term, efficient management of properties.
Relaam’s move into Dubai and the wider regional market could offer valuable lessons for other companies in the UAE’s property sector. As the demand for managed properties continues to rise, companies like Relaam are well-placed to meet the evolving needs of residents and investors.
For more insights into the UAE real estate sector, check out this article on Apparel Group’s entry into real estate and how it is shaping the market. Additionally, explore how RTA’s transformation of urban living is influencing the property sector in Dubai.
