Elara Takes Flight: Meraas’s AED 300M Contract Propels Madinat Jumeirah Living Homeward

Meraas Holding, part of Dubai Holding Real Estate, has awarded a AED 300 million (approximately USD 82 million) contract to Al Sahel Contracting Company for Elara—the seventh and final phase of the Madinat Jumeirah Living masterplan in Dubai. Elara comprises three residential towers with a total of 234 apartments, and construction is set to begin immediately for completion by the end of 2026. This deal follows Meraas’s recent AED 690 million contract for phase 4 of the Nad Al-Sheba Gardens community, underlining the developer’s ongoing expansion in Dubai’s premium residential sector.

Background

Madinat Jumeirah Living is a flagship coastal community developed by Meraas in the Umm Suqeim area of Dubai. It blends modern architecture with traditional Arabic design elements—arches, domed roofs, and intricate patterns—set against the iconic Burj Al Arab backdrop. The masterplan is divided into multiple phases, each adding new residential units, retail spaces, and communal amenities.

Project Details

• Phase: Elara (Phase 7) of Madinat Jumeirah Living

• Contract Value: AED 300 million (USD 82 million)

• Developer: Meraas Holding, a member of Dubai Holding Real Estate

• Contractor: Al Sahel Contracting Company

• Scope: Main construction works for three residential towers offering 234 apartments ranging from one- to four-bedroom units and penthouses

Design & Amenities

Elara will feature contemporary finishes, landscaped podium areas, swimming pools, fitness facilities, and direct access to waterfront promenades. The community’s design emphasizes walkability, green spaces, and leisure amenities, consistent with earlier phases’ ethos of “elevated community living.”

Contractor Profile

Al Sahel Contracting Company is a UAE-based firm with extensive experience in high-end residential and hospitality projects. Having successfully delivered multiple phases of Madinat Jumeirah Living—currently finalizing phase 5—Al Sahel has demonstrated strong capabilities in quality control and timely execution.

Timeline and Delivery

• Construction Start: Immediately (June 2025)

• Expected Completion: Q4 2026

Recent Comparable Contracts

Earlier in May 2025, Meraas awarded a AED 690 million contract to Bhatia General Contracting for the fourth phase of the Nad Al-Sheba Gardens community, involving 92 townhouses, 96 villas, and two pool houses. This followed phases 1–4 of Madinat Jumeirah Living, completed and handed over successfully by Al Sahel and other contractors.

Market Context

Dubai’s luxury residential sector remains robust, driven by high-net-worth expatriates and continued foreign investment. The government’s focus on infrastructure and tourism—alongside megaprojects like Expo 2020 legacy developments—supports strong demand for high-quality housing. Meraas’s strategic partnerships and phased roll-outs cater to this demand while mitigating market risks through diversified project portfolios.

Conclusion

The AED 300 million Elara contract reinforces Meraas’s commitment to delivering landmark residential communities in Dubai. With proven contractors like Al Sahel at the helm and a clear delivery timeline, Elara is poised to enhance the Madinat Jumeirah Living brand as a premier coastal enclave. As Dubai’s real estate market evolves, timely execution of such high-value contracts will be critical in maintaining investor confidence and meeting end-user expectations.