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Tecom doubles down on expansion plans: Dubai business district developer Tecom has upped investments in new office developments in Dubai across its Innovation Hub in Dubai Internet City and Dubai Design District (d3), it said in a press release (pdf). This has raised its total investments for the year to AED 2 bn, up from the initial AED 1.7 bn it earmarked for new developments and strategic acquisitions.
REMEMBER- The developer had greenlit the AED 1.7 bn plan, which included acquisitions of new industrial and commercial assets and land from Dubai Holding Asset Management, and plans to develop d3, in May, to address heightened demand for commercial space in the emirate. The developer said occupancy rates at its commercial and industrial properties rose to 92% in 2Q 2024, while industrial lands saw 96% occupancy, boosting its top line 9% y-o-y to AED 584 mn.
WHAT’S NEW-
#1- Tecom will now also invest AED 340 mn to develop grade A office spaces in a new third phase of Dubai Internet City’s Innovation Hub. Slated for completion by mid-2027, the third phase will feature over 167 sq-ft of premium office space to help meet the “growing demand for high-quality commercial real estate in the city.” The launch of the additional space comes on the heels of strong demand for phase two, which has been fully leased ahead of its delivery, scheduled for early next year, the developer said. Phase one has 100% occupancy.
#2- Tecom channels more into d3 offices: The company has upped its investment to develop offices in Dubai Design District (d3), allocating AED 825 mn for the development of six grade A office buildings in the second phase of d3, up from the previously announced AED 689 mn investment. The developer plans to complete the new 500 sq-ft office space by 1H 2028, Tecom CEO Abdulla Belhoul said.
Background: The developer had acquired a 629k sqft gross floor area (GFA) within d3’s Design Quarter — a mixed-use development located in phase 2 of the creative district — in May for AED 136 mn, and earmarked AED 689 mn to develop the area.
#3- The developer closed the acquisition of two Grade A office buildings — worth a collective AED 420 mn — in Dubai Internet City, boosting its portfolio by 334 sq-ft of premium office space. Driven by robust demand from regional and international tenants, Tecom expects what it says are high occupancy rates at the buildings to boost its revenue starting this year.
PLUS- The AED 410 mn industrial land plots acquired in Dubai Industrial City have already drawn interest for long-term leasing, the developer said, adding that it will begin to recognize revenues from the plot within the next year.
ICYMI- Tecom’s acquisitions and investments are being financed through existing capital sources, including a AED 3.2 bn revolving credit facility, Tecom said.
