On 9 September 2026, Azizi Developments — one of Dubai's largest private developers — announced the launch of Azizi Florence: a freehold mixed-use master-project in the emirate of Sharjah worth Dh30 billion (around $8.16 billion). It is the developer's first project outside Dubai. The scheme comprises around 10,630 units (1,130 villas, 6,000+ town houses, 3,500 apartments) arranged around a 1.7 million-square-foot Central Park. The starting price for a three-bedroom town house is Dh1.89 million. Primary source: Azizi Developments statement; confirmed by The National (property).
What has been announced
Key package parameters — per the Azizi Developments statement and confirming coverage from The National:
- Total project value: Dh30 billion (~$8.16 billion).
- Type: freehold, mixed-use master-project.
- Residential mix: 1,130 villas + more than 6,000 town houses + 3,500 apartments — around 10,630 units in total.
- Centrepiece: Central Park spanning 1.7 million square feet.
- Clusters: six residential zones, each with its own park, clubhouse, community centre and landscaped gardens.
- Beyond residential: retail, hospitality, education, leisure and wellness components.
- Starting prices: three-bedroom town houses from Dh1.89 million; villa and apartment pricing not disclosed at launch.
- Construction timeline: not yet announced.
Why this is a notable event for the Sharjah market
Until September 2026 Azizi Developments had operated exclusively in Dubai, building an extensive portfolio (Azizi Riviera, Azizi Venice and the under-construction Burj Azizi on Sheikh Zayed Road). The Sharjah move is strategic on two fronts at once.
First, this is the first master-project of this scale in Sharjah from a developer of Azizi's tier. At Dh30 billion in aggregate value, it is comparable to key packages across the wider UAE market in recent years.
Second, it is freehold — outright ownership without nationality restrictions. Sharjah has historically been a predominantly leasehold emirate, with freehold options for expats limited to specific enclaves (Aljada, Maryam Island and similar). A large-scale Azizi Florence signals a broader opening of the Sharjah market to international buyers.
Sharjah's real estate market: the context
According to Emirates News Agency (WAM), in the first half of 2026:
- Total transaction value: Dh29.5 billion (+9.3% year-on-year).
- Number of transactions: 59,460 (+23.7% YoY).
Put differently, deal count is growing faster than value — a signal of stronger mid-market demand rather than only premium activity. Adding a single Dh30 billion pipeline effectively injects a new multi-year wave of investment potential. For a comparable scale of UAE property returns, see our review of Dubai real estate yields (gross rent of 6–9%, breakdown by district, net ROI after service charges).
What this means for the expat investor
Three practical takeaways — what Azizi Florence actually changes for buyer strategies.
First — a wider freehold choice outside Dubai. For investors squeezed by Dubai's price ceiling, a major freehold master-project in Sharjah is a real alternative with a lower entry point and capital-appreciation potential on the wave of market opening.
Second — Dh1.89 million for a three-bedroom town house is below Dubai equivalents. A direct comparison: in Dubai's mid-market clusters (JVC, Al Furjan, Dubai South) three-bedroom town houses of comparable class start from Dh2.2–2.8 million. A 15–35% price differential for comparable amenities is a material argument for family expat buyers.
Third — pairing the deal with a residency track. The starting price sits below the Golden Visa threshold (AED 2 million), but higher-tier apartments and villas — or a portfolio of several units with a combined registered valuation ≥ AED 2 million — can qualify. Current rules are covered in our review of Golden Visa 2026 (mortgage and off-plan property now count after the February reform).
What to know about the developer
Azizi Developments currently has around 150,000 units under construction — a substantial portfolio valued at several tens of billions of US dollars. The flagship is Burj Azizi on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Dubai World Trade Centre area: per the company, upon completion in 2028 it will be the world's second-tallest tower after Burj Khalifa; the project is valued at Dh6 billion. Azizi Riviera and Azizi Venice have already been delivered.
The scale of the delivery portfolio matters for assessing timing risk on Azizi Florence: the developer has an execution track record on tens of thousands of units, not a first mega-project. That said, no timeline for Florence has been disclosed at launch — off-plan buyers should read the SPA and payment plan carefully.
Primary source — Azizi Developments statement (9 September 2026). Confirming publication: The National — Dubai's Azizi Developments makes first foray into Sharjah with Dh30 billion project.
This material is for information only and does not constitute investment advice. Final deal terms, unit layouts and delivery dates should be verified with the developer and a licensed professional adviser before signing any contracts.
