Arada Brings Australian Contractor Roberts Co to UAE to Expand In-House Construction Capability
UAE developer Arada is expanding its in-house construction capabilities with the entry of Australian tier-one contractor Roberts Co into the UAE, as the developer seeks greater control over project delivery, costs and construction quality across its growing portfolio.
Roberts Co has established a UAE presence with a dedicated head office team and will provide construction and preconstruction expertise across Arada's projects in Dubai and Sharjah.
The move forms part of Arada's broader Arada Industries strategy to bring key construction and development capabilities in-house.
Aljada business district phase to be first UAE project
The first UAE project for Roberts Co will be Phase 2 of the Arada Central Business District, a commercial development within Aljada, Arada's AED35 billion mixed-use megaproject in Sharjah.
Roberts Co is also providing preconstruction services for several other Arada developments in Dubai and Sharjah before beginning on-site work.
The company is expected to apply its experience in complex construction projects to Arada's expanding portfolio of high-rise residential developments and social infrastructure.
Arada seeks greater control over construction
Ahmed Alkhoshaibi, Group CEO of Arada, said bringing Roberts Co into the UAE would allow the developer to incorporate international construction expertise and innovation into its development process from the early design stages.
He said the move would help reduce costs, improve efficiency and strengthen quality across Arada's projects.
Alkhoshaibi added that Roberts Co would complement rather than replace Arada's existing contractor relationships in the UAE.
Roberts Co brings Australian experience
Arada acquired Roberts Co in 2025 following its expansion into the Australian market.
The Australian contractor has experience across a range of sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, residential, hospitality, industrial, life sciences and defence.
Its UAE expansion will give Arada direct access to construction and project-delivery expertise that can be deployed across the group's regional development pipeline.
George Kostas, CEO of Roberts Co, said the company had established its core UAE team and was preparing to apply its construction approach to Arada's projects.
He said the UAE provided an opportunity for Roberts Co to contribute to major construction programmes across the region.
Vertical integration expands under Arada Industries
The establishment of Roberts Co in the UAE is the latest stage of Arada's strategy to integrate more parts of its development and construction operations under Arada Industries.
The group has already brought capabilities covering construction, cranes, mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), and smart technology into its wider business structure.
Arada said the approach provides greater control over project quality, construction programmes and costs, particularly as the construction sector faces increasing demands for efficiency and delivery certainty.
Arada's development pipeline expands
Arada currently has projects with a combined value of AED171 billion under development across the UAE, the UK and Australia.
The developer has delivered more than 17,500 homes to date as it continues to expand its residential, commercial and mixed-use development portfolio.
The arrival of Roberts Co is expected to strengthen Arada's construction capabilities as the group progresses its existing pipeline and develops new projects across its key markets.
