Aldar Properties (Aldar) was established in October 2004 as a real estate developer of retail, residential, commercial, entertainment and hospitality properties. Aldar has established itself as one of the major developers in the region with more than AED275.5 billion (USD75 billion) worth of projects in a diverse property development portfolio.

In November 2006, Aldar launched one of the largest real estate projects in the region: the Yas Island project, which occupies a total land area of 25 million sq. m. (270 million sq. ft.). The Island will feature attractions such as the world's first 'Ferrari World' themed park, a water park, and the Abu Dhabi destination retail development of 300,000 sq. m. (3.2 million sq. ft) retail area, golf courses, lagoon hotels, marinas, apartments, villas as well as food and beverage outlets. The first phase of the project is due for completion in 2009 with the inauguration of the Yas Circuit which will host the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix. Seven hotels will also be operational by the race day. The entire project is due for completion by 2014.

Another flagship project of Aldar is Al Raha Beach development, outside Abu Dhabi Island. With a total area of over 6 million sq. m. (557,000 sq. ft.) and 11 km of coastline, Al Raha Beach is fast evolving into one of the most notable waterfront cities in the world along with the gateway to the new Abu Dhabi which offers its 120,000 residents 43 km of waterfront living. The development consists of eleven precincts with master planned communities featuring unique residential, business, educational and entertainment facilities supported by modern infrastructure. As part of its expansion plan, Aldar is to commission seven hotels on its Yas Island destination in time for the UAE capital’s hosting of the finale round of the 2009 Formula One Grand Prix in November 2009. Aldar plans to build scores of hotels in various parts of the capital, including 20 on Yas Island alone to boost Abu Dhabi’s accommodation inventory.

Aldar partnered with the UAE government to set up 5,000 units for UAE nationals as part of its Al Falah development project. Aldar also expanded outside of the UAE with projects in Malaysia and Kazakhstan.

Aldar raised USD408.4 million (AED1.5 billion) when it listed its shares on the Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM)Abu Dhabi Securities Market (ADSM) in October 2004. In August 2006, Aldar established the USD138 million (AED507 million) Aseel Finance CompanyAseel Finance Company as a joint venture with First Gulf BankFirst Gulf Bank, Sorouh Real EstateSorouh Real Estate Company and Reem InvestmentsReem Investments.