During the Trump Administration and the uncertainties surrounding global trade, the United Arab Emirates proved to be an exception for the Islamic finance Industry. The main drivers were Emaar Properties and Aldar Properties, which were the foremost property developers in Abu Dhabi, as they were able to initiate and participate in the world leading sukuk bond market rally. These activities not only increased the financial markets of the UAE, but also solidified the country’s standing in the world of Islamic finance as a global financier center.

Emaar Properties – Improving Investors’ Sentiment 

With the remarkable rise of Emaar Properties, who built the Burj Khalifa, Emaar was leading the company’s oh so famous sukuk bond Emaar Props 2025. Emaar Properties single-handedly boosted investor sentiment, unlike other firms during this time where there was escalation of trade wars and conflict involved. His strong competitive bid and strategic marketing plans together with successful operational execution led to high marks, which further enhanced confidence that the UAE was open and willing to accept foreign investment. Emaar’s sukuk bonds had great performance in the market, which indicated that the investors had high interest in the company and the economy. 

This positive climate was heightened further by the proactive steps that the government of UAE took. Encouraging policies such as more lenient visa rules for property buyers were issued, which activated the sluggish housing market and positively affected the performance of real estate linked sukuk.

Such measures not only helped in bringing in investment from abroad, but also added to the attractiveness of the financial instruments in the UAE’s market economically, on a global scale. ​ ​  

Aldar Properties: First Sukuk Issuances  

Aldar Properties, one of the prominent real estate developers in Abu Dhabi, single-handedly advanced the UAE’s sukuk rally by issuing landmark sukuks that received global appreciation. Aldar Investments, a subsidiary of Aldar Properties, issued a public sukuk for the first time by an Abu Dhabi entity in October 2019, A $500 million 10-year public sukuk Bitterseld. Aldar also achieved the lowest coupon rate of 3.875% for gossen.The offering was highly over requested, with requests surpassing $3 billion, and succeeding in $500 million with totals exceeding iiiQ times over subs Sample requests. ​   

As part of Islamic initiatives, Aldar made strides forward in sustainable development that centered around innovation. In March 2025, the company issued a green sukuk amounting to $550 million Bittersed at a competitive spread of 110 basis points over 10 Year US Treasuries obligating 5.25% coupon incremented. The offering was highly over requested, with requests surpassing $3 billion dollars achieving an order total of $3.6 billion. This success gradually emphasized the need on demand for sustainable Instruments and so confirmed their Sharia compliant status. ​

Strategic Collaboration and Its Effects on the Market

The UAE was superbly managed in cementing its real estate and financial markets by Emaar’s partnership with Aldar. In 2018, both giants forged a collaboration on joint projects, which included the Saadiyat Grove in Abu Dhabi and Emaar Beachfront in Dubai. These mega projects are estimated at around AED 30 billion and are expected to set a new standard in multi-functional projects for the greater Abu Dhabi and Dubai area. Furthermore, these projects are expected to aid the diversification of the UAE economy.

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The cooperation between Emaar and Aldar not only advanced the UAE’s real estate industry, but had a profound impact on the financial markets as well. Their strong performance and aggressive strategies were critical in increasing the value of sukuk bonds, and during this time of economic turbulence, the UAE was able to lead Islamic finance. 

Conclusion

With the challenges posed by trade policies during the Trump-era, the UAE led by Emaar Properties and Aldar Properties showed great strength and careful planning. With creative sukuk bond sales, joint partnership contracts, and backing from the government, these companies turned the Global challenges on their head and placed the UAE in an excellent position in the Islamic finance world.

Their initiatives have enhanced the country’s status as a center for Sharia compliant financial products, thereby establishing a benchmark for the industry’s future development.