In a major move reinforcing international confidence in London's property sector, UAE-based developer Arada has secured a controlling stake in one of the capital's most significant waterfront regeneration projects.
A Landmark Deal for London's Waterfront
Arada has purchased an 80 per cent stake in the Thameside West development, a colossal £2.5bn mixed-use scheme situated in London's Royal Docks. This acquisition, which was finalised on Monday 17 November 2025, represents the Emirati firm's second substantial foray into the London residential market in under two months, following its takeover of local developer Regal back in September.
The chairman of Arada, Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi, who was advised by law firm Addleshaw Goddard, stated that the investment was "grounded in our unwavering faith in London". He elaborated, "Thameside West represents a unique opportunity to create a landmark riverside development, and we look forward to working with our partners and utilising our long-standing track record in large-scale, amenity-rich residential schemes to unlock the delivery of new housing for London."
Unlocking a Transformational Site
Masterplanned by the renowned architecture practice Foster + Partners, the Thameside West scheme is set to transform a 47-acre area of former industrial land at the western end of the Royal Docks. The ambitious proposals promise a kilometre of active waterfront and will dedicate half of the entire site to green space, creating a new destination for the city.
The project's journey to approval hasn't been entirely smooth. Newham council initially refused planning permission in 2019 due to infrastructure concerns. However, the development was ultimately given the green light the following year after being called in for review by the GLA Land and Property.
Ambitious Plans for London's Future
This deal is just the beginning of Arada's grand vision for London. The developer has announced plans to double its London residential pipeline to 30,000 units over the next three years, signalling a long-term commitment to the UK capital.
Tom Copley, London's Deputy Mayor for Housing and Residential Development, welcomed the investment, stating he was "delighted that Arada is investing in London" and describing Thameside West as one of the "key sites" within the Royal Docks enterprise zone.
The scale of the opportunity was underscored by Giorgio Laurenti, chairman of Keystone, who called Thameside West "one of the most significant development opportunities in Greater London," adding that it is "a transformational destination designed to deliver thousands of new homes while generating substantial economic and social value for the wider community."
Construction on the first phase, which will deliver 1,000 homes, is scheduled to commence in 2027, marking a pivotal step in addressing London's housing needs.
