Dar Al Arkan eyes expansion in Greece among several new markets: Chairman

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co. continues to improve in subsequent years, with further growth expected through 2030, says Chairman Yousef Al-Shelash

Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Co. is looking to expand into new markets in the coming phase, including Greece, as part of its geographical growth strategy, Chairman Yousef Al-Shelash told Al-Arabiya in an interview on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum 2026 in Davos.

The company has previously delivered projects in the Maldives, Oman, Doha, Dubai, Riyadh, and Jeddah.

Dar Al Arkan has recorded strong profit growth over the past two years, following what he described as the weakest performance in the company’s history in 2020, despite more than 32 years of operations since its establishment in 1994. He added that performance has continued to improve in subsequent years, with further growth expected through 2030, supported by projects launched recently.

Al-Shelash added that Dar Al Arkan and Dar Global are currently executing several projects within Saudi Arabia, including developments in Jeddah and Diriyah, while having completed earlier projects such as Shams Al Riyadh and Shams Al Arous. He also noted that a number of new projects are scheduled for execution during the current year.

He said the company has launched two major projects in Riyadh in partnership with the Trump Organization. The first is located in Diriyah’s Wadi Safar, spanning approximately 1.6 million square meters, while the second covers around one million square meters along King Abdulaziz Road, opposite the Formula 1 site. Both projects fall within the luxury segment and include the development of high-end residential units and hotels.

Al-Shelash highlighted strong international interest, with investors from more than 50 nationalities seeking to participate in the company’s projects. He noted that Dar Global has marketed its developments in over 120 countries, maintaining a presence across the Gulf, Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Latin America, supported by a global network of thousands of real estate brokers.

On dividends, Al-Shelash said the company prioritizes a growth-focused policy, explaining that dividend decisions are based on actual cash flows rather than accounting profits alone, given the long-term nature of its projects and contractual commitments with contractors.

He also stressed that the company does not rely on a single brand, noting that it collaborates with more than 14 global brands, with these partnerships aimed at raising international real estate development standards.