Select Group: Premium Developer Analysis - Why International Buyers Choose Their Projects

By Dr. Pooyan Ghamari

Executive Summary

Select Group has emerged as Dubai's premier premium developer, captivating international buyers with its focus on sophisticated waterfront lifestyles and award-winning branded residences. Since 2002, the company has delivered over 7,000 homes across 20 million square feet of developments, with a pipeline of 5,000 more units boasting a Gross Development Value exceeding AED 20 billion. In the first nine months of 2025, Select Group achieved AED 12.5 billion in sales, driven by high demand for projects like Six Senses Residences The Palm and the Peninsula master community. What sets Select Group apart is its 96% on-time delivery rate and exceptional buyer satisfaction, fueled by global partnerships and innovative amenities. For the 2026–2030 cycle, its assets promise 6–8.5% net yields with robust capital appreciation. The critical action for investors: Target branded luxury residences in prime locations like Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah for high liquidity and appeal to overseas buyers seeking Golden Visa eligibility and tax-free returns.

Company and Market Background

Founded in 2002 by Rahail Aslam, Select Group has evolved from a regional player into a global real estate powerhouse, specializing in premium residential, hospitality, and mixed-use developments across the UAE, UK, and Europe. Headquartered in Dubai, the company manages a diverse portfolio that includes flagship projects like Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, The Residences at Marina Gate, and the transformative Peninsula in Business Bay. Recent strategic partnerships, such as the July 2025 agreement with Dubai Holding for landmark developments at Palm Jebel Ali and Dubai Design District (d3), underscore Select Group's expansion into upscale waterfront and creative urban living.

The UAE real estate market's maturation has amplified Select Group's strengths. Enhanced RERA regulations, including mandatory escrow accounts and real-time project transparency, have built investor trust, particularly among international buyers who now represent 68% of Select Group's sales. PropTech innovations, from AI-driven valuations to virtual tours, have streamlined due diligence, while the Golden Visa program's AED 2 million investment threshold aligns perfectly with Select Group's entry-level premium units. This environment favors developers like Select Group, whose commitment to sustainability—evident in solar-integrated designs and green certifications—resonates with eco-conscious global investors. With a revenue backlog surpassing AED 15 billion, Select Group is poised to capitalize on Dubai's projected 4.5% annual market growth through 2030.

Detailed Analysis: Branded Luxury Residences vs Waterfront Master Communities

Select Group's portfolio excels in two asset classes that appeal to international buyers: branded luxury residences offering prestige and exclusivity, and waterfront master communities providing integrated lifestyle ecosystems.

1. Branded Luxury Residences

Projects: Six Senses Residences Dubai Marina, Six Senses Residences The Palm, Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, Nautica Residences. Price range: AED 3,000–6,500 per square foot for 2–5 bedroom units and penthouses.

These properties attract ultra-high-net-worth individuals from Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, drawn by world-class branding (Six Senses wellness integration) and prime views of Dubai Marina and Palm Jumeirah. Amenities include private spas, infinity pools, and concierge services, with 72% of buyers citing lifestyle prestige as their primary motivation.

2026–2030 outlook: Net yields of 5.5–7.5%, bolstered by premium rentals averaging AED 350,000–600,000 annually for 3-bedrooms. Capital appreciation is forecasted at 9–12% per annum, driven by scarcity and global demand. Liquidity is superior at 5–9 months, with low sensitivity to recessions due to resilient UHNW buyer profiles.

2. Waterfront Master Communities

Projects: Peninsula Business Bay (seven towers with 3,300 units), upcoming Palm Jebel Ali upscale residences, d3 mixed-use district. Price range: AED 2,200–4,500 per square foot for apartments, townhouses, and villas.

These expansive developments emphasize community vibrancy, with features like waterfront plazas, marinas, and retail hubs. International appeal stems from seamless integration of work-live-play elements, attracting families and professionals from 62 nationalities.

2026–2030 outlook: Net yields of 6.5–8.5%, supported by 92% occupancy and rental growth of 5–7% annually. Capital gains projected at 7–10% per annum, enhanced by infrastructure like the Dubai Canal extensions. Liquidity averages 7–11 months, with moderate recession exposure buffered by diverse tenant bases.

Israr Liaqat, Group CEO of Select Group, recently remarked: "International buyers choose us because we don't just sell properties; we deliver timeless lifestyles that transcend borders. Our focus on quality, innovation, and community creates investments that grow in value and emotional resonance for generations."

Global macro factors further favor Select Group: With U.S. rates stabilizing at 3–4% by 2027 and oil prices holding steady at $75–85 per barrel, UAE financing remains accessible, spurring overseas inflows. Branded residences benefit from wealth migration trends, while master communities thrive on Dubai's 3.2% population growth.

Comparison Matrix

Buyer Recommendations

Profile 1 – The Prestige-Seeking International Investor

Ideal for buyers from Europe or Asia eyeing Golden Visa perks: Select 3–4 bedroom units in Six Senses Residences The Palm or Jumeirah Living Marina Gate, focusing on ready or Q2 2026 handovers. Strategy: Leverage 5/95 payment plans for low upfront costs, secure AED 400,000+ annual rents, and hold 5–7 years for 50–70% appreciation while enjoying branded wellness amenities.

Profile 2 – The Lifestyle-Oriented Family Investor

Target townhouses or larger apartments in Peninsula Business Bay or upcoming Palm Jebel Ali phases. These offer family-friendly spaces with marinas and schools nearby. Strategy: Opt for 60/40 plans, aim for Q4 2025–2027 completions, and generate 7–8.5% yields from long-term leases to expat families, with resale potential amplified by community maturation.

Checklist for Select Group Due Diligence

1. Review project timelines on Select Group's dashboard—prioritize post-2022 launches for 96% delivery success.
2. Verify escrow compliance and main contractors (e.g., ALEC, China State) via RERA portal.
3. Assess buyer satisfaction via Bayut/Property Finder reviews (average 4.6/5).
4. Compare service charges (AED 15–25 psf) against peers for value.
5. Analyze international resale data for liquidity trends.
6. Confirm branded partnerships and sustainability features for long-term appeal.

Final Thoughts & Key Takeaways

Select Group has mastered the art of premium development, turning waterfront visions into irresistible magnets for international buyers who demand more than bricks and mortar—they seek enduring lifestyles. In a market where transparency and quality reign supreme, Select Group's flawless execution, innovative partnerships, and buyer-centric approach deliver unmatched value. As Dubai cements its status as a global haven, Select Group's branded and community-focused projects will lead the 2026–2030 surge, offering savvy investors yields, growth, and satisfaction that resonate worldwide. The message is clear: For those eyeing premium UAE real estate, Select Group isn't just a choice—it's the smart one.

Last Updated: December 9, 2025

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