BNW joins growing wave of UAE developers targeting Australia BNW joins wave of UAE developers expanding into Australia

A growing number of major UAE property groups are turning their attention to Australia, with BNW Developments the latest to establish a local presence.

BNW has officially opened a Sydney office after hosting more than 300 investors, property professionals, wealth advisers and industry figures at its launch event.

The new office will give Australian buyers local access to BNW’s portfolio of residential and hospitality-led developments in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Its projects include branded residences and waterfront developments combining private homes with hospitality, dining, leisure and tourism facilities.

BNW has an AED32 billion development pipeline, equivalent to approximately $12 billion, spanning projects in Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Its portfolio includes developments associated with Tonino Lamborghini, Radisson Blu and Wyndham Hotels & Resorts.

Among them is Tonino Lamborghini Residences in Ras Al Khaimah. BNW is also active on Al Marjan Island, the waterfront destination where the Wynn Al Marjan Island integrated resort is under development.

The developer recently announced Dolce Residences in partnership with Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. Billed as the world’s first residences carrying the Dolce name, the boutique Al Marjan Island project is planned to include 93 premium residences and five retail tenancies.

BNW Developments chairman and founder Dr Ankur Aggarwal said attendance at the Sydney launch indicated that Australians were increasingly interested in the UAE as both a property and lifestyle destination.

“The response to the opening of our Sydney office has been extremely encouraging,” he said.

“Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah offer a very different lifestyle proposition to Australia, from waterfront living and luxury hospitality to world-class dining, entertainment and tourism.”

Dr Aggarwal said the Sydney office would allow buyers to examine BNW’s portfolio locally and work with a team familiar with the Australian market.

The move comes as Australia attracts increasing interest from UAE-based developers seeking opportunities beyond their home market.

Arada entered Australia in 2024, initially announcing a $2.5 billion Sydney pipeline expected to deliver more than 2,500 homes. Its Australian plans have since expanded to eight projects comprising more than 5,000 homes, including a recently announced twin-tower development at Broadbeach on the Gold Coast.

The company has also acquired the NSW arm of tier-one contractor Roberts Co, giving it greater control over construction and delivery as it builds its Australian business. Globally, Arada says its portfolio of existing and future developments across the UAE, Australia and the United Kingdom is valued at AED130 billion.

Dubai-headquartered Sobha Realty is also laying the foundations for a substantial Australian presence. The developer has established local operations and acquired sites in Sydney and Queensland, describing its entry as a long-term commitment to the market.

Sobha has expressed interest in opportunities across Brisbane, the Gold Coast and Sunshine Coast, while its Australian website says new projects will be announced shortly. The expansion follows AED30 billion in global sales during 2025 and forms part of a wider international growth strategy encompassing Australia and the United States.

BNW’s Sydney opening reflects both the international ambitions of UAE developers and growing Australian awareness of the Emirates’ property market.

While the UAE and Australian markets differ considerably, the arrival of BNW, Arada and Sobha points to a broader exchange of capital, expertise and buyers between the two countries. For Australians considering offshore property, the opening of local offices may also make it easier to assess projects, understand the purchasing process and undertake appropriate due diligence before committing.

Alexander Phillips has unveiled his first newly launched trophy campaign since establishing Ray White Phillips & Co, with the landmark Randwick estate Earlswood being offered with a guide of $10.5 million.

The listing is an early statement for Phillips’ new Woollahra-based agency. Less than a month after opening, Ray White Phillips & Co had already secured more than $30 million across a series of booked auction campaigns, including the $9 million sale of 92 Ocean Street, Bondi, and sales in Waverley, Bronte, Clovelly, Paddington and Coogee.

Phillips also recently sold 9 Kenneth Street, Tamarama, for $20.25 million, the highest reported Eastern Beaches sale of 2026.

The latest addition to the agency’s books is one of the eastern suburbs’ more distinctive estates.

Occupying 778 sqm at 54 Dutruc Street, Earlswood pairs a restored Victorian Italianate manor with an adjoining two-storey contemporary residence designed by X-PACE Design Group.

The original home was built in 1891 and is a locally listed heritage residence within Randwick’s St Marks conservation area. Its restoration retains much of the formality and detail expected of a grand Victorian property, including a substantial entrance foyer, frescoes by Augusto Lorenzini, four-metre ceilings, marble fireplaces and a series of reception and entertaining rooms.

Four king-sized bedrooms are arranged on one level, while an attic retreat captures views towards the ocean. More recent additions include a custom kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, a butler’s pantry, Spotted Gum floors and ducted air-conditioning.

Next door, the second residence takes a distinctly contemporary approach. Off-form concrete, wide oak floorboards and clean architectural lines establish a deliberate contrast with the ornate historic manor.

The modern home contains three upper-level ensuite bedrooms, two living areas, a designer kitchen, courtyard and north-facing rooftop terrace. Villeroy & Boch-appointed terrazzo bathrooms and Italian lighting continue the detailed finish found throughout the estate.

Although architecturally different, the two homes have been designed to operate together or independently. Each has its own entrance, while both connect to a four-car basement containing a vehicle turntable, wine cellar and internal lift access.

The configuration lends itself to multigenerational living, accommodation for adult children or extended family, or a principal residence with a separate income-producing home. The properties have also been prepared for possible future title subdivision, subject to council approval.

The estate spans approximately 717sqm of internal floor area and has a 39-metre frontage to Rae Street, as well as landscaped gardens and dual-street access. It last changed hands for $10.75 million in November 2023, according to publicly available property records.

Earlswood arrives as Phillips begins the next phase of a 24-year career in Sydney’s eastern suburbs. He has been ranked among Australia’s leading residential agents for more than a decade, with his team reported to transact more than $1 billion in property annually across more than 400 clients.

Phillips said his decision to launch Ray White Phillips & Co was driven by the industry’s increasing reliance on technology, data and network reach, while maintaining his team’s focus on the eastern suburbs.

For Ray White, Earlswood provides an appropriately high-profile introduction to its newest prestige operation: a rare dual-residence property that offers both a carefully preserved piece of Randwick’s history and a markedly contemporary way of living.

Earlswood at 54 Dutruc Street, Randwick, is being marketed by Alexander Phillips of Ray White Phillips & Co through expressions of interest closing November 5.

BNW joins growing wave of UAE developers targeting Australia

BNW Developments has established a Sydney presence, joining Arada and Sobha Realty among the growing number of UAE developers pursuing Australian buyers and development opportunities.

Restored Victorian Italianate manor Earlswood combines two substantial residences on 778sqm and leads the prestige offering from the newly established Ray White Phillips & Co.