Finance World Magazine - Top 100 Expat Business Leaders in the UAE 2024
ZIAD EL CHAAR - Chief Executive Officer DarGlobal
As the Chief Executive Officer of DarGlobal PLC, Ziad El Chaar has transformed the company into a beacon of luxury real estate development, targeting the most discerning global citizens across the Middle East and Europe.
El Chaar’s professional journey is a remarkable narrative of strategic excellence and persistent innovation. Joining DarGlobal in May 2017, he brought with him over 20 years of experience in real estate development and investment, coupled with a decade of expertise in corporate governance, board management, and regulatory compliance. His impressive career trajectory includes pivotal leadership roles at some of the most prominent real estate companies in the region: CEO of Ventures and Business Development at Emaar Properties, CEO at Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development Company, and Managing Director and Executive Director on the board of directors at DAMAC Properties.
Under El Chaar’s leadership, DarGlobal has distinguished itself as more than just a real estate company. It’s a curator of lifestyle experiences, strategically focusing on second homes in some of the world's some of the world’s most desirable locations.
“The company’s portfolio spans Downtown Dubai, the serene landscapes of Muscat in Oman, and the picturesque Costa del Sol region in Southern Spain.”
These carefully selected destinations offer unique investment opportunities for internationally mobile customers seeking luxury properties that are both exceptional to live in and promising investments. One of El Chaar’s most distinctive strategies has been forging partnerships with iconic global luxury brands. The company has collaborated with renowned names like Missoni, Versace, W Hotels, and Elie Saab, creating properties that blend aesthetic excellence with investment value. A standout collaboration is with the Trump Organization, which has resulted in multiple high-profile projects across the GCC. These include the upcoming Trump Tower Dubai, featuring a luxury hotel and branded residences, a residential tower in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, and a $200 million Trump-branded project in Oman.
The company’s unique approach extends beyond traditional real estate development. DarGlobal was originally established to manage and develop the international assets of Dar Al Arkan Real Estate Development PJSC, a leading Saudi Arabian real estate developer. Since 2007, Dar Al Arkan has delivered over 15,000 residential units. El Chaar sees an exciting future in the sector, particularly in hospitality assets, with plans to acquire or build hotels in markets like Spain, Dubai, Maldives, Athens, Marrakesh, and London, and sell them after three to five years of operation.
El Chaar’s vision goes beyond simple property development. He recognizes a growing trend among affluent international customers—the desire for second homes, vacation properties, and particularly, second primary homes that emerged prominently after the pandemic. A significant milestone in the company’s journey came on February 28, 2023, when DarGlobal was admitted to the Main Market of the London Stock Exchange. This achievement underscores El Chaar’s strategic leadership and the company’s robust growth potential.
With over USD 6 billion in projects under development, his ambitious goal is to position DarGlobal among the top 50 global developers within the next decade. Beyond DarGlobal, El Chaar continues to drive innovation in the real estate ecosystem. He serves as Chairman of Wasalt, a leading PropTech company, and Vice Chairman of Quara Holding, which has established some of the biggest names in real estate and finance, including Dar Al Arkan, Khair Capital, and Quara Finance.
Academically grounded with a Master’s in Business Administration from the American University in Beirut, El Chaar combines scholarly insight with entrepreneurial dynamism. He believes the luxury second homes sector is still in its infancy—only 10 to 15 years old—with tremendous potential for growth. His approach is not just about selling properties but about creating lifestyle experiences that resonate with global citizens seeking something extraordinary. For the global elite seeking more than just a home, Ziad El Chaar and DarGlobal offer a passport to exceptional living—a testament to his unique ability to transform real estate into an art form of luxury, innovation, and strategic investment.
“We are not just real estate developers. We are also a lifestyle, entertainment, and investment company.”
About DarGlobal
DarGlobal proudly believes in the timeless value of luxury, a form of wealth that inherently grows and represents one of the most visionary investments in our rapidly evolving world. Founded in 2021 with the ambitious goal of revolutionizing the global luxury real estate market, the company seamlessly blends cutting-edge innovation to deliver properties of unparalleled quality. The company’s homes are meticulously crafted by world-class architects and inspired by iconic design and fashion influences. Each property is constructed using premium materials and maintained by leading experts in the field. DarGlobal prides itself on being a pioneer in identifying the most prestigious and attractive locations, thereby offering lucrative investment opportunities to a discerning global clientele.
With a forward-looking strategy, DarGlobal is set to expand its focus to hospitality assets. The company plans to acquire or build hotels in key markets like Spain, Dubai, Maldives, Athens, Marrakesh, and London, with the intention of selling these properties after three to five years of operation once their revenue streams stabilize. This approach reflects the company’s innovative thinking and adaptability in the dynamic real estate market. DarGlobal’s vision extends beyond mere property development. The company recognizes the emerging trend of second homes, particularly in the post-pandemic world, and caters to affluent international customers seeking luxury properties that are not just homes but investment opportunities and lifestyle statements. By offering limited-edition luxury housing co-branded with iconic names like Lamborghini and Dolce & Gabbana, DarGlobal is redefining the concept of real estate investing.