In a major overseas foray, India's NBCC (India) Ltd has bought land worth Dh15 million in Dubai, marking a serious beginning by the state-owned developer to expand globally. The purchase was carried out through NBCC Overseas Real Estate LLC-the fully-owned arm that has been specifically formed to spearhead its international forays. The plot measuring 14,776.80 square feet in Dubai Mainland will be used for developing a mixed-use project. However, NBCC has not disclosed the residential, commercial, or retail split or the time frame for completion.
The deal marks NBCC's first real estate investment outside of India, as the company has signaled its intention for geographical diversification in pursuit of strong demand and deeper capital flows in global markets. So far, Indian developers are increasingly attracted to the UAE due to clear regulations, faster project approvals, and stable demand from international buyers.
With the entry to Dubai, NBCC is following other Indian firms active in the region, such as Sobha Group, Sunteck Realty, and Casagrand, all of which launch several projects aimed at both residential and mixed-use sectors.
Dubai remains a Magnet for developers from across the world as it offers predictable regulatory frameworks, escrow-backed project structures, and is in a position to reduce timelines between land acquisition, approvals, and project launches.
The city also benefits from sustained interest by Indian and other overseas buyers, providing developers with confidence in the long-term viability of projects. For Indian companies, the UAE provides an avenue into an international investor base, allowing revenue streams to be diversified beyond the home market.
As NBCC continues to focus on international expansion, its domestic portfolio also continues to grow. More recently, the company inked a deal with the Mumbai Port Authority for the development of a Central Government Offices complex and other infrastructure on a 25-acre expanse of port land. NBCC will be the executing agency for this project, along with being the project management consultant and receiving an agency fee of 7% on the full value. The estimated cost of the project remains undisclosed; however, the agreement simply underlines the continuous involvement of NBCC in large development projects in the country.
Dubai’s real estate market in 2025 stays rather irresistible, with high transaction quantities, high demand from regional and overseas investors, and a benevolent tax environment. For Indian developers, the city is connected well, the regulatory clarity is good, and it has a history of Indian investment, making it a strategic destination.
NBCC’s foray becomes all the more significant since it signals a state-owned enterprise being proactive on international growth-the domain traditionally dominated by private players. With the creation of a fully-owned subsidiary, NBCC has ensured that its overseas forays are structured and well-fashioned while keeping a continued pipeline of domestic projects.
The Dh15 million worth of land buying could be a good starting point for NBCC's future international portfolio and a sign of its ambition to use the vibrant property market of Dubai to attain higher revenue and international renown. With this two-point concentration-both domestic and international markets-NBCC is all set to consolidate its position as one of the premiere project management consultancies and real estate developers. The company's move exemplifies a forward-looking strategy that could probably set a model for other Indian state-owned enterprises aiming to go global.
.png)