The emirate neighboring Dubai is transforming its urban profile with a mega urban project that redefines the concept of modern university city, and this is where Aljada comes into action. With an investment exceeding $6.5 billion and an area equivalent to over 2.2 million square meters, this development combines residences, shops, hotels, and educational centers in a single integrated ecosystem. The proposal increasingly attracts international investors seeking stable returns in the United Arab Emirates real estate sector.
The project positions itself as an accessible alternative to Dubai’s premium areas, offering competitive prices without sacrificing quality or connectivity. This strategic location allows access to the international airport in less than 20 minutes, while the transport system connects with the region’s main commercial and financial areas.
An educational ecosystem driving rental demand
Aljada integrates three schools and a complete educational district that will attract thousands of students in coming years, generating constant demand for student housing. Nearby universities are already establishing collaboration agreements to facilitate their students’ access to the complex’s residences, guaranteeing occupancy throughout the academic year. This factor makes investment in student apartments an option with minimized risk for investors seeking recurring income.
Studio and one-bedroom apartments represent the most in-demand segment, with entry prices from $150,000 and projected returns between 8% and 10% annually. Developments in construction phase offer flexible payment plans with just 10% down payment, allowing investors to access the market without needing large disbursements. Additionally, the emirate’s tax regime applies no income tax or capital gains tax, maximizing net investment return.
The development includes sports infrastructure, parks designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, and a 1.9 million square foot entertainment complex that includes the skate park that hosted the World Championship in 2023. These facilities increase the project’s appeal for international students seeking complete experiences beyond academics.
Tax and legal advantages for foreign investors
The United Arab Emirates allows 100% foreign ownership in designated zones, eliminating the need for local partners or complex corporate structures. The purchase process is completed within weeks through standardized contracts that guarantee legal security, while transaction costs are around 4% of the property value. Investors acquiring properties valued over $750,000 can opt for long-term residency visas, facilitating personal management of their assets.
Sharjah has emerged as the preferred destination for professionals and families who work in Dubai but seek lower living costs without sacrificing quality. The emirate has over 120,000 years of human settlement history and today combines cultural tradition with modern infrastructure that attracts both residents and investors. This demographic dynamic sustains robust rental demand that significantly reduces vacancy periods.
Professional management of rental properties is widely developed, with specialized companies handling tenant search, maintenance, and collections in exchange for 5-8% annual commissions. This model allows international investors to obtain passive income without physical presence, making investment a truly remote option. Rental contracts in the Emirates are typically signed for annual periods with advance payments, providing immediate liquidity to the owner.
Infrastructure revaluing medium-term investment
The 4.4-kilometer commercial boulevard development includes 165,000 square meters of leasable retail space that will attract major international brands and create thousands of jobs. This commercial infrastructure adds to the 500,000 square meters of premium offices already being marketed, consolidating the project as a self-sufficient economic hub. The construction phase is progressing as planned, with 7,500 units already delivered out of 25,000 scheduled for 2030.
The four hotels planned within the complex will generate constant tourist flows that will benefit both local commerce and vacation rental apartment owners. The mixed-use city model reduces dependence on a single economic engine and distributes risk across multiple sectors: education, tourism, retail, and business. This diversification protects real estate investments against specific sectoral fluctuations.
Proximity to main communication routes facilitates access to Dubai in just 20 minutes and to Sharjah airport in seven minutes, making the location a key asset for future appreciation. Real estate analysts project capital appreciations of 15-20% over the next five years as the project reaches operational maturity. These projections are based on the historical trajectory of similar developments in Dubai and Abu Dhabi that experienced sustained growth after completing their infrastructure phases.
Investment process and management from Spain
Spanish investors can complete the entire purchase process remotely through apostilled notarial powers, without needing to physically travel to the Emirates. Local financial institutions offer financing of 50-75% of property value for foreign buyers with documented credit history, although many investors opt for cash purchases to maximize profitability. Delivery deadlines for developments under construction range from 18 to 36 months, during which quarterly installments are paid according to construction progress.
Taxation for Spanish residents requires declaring income obtained in Spain, although double taxation agreements avoid duplicate taxation by allowing deduction of taxes paid at source. In the case of the Emirates, the absence of direct taxes on rental income notably simplifies tax management. Specialized tax advisors recommend structuring investment according to each investor’s profile and asset volume to optimize overall tax burden.
Specialized investment platforms organize buyer groups that negotiate advantageous conditions with developers, achieving 5-10% discounts on list price and improvements in payment terms. These communities also provide updated information on the market, price evolution, and new opportunities before their public marketing. Access to these networks has become a differentiating factor for investors seeking to maximize their returns in a competitive market where the best units sell out quickly.
