Longfor Group Dubai: Chinese Developer Scale Meets UAE Opportunity

Longfor Group was established in 1993 in Chongqing, south-west China, by entrepreneur Wu Yajun. After listing on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2009, it grew into one of China's best-known private developers, with operations across many major Chinese cities.

A Three-Pillar Business Model

Longfor is far more than a homebuilder. Its strategy rests on three complementary businesses:

• Development: residential and mixed-use projects designed to enhance both land value and city value.
• Operation: commercial investment, including its Paradise Walk shopping centres, rental housing and asset management.
• Service: property management and smart construction powered by a strong digital infrastructure.

Sustainability at the Core

The group aligns its corporate mission with the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. Five pillars frame its approach: Exemplary Service, Public Good, Collaborative Excellence, Environmental Stewardship and Employee Care, supported by a strong focus on compliance management.

Entering the UAE Market

In Dubai, Longfor makes its entrance with Longfor International Center in International City, a district with long-standing ties to China-UAE trade thanks to nearby Dragon Mart. The location is a logical fit, reflecting the growing role of Chinese investors and businesses in the emirate. For the local market, Longfor is therefore a newcomer with substantial international credentials, though its on-the-ground UAE track record is only beginning to take shape.

According to our database, the UAE portfolio of Longfor Group currently centres on one flagship project in one of Dubai's most accessible districts.

Longfor International Center at a Glance

• Location: International City, Dubai
• Expected handover: 31 December 2027
• Starting price: from AED 1,389,888
• Status: off-plan
• Unit types: to be confirmed with the developer or a RERA-licensed agent

Why International City?

International City is a large residential and commercial community along Al Awir Road, next to Dragon Mart, the largest trading hub for Chinese products outside mainland China. The area offers several advantages:

• Quick access to Dubai Silicon Oasis, Academic City and Ras Al Khor
• Around 20 minutes to Downtown Dubai and DXB airport outside peak hours
• Strong rental demand from professionals and small businesses
• A vibrant commercial ecosystem driven by China-UAE trade

Mixed-Use Know-How

In China, Longfor has delivered residential communities, shopping centres and integrated mixed-use complexes combining services with living spaces. This experience is a genuine asset for a development named International Center, a title that suggests a role at the crossroads of living and business activity. Floor plans, unit sizes and amenities should nevertheless be verified in the official project documentation before any reservation is made.

Quality sits at the heart of Longfor Group's identity. The company's stated aim is to build “with the best quality, coexisting with the city.” In China, Longfor is known for the care it puts into landscaping and shared spaces within its communities.

Smart Construction

Longfor invests heavily in digital technology to strengthen its service capabilities. In practice, this means:

• Smart construction tools to manage sites and monitor quality
• Digital integration into property management after handover
• Data-driven tracking to anticipate maintenance needs

User-Centred Design Philosophy

The group seeks to diversify and elevate the urban space experience, building stronger connections between individuals and communities. That translates into close attention to shared amenities, circulation and neighbourhood life rather than façades alone.

Dubai's Regulatory Framework

Every project in Dubai must comply with Dubai Municipality building codes, including the Al Sa'fat green building rating system, as well as Civil Defence fire and life safety standards. These requirements apply on top of Longfor's own internal standards.

Environmental Commitment

The Environmental Stewardship pillar of Longfor's ESG strategy, aligned with the 2030 Agenda, points towards a focus on energy efficiency and responsible resource use. Any specific certifications for the Dubai project should be confirmed directly with the developer, and buyers are encouraged to request the specification sheet listing materials and finishes.

Assessing a developer's reliability means looking at its history. With Longfor Group, two realities must be separated: an extensive record in China and a recent start in the UAE.

A Proven Path in China

Since 1993, Longfor has delivered a very large number of residential communities, shopping centres and rental housing projects across China. The group has generated annual revenue of more than RMB 100 billion in recent years. In a Chinese property sector shaken since 2021, Longfor has been widely viewed by analysts as a relatively prudent financial manager, even though its sales and credit ratings have been affected by the broader downturn.

A First UAE Project

In the UAE, Longfor International Center is, according to our data, the group's first project, with handover scheduled for 31 December 2027. There is therefore no local delivery history yet to judge its punctuality in Dubai.

Dubai's Buyer Protections

Off-plan buyers nevertheless benefit from a robust framework:

• Mandatory escrow accounts (Law No. 8 of 2007), with funds released according to construction progress
• RERA registration of both project and developer
• Oqood contract registration with the Dubai Land Department
• Public tracking of construction progress

We recommend checking the project registration number and completion status through official DLD tools before committing, and reviewing the sales agreement with an independent advisor.

Choosing Longfor Group in Dubai means combining the backing of an established international player with the potential of a district known for strong rental demand.

Return Potential

International City is regularly cited among the Dubai areas with the highest gross rental yields, often in the 7 to 9% range according to market sources. A new-build project from an experienced group can stand out against an older existing housing stock.

Payment Plans

Dubai off-plan projects usually offer staged payments during construction. The exact terms for Longfor International Center, including down payment, instalments and any post-handover plan, should be obtained from the developer. Buyers should also budget for:

• 4% Dubai Land Department registration fee
• Oqood administrative fees
• Annual service charges after handover

Tax and Residency Benefits

• No personal income tax on rental income
• No capital gains tax on property
• Golden Visa eligibility from AED 2,000,000 in property investment

Structured After-Sales Service

Property management is one of Longfor's core businesses, and the group has built a digitised service offering in China. If this expertise carries over to Dubai, owners can expect rigorous management of common areas, a key factor in preserving value, keeping tenants satisfied and supporting long-term rental appeal.