About
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Led by a visionary board, UDC REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT is shaping destinations across Egypt, the UK, and the United Arab Emirates, with plans for continued expansion. Guided by our philosophy of Pioneering Lifestyles, every UDC project is conceived as a transformative living experience—where design meets comfort, innovation meets elegance, and lifestyle comes first.
Incorporated in 2023 as a shareholding platform and built on decades of execution experience, UDC creates risk-managed, design-led assets that compound value over time. We target resilient demand segments and advance projects from acquisition to stabilization with disciplined governance and transparent reporting.
We partner with investors who prioritize capital protection, predictable cash flows, and long-term upside. Our board provides institutional oversight across underwriting, development, and asset management—aligning returns with measurable milestones throughout the asset lifecycle.
UDC is committed to creating and consistently delivering upscale world-class projects with master developments exploring new ideas and creating something unique to enhance a new lifestyle.
Meet The Founders
H.E. Dr. M. Bin Haider
Dr. M. Bin Haider is a leading Emirati businessman and community figure whose career spans more than five decades. As a principal member of the Bin Haider family—renowned for entrepreneurship in the United Arab Emirates for over 80 years—he has built a diversified group comprising 75+ companies with operations in 32+ countries. The Group employs over 7,000 people in the UAE and thousands more globally and today is active across 10+ core sectors with a clear strategy to expand into new industries through competitive advantage and prudent diversification.
A committed public servant, Dr. Bin Haider was among the founders and board members of the Dubai Municipality Council in 1974 and later served as Chairman of the Rent Disputes Committee until 1999. During that period, he played a pivotal role in shaping modern Dubai’s real estate sector and its regulatory framework.
In the private sector, Dr. Bin Haider has been instrumental in establishing and guiding several major institutions. He contributed to the formation of Commercial Bank International (CBI) in 1991, becoming a major shareholder and board member from 1993, and continues to serve on the boards of CBI subsidiaries, including International Financial Brokerage and Takamul Real Estate. He also served on the board as Chairman of Union Properties PJSC of the Tender Committee (1994–2014), helping deliver landmark projects during Dubai’s real estate renaissance. In parallel, he chaired Thermo L.L.C., a leading MEP contractor and Union Properties subsidiary (1994–2014). In 1998, he founded Nayef Marine Services, where he is the major shareholder and Chairman; the company provides marine support services to ships and naval vessels and operates cargo ships across the Arabian Gulf.
At-a-Glance Highlights
- Principal member of the Bin Haider family; business legacy of 80+ years
- Group portfolio: 75+ companies | 32+ countries | 7,000+ UAE employees
- Sectors: 10+ primary sectors with active diversification plans
- Public service: Founding board member, Dubai Municipality Council (1974)
- Chairman, Rent Disputes Committee, Dubai Municipality (until 1999)
- Banking: Co-established Commercial Bank International (1991); major shareholder and Board Member (from 1993)
- Capital markets & real estate: Board roles at International Financial Brokerage and Takamul Real Estate (CBI subsidiaries)
- Development: Union Properties PJSC—Board Member & Tender Committee Chairman (1994–2014)
- Engineering: Thermo L.L.C.—Chairman (1994–2014)
- Maritime: Founder & Chairman, Nayef Marine Services (since 1998)
Zahed Al Battarni
Mr. Zahed M H Albattarni
Mr. Zahed Albattarni is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor with three decades of hands-on leadership in real estate development, industrial ventures, and cross-border investments. He has led the creation and delivery of landmark projects, building a reputation for execution, capital discipline, and strategic partnerships.
From 2001 to 2008, Mr. Albattarni partnered with a member of Qatar’s ruling family, broadened his strategic network among global investors, international firms, and regional decision-makers, and helped secure alliances with leading lenders for large-scale financings and influential stakeholders across the Gulf.
Mr. Albattarni has contributed to significant developments alongside prominent conglomerates, including MOBH Holding, QIG PLC, and UDC Investment. Today, he oversees a diversified portfolio across private equity, energy and commodities trading, and industrial manufacturing.
Portfolio Snapshot
Racine Estate London – Private equity platform deploying proprietary and partner capital. Through a network of syndicated partners, Racine has the capacity to fund projects globally, including transactions upwards of USD/EUR 100 million.
Ruby Energy DMCC – A global energy and commodities trading company (est. 2005). Recognized for a strong execution track record and trusted industry relationships, Ruby maintains strategic alliances across the energy value chain.
Gulf Steel Factories (since 1959) – Founded by late M. H. Albattarni, Gulf Steel pioneered large-scale steel production in Qatar and is among the oldest manufacturers in the GCC. The company has supplied more than 1,000 major projects in Qatar and remains a key industrial contributor to the national economy.
At-a-Glance Highlights
- 30+ years of professional experience in development, industry, and investment
- Led and delivered high-profile real estate and industrial projects
- Strategic partnership in Qatar (2001–2008), expanding regional and global networks
- Established alliances with international lenders to finance large-scale projects
- Collaborations with major conglomerates: MOBH Holding, QIG PLC, UDC Investment
- Active leadership across private equity, energy trading, and industrial manufacturing
Our Progress In Numbers
YEARS OF OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT & PERFORMANCE
Loyal Employees
Global Presence
Partners & Affiliates
Our Partners
