India’s state-owned real estate and infrastructure developer NBCC (India) Ltd has taken a significant step toward international expansion with its first overseas property investment, acquiring land in Dubai for Dh15 million. The move signals a strategic shift as the company looks to diversify its revenue streams beyond the domestic market and tap into global real estate opportunities.
The Dubai investment was made through NBCC Overseas Real Estate LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary established to spearhead the company’s international real estate ventures. According to a regulatory disclosure, the subsidiary purchased a 14,776.80 square-foot plot in Dubai Mainland, where NBCC plans to develop a mixed-use project. While the company has not yet shared details regarding the composition of residential, commercial, or retail components, the development is expected to align with Dubai’s strong demand for integrated urban projects.
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This is a rare instance of an Indian state-owned enterprise directly investing in overseas real estate
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Traditionally, NBCC’s core operations have focused on project management consultancy, engineering, procurement and construction, and domestic real estate development
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By setting up an overseas arm, the company is positioning itself to pursue projects in markets that offer regulatory clarity, faster execution timelines, and access to international capital
NBCC’s entry places it among a growing number of Indian developers expanding their footprint in the UAE. Established players such as Sobha Group already have a strong presence in Dubai, while others including Sunteck Realty and Casagrand have announced large-scale residential and mixed-use developments across emerging locations. Industry observers note that Indian developers are increasingly attracted to the UAE due to its predictable regulatory environment, escrow-backed project structures, and sustained demand from global investors.
Dubai’s property market continues to perform strongly in 2025, supported by high transaction volumes, robust population growth, and interest from both regional and overseas buyers. Indian nationals remain one of the largest investor groups in the emirate, reinforcing long-term confidence in the market and encouraging Indian firms to follow their customer base abroad.
While expanding internationally, NBCC continues to strengthen its domestic project pipeline. Recently, the company signed an agreement with the Mumbai Port Authority to develop a Central Government Offices complex and related infrastructure on 25 acres of port land. Under the arrangement, NBCC will act as the project management consultant and executing agency, earning a 7 percent agency fee, although the overall project cost has not been disclosed.
Together, these developments highlight NBCC’s dual-track strategy: maintaining a strong presence in India while gradually building an international portfolio. Its Dubai foray reflects a broader trend of Indian developers leveraging global markets to drive long-term growth.
