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DUBAI-It's an impressive track record. Within nine years of its creation, Emaar Properties has but a Dh305.57-billion ($84.08-billion) international portfolio.Over the past 12 months, the company has launched an aggressive strategy to expand beyond its Middle Eastern heartlands. New figures released by the company reveal that it now has Dh271.13 billion ($73.82 billion) worth of mixed-use projects in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Morocco, Tunisia, Syria, India and Pakistan. It has also bought to major brands--US-based John Laing and UK-based Hamptons International. The development of shopping malls and healthcare projects in the Middle East, North Africa and South Asia are worth Dh33.03 billion ($8.99 billion).

The company is also expected to unveil details of plans for massive new projects in China and Algeria. When first releasing Emaar's intention to enter the Chinese market, chairman Mohammad Al Abbar said, "Emaar's entry into China completes a strategic leg of our international expansion program that focused on three booming markets the Middle East, the Indian subcontinent and now China."

While some of the projects comprise massive masterplans that are unlikely to be completed in less than five years, there are some components that will be completed in the next two years and will provide Emaar with the cash flow to fund the rest. Currently 50% of Emaar's portfolio is in international acreage, but the company plans to make that 80% over the next few years as it seeks to become a leading global real estate player.