Emirati-linked firms’ ownership of Manchester land ‘up 39%’ in ten years

Land in Greater Manchester owned by United Arab Emirates-linked firms increased by 39% between 2016 and 2026, reaching 101 hectares across 168 titles. Two-thirds of this Emirati-owned land belongs to Manchester City FC owner Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan through his companies. The findings come amid scrutiny over Manchester City's financial breaches and Greater Manchester's growing reliance on international investment.

Beyond Mansour's holdings, Emirati ownership includes 15 land titles held by the Abu Dhabi government through healthcare acquisitions and property owned by other wealthy investors. Additionally, public bodies spent £84.4 million on UAE-owned firms over the decade, mostly through NHS contracts. While critics have raised ethical and economic concerns, local council leaders defended the partnerships for driving key urban regeneration.