Emirati-linked firms’ ownership of Manchester land ‘up 39%’ in ten years
Economic ties face scrutiny after scandal over Manchester City’s financial rules
TL;DR
- Emirati-linked companies now own almost 40% more land in Greater Manchester than a decade ago.
- The number of land titles owned by UAE-linked companies rose from 51 in 2016 to 168 in 2026.
- Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, owner of Manchester City FC, owns at least 34 land titles through his companies, representing two-thirds of Emirati-owned land in the area.
- The increased land ownership coincides with scrutiny of Manchester's economic ties following Manchester City's financial rules scandal.
- Experts raise concerns about the 'Manchester model's' reliance on international finance and alignment with an authoritarian state.
- Beyond football, UAE investments include government purchases of healthcare groups and private investments in property by wealthy Emirati individuals.
- Public contracts awarded to UAE-owned firms between 2016 and 2026 totaled £84.4m, with a large portion going to Circle Health Group.