Dubai’s Property Finder Raises US$250 Million from Ares Management to Accelerate Expansion and AI Innovation

“This financing marks another important milestone in our journey to build the region’s most trusted and intelligent property platform,” said Michael Lahyani, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Property Finder.

You're reading Entrepreneur Middle East, an international franchise of Entrepreneur Media.

Dubai-based classifieds firm Property Finder has entered into an agreement with Ares Credit funds in connection with a US$250 million debt financing commitment.

“This financing marks another important milestone in our journey to build the region’s most trusted and intelligent property platform,” said Michael Lahyani, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Property Finder. “The support of world-class financial partners underlines the strength of our business and the scale of the opportunity ahead. This transaction allows us to accelerate our growth in the region through investments in product innovation, AI-driven solutions, marketing and branding and strategic partnerships.”

“We are pleased to support Property Finder as it enters its exciting next chapter of strategic growth,” said Michael Dennis, Partner and Co-Head of European Credit at Ares. “Property Finder has built a category-leading business with a demonstrable track record of execution, profitability, and innovation under the leadership of strong management. We look forward to working closely with Michael and his team, as well as Property Finder’s other investors, as they continue building out a differentiated offering.”

Related: How Property Finder Succeeds in the Real Estate Classifieds Business

Property Finder has delivered consistently strong financial performance across its markets, with a 40%+ group revenue CAGR from 2020–2024. In the UAE alone, the company’s core real estate revenues grew from US$30 million in 2021 to US$117 million in 2024, and US$73 million in 1H 2025, while UAE EBITDA margin expanded to above 60% in 1H 2025.

The transaction follows Permira and Blackstone Inc acquiring a US$525 million minority stake in Property Finder in September 2025, when its early backer General Atlantic partially exited but remained a significant minority shareholder.

Related: Profitability Creates Optionality: Property Finder Founder And CEO Michael Lahyani

Dubai-based classifieds firm Property Finder has entered into an agreement with Ares Credit funds in connection with a US$250 million debt financing commitment.

“This financing marks another important milestone in our journey to build the region’s most trusted and intelligent property platform,” said Michael Lahyani, founder and Chief Executive Officer, Property Finder. “The support of world-class financial partners underlines the strength of our business and the scale of the opportunity ahead. This transaction allows us to accelerate our growth in the region through investments in product innovation, AI-driven solutions, marketing and branding and strategic partnerships.”

“We are pleased to support Property Finder as it enters its exciting next chapter of strategic growth,” said Michael Dennis, Partner and Co-Head of European Credit at Ares. “Property Finder has built a category-leading business with a demonstrable track record of execution, profitability, and innovation under the leadership of strong management. We look forward to working closely with Michael and his team, as well as Property Finder’s other investors, as they continue building out a differentiated offering.”

Related Content

Finance

Beyond the Noise

Gate founder Dr. Han on building a global crypto exchange. It was at the Entrepreneur Leadership Awards 2025 by Entrepreneur Middle East gala dinner last December that I was looking for the winner of the Best Crypto Exchange award — pushing through a noisy crowd of people taking selfies, shaking hands, laughing loudly, interrupting each […]
Finance

AKI Partners with the World Economic Forum to Champion Future-Ready Economies

AKI has announced its official partnership with the World Economic Forum, marking a strategic step in the Emirati group’s commitment to global collaboration, responsible private-sector leadership, and the development of future-ready economies. The partnership positions AKI at the center of international dialogue on sustainable growth, innovation, and long-term economic impact.
Finance

Catalyzing Innovation: QSTP’s Vision for Tomorrow

In a Q&A interview, Rama Chakaki, President of Qatar Science and Technology Park (QSTP), shares how the hub is shaping the future of tech and entrepreneurship in Qatar, driving collaboration, and empowering the next generation of innovators. As Qatar deepens its commitment to knowledge-based growth, Qatar Science & Technology Park stands at the intersection of […]