PTBP Web Desk

Pace (Pakistan) Limited (PACE), a prominent player in Pakistan’s diversified business sector, has announced its entry into the international real estate market by acquiring land in Dubai, UAE, for the development of a commercial project. The company disclosed this strategic expansion via a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Tuesday.

The Board of Directors of PACE also approved the creation of a subsidiary in Dubai to execute and manage the new project. According to the stock filing, the company’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) has been authorised to carry out all necessary steps and formalities related to this international expansion, including delegating powers as deemed appropriate.

PACE Pakistan Limited is a public limited company incorporated in Pakistan in 1995. Over the years, it has established a diversified business portfolio, engaging in building, acquiring, managing, and selling departmental stores, condominiums, supermarkets, shopping plazas, housing societies, utility stores, and plots.

The company is also active in commercial, industrial, and related activities both within and outside Pakistan, reflecting its broad business strategy. This latest expansion into Dubai represents a continuation of PACE’s strategy to grow beyond national borders and tap into lucrative international markets.

Dubai has increasingly become a preferred destination for Pakistani companies seeking international expansion, and PACE’s move aligns with this trend. Experts note several advantages of establishing operations in the UAE:

1. Favourable Business Environment – Dubai offers a transparent and business-friendly regulatory framework, allowing companies to operate efficiently.
2. Streamlined Payment Process – Payment and banking systems are well-established, enabling faster transactions and international trade facilitation.
3. Legal Framework & Contract Enforcement – Dubai’s legal infrastructure ensures contracts are enforceable, reducing business risks for foreign investors.
4. Global Connectivity – As a global business hub, Dubai provides access to international markets and world-class infrastructure for corporate and real estate ventures.

These factors collectively make Dubai an attractive choice for companies like PACE seeking international visibility and strategic advantage.

PACE’s announcement follows a pattern of Pakistani companies establishing subsidiaries in the UAE to expand operations:

• Zarea Limited, a major B2B commodities platform, launched a wholly-owned subsidiary in Dubai in July 2025.
• Ismail Industries Limited, a leading confectionery manufacturer, announced plans in June 2025 to form a subsidiary in Abu Dhabi.
• Treet Corporation Limited incorporated its Dubai-based subsidiary, Treet Trading LLC, to expand its international business.

These moves indicate that Pakistani companies are increasingly recognising the strategic and economic benefits of operating from the UAE, especially Dubai, which has become a magnet for regional corporate investments.

By establishing a subsidiary in Dubai, PACE aims to achieve several objectives:

1. International Brand Presence – Strengthening its presence in a globally recognized commercial hub.
2. Diversification of Portfolio – Expanding into international real estate reduces reliance on domestic markets and spreads risk.
3. Operational Efficiency – Dubai’s advanced infrastructure and business ecosystem enable streamlined project execution.
4. Investor Confidence – International expansion signals growth potential to investors and stakeholders, potentially attracting more capital.

PACE’s focus on a commercial project in Dubai aligns with its historical expertise in property development, including shopping plazas, departmental stores, and residential complexes, ensuring continuity in its core competencies.

The PSX filing highlights that PACE’s CEO has been authorised to complete all necessary formalities for the Dubai project. This includes acquiring the plot, establishing the subsidiary, and ensuring regulatory compliance in the UAE. The delegation of powers allows for operational flexibility, enabling the project to move swiftly and efficiently in a competitive international real estate market.

The UAE continues to attract companies from Pakistan due to its:

• Strong legal and regulatory environment
• Efficient banking and payment systems
• Access to international investors and trade networks
• Advanced infrastructure for commercial and residential projects

Experts believe that incorporating an office in Dubai provides Pakistani companies with a strategic advantage, allowing them to leverage Dubai’s global connectivity and robust infrastructure while maintaining compliance with local business regulations.