Context:

Guardian analysis shows Emirati-linked firms now own about 40% more land in Greater Manchester than a decade ago, with ownership rising from 51 titles in 2016 to 168 in 2026 and area increasing from 73 to 101 hectares. Across foreign investment, Manchester’s stock grew 25% from 2015 to 2024, while 2024 net overseas investment for the region was the highest outside London. The findings spotlight the city’s deepening economic ties to the UAE, including the notable role of Manchester City owner Sheikh Mansour in shaping land ownership, and raise questions about the city’s economic model and its democratic traditions in light of international finance. Scrutiny extends to political figures and public spending linked to UAE-owned entities, even as some regeneration is framed as positive. Looking ahead, the analysis signals ongoing debate about the balance between growth, governance, and ethical concerns in Manchester’s widening international footprint.

Dive Deeper:

• The Guardian combined data from the Land Registry and Companies House to track land ownership in Greater Manchester from 2016 to 2026, noting 51 UAE-linked titles in 2016 rising to 168 in 2026 and area growing from 73 to 101 hectares.

• Among the Emirati-owned titles, at least 34 are held by Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan through one of his companies, including the Etihad Stadium and properties in Ancoats and New Islington; two-thirds of Emirati-owned land by 2026 is controlled by Mansour's firms.

• ONS data show Greater Manchester received nearly £2bn of net foreign investment in 2024, the region’s highest outside London, though UAE-specific investments are not itemized and overall UAE FDI remains a small share of the UK total (0.3%).

• Beyond Mansour, other Emirati investors include the Abu Dhabi government’s Circle Health Group acquisitions, which added 15 titles such as Alexandra hospital (Cheadle) and Highfield hospital (Rochdale).

• Public contracts analysis found £84.4m spent on UAE-linked firms in Greater Manchester 2016–2026, with 85% of that NHS spending directed to Circle Health Group and roughly £6.3m of council spending on UAE-backed firms, predominantly Manchester City FC.

• Academic critic Professor Jonathan Silver warns the growth in Emirati land/finance could undermine the ‘Manchester model’ by tethering the city-region to international finance tied to an authoritarian state with human rights concerns.

• Politically, figures including Andy Burnham faced scrutiny over his stance on City’s owners amid the broader context of the nine-year breach of financial rules by Manchester City and calls for fuller disclosure of meetings with Abu Dhabi executives.