Dubai-based Sobha Realty is making its first entry into the North American real estate market with luxury home developments in Collin County, Texas, specifically targeting the rapidly expanding cities of Celina and Frisco. Vipin Das, CEO of Sobha’s U.S. real estate operations, detailed the company’s plans during a recent interview.

Founded 50 years ago by Indian-born Omani billionaire P.N.C. Menon, Sobha Realty has an extensive portfolio spanning the Middle East, Asia, Australia, and Europe. Now, the firm aims to establish a presence in the U.S., with Dallas emerging as its initial focus due to the city’s robust economic growth, population surge, and diverse housing demand.

“Dallas is consistently growing, and the market for second move-up homes aligns well with our brand,” Das explained.

Sobha Realty has outlined two projects in Celina, the fastest-growing city in the United States with a population jump of nearly 25% between 2024 and 2025, according to U.S. Census data. The first development, named the Reserve, will feature 34 homes adjacent to the 220-acre North Sky master plan, located roughly three miles from downtown Celina. These residences will range between 4,000 and 6,000 square feet, sitting on lots from 15,000 to 36,000 square feet. Construction of model homes is slated to begin within two months, with completion expected by year-end.

Originally intending to simply create brand visibility, Sobha decided to act as both builder and developer for this project. “We wanted an opportunity for people to see what we are talking about. Seeing is believing,” Das said.

A second, larger development called Creek Park is planned nearby, with 330 homes ranging from 2,600 to 4,000 square feet and lot sizes between 6,000 and 8,000 square feet. This subdivision, located near GA Moore Parkway and North Louisiana Drive, will operate on city utilities. Sobha anticipates breaking ground on Creek Park within the next month. Pricing details for the homes will be released later.

Both Celina communities lie in proximity to highly rated local schools, including Bobby Ray and Afton Martin Elementary and Jerry and Linda Moore Middle School, which Das noted aligns with buyers’ preferences for ample yard space.

In Frisco, Sobha Realty acquired about 100 acres in January near PGA Parkway and Hillcrest Road from the Ratcliffe family. The Frisco development will include a gated neighborhood with larger luxury homes and is situated close to the $10 billion Fields project, which features multimillion-dollar residences, a Universal Kids resort, and the PGA of America headquarters. Groundbreaking is planned for 2027.

Das described Frisco as a “dream” market due to the creation of a new northern downtown. The company’s vision includes future expansions into nearby suburbs such as Southlake, Westlake, and Flower Mound, as well as other Texas cities like Austin and Houston, with work in those markets expected to commence next year.

Sobha Realty’s managing director Francis Alfred emphasized the firm’s focus on quality, stating, “The product quality is going to be the big differentiator,” as the company seeks to set new standards in the regions where it develops.