Dubai-based developer brings its luxury real estate expertise and precision-driven project management to revive Catalan heritage properties through a new specialized renovation firm
Dubai, the UAE- Tuesday, August the 12th 2025
Barcelona’s real estate market continues to attract global interest, with over €4.5 billion invested annually in property transactions and a renovation sector valued at more than €20 billion across Spain—a significant portion concentrated in Catalonia, home to one of Europe’s richest architectural legacies. Against this backdrop, Andalusia Group, one of Dubai’s leading development firms, has announced its expansion into Europe with the launch of Oliva 1852, a new company based in Barcelona dedicated to the renovation, modernization, and adaptive reuse of residential and commercial properties.
Bringing the scale, sophistication, and premium standards of Dubai’s luxury real estate market to Barcelona, Oliva 1852 represents a multi-million-euro commitment to elevating Catalan heritage properties into high-value assets tailored for discerning international buyers and investors.
This strategic move marks Andalusia’s first European venture, bringing the group’s expertise in fast-paced, precision-driven development from Dubai to the heart of the Catalan capital. Oliva 1852 aims to revitalize aging structures—many of which date back over a century—by combining local architectural preservation standards with energy-efficient upgrades, modern amenities, and sustainable materials.
“Barcelona is one of the most architecturally significant and culturally expressive cities in the world. We see enormous potential in bridging our modern construction discipline with the timeless charm of Catalan buildings,” said Saleh Tabakh, CEO of Andalusia Group. “Oliva 1852 will offer a seamless experience for property owners and investors seeking to modernize historic spaces without compromising their soul.”
With more than 60,000 buildings in Barcelona over 80 years old, the demand for thoughtful, high-quality renovation is growing rapidly. From restoring residential apartments in the Gothic Quarter to transforming commercial spaces in Gràcia, Oliva 1852 will deliver turnkey renovation solutions for investors, developers, and private owners looking to capitalize on the city’s blend of heritage and innovation.
Inspired by the olive tree—symbol of rooted elegance—and the year 1852, when Antoni Gaudí was born, the company reflects both tradition and transformation. Andalusia’s experienced Dubai-based project teams will collaborate with local architects and artisans to ensure each project maintains cultural authenticity while benefiting from Dubai-level execution standards in speed, cost control, and quality.
“What makes us unique is our ability to deliver at pace without sacrificing beauty or identity,” Tabakh added. “From the skylines of Dubai to the historic streets of Barcelona, we’re here to contribute to the city’s future by preserving its architectural legacy—one renovation at a time.”
With operations now spanning Dubai, Spain, and the wider Middle East, Andalusia Group continues to grow its international presence by exporting its tested development systems to cities where heritage and opportunity intersect.
–Ended–
*About “Andalusia Group” for Real Estate Developing:
“Andalusia Group” for Real Estate Developing, based in Dubai, was established in 2019 with the aim of attracting Saudi investments and financial portfolios, for commercial and service investment to the United Arab Emirates.
The group succeeded in attracting a number of Saudi shareholders, and developed its first projects, which is the “Andalusia Group” shopping complex in the Emirate of Dubai.
The group includes a number of companies specialized in real estate development, maintenance, asset management, commercial investment, retail stores, general investments and real estate financing.
Moreover, Andalusia Group acts in restaurant business, as it seeks “franchises” from global restaurants, as well as the management of the assets developed by the company and providing the majority of administrative, engineering, and commercial services internally.
Through a legacy of excellence in real estate development, “Andalusia Real Estate” continues to craft unrivalled living experiences, and its projects are characterized by their superior quality & innovative designs & commitment to luxury.
About Saleh Tabakh:
Saleh Tabakh, who has extensive experience in the real estate market exceeding 18 years, has been CEO of Al Andalusia Group for Real Estate Developing in Dubai since November 2020.
He was an adviser to the CEO and Head of Trade, Development and Operations in the “MAG Real Estate Development” between 2019 and 2020, on the board of “GLG”, a consultant based in New York City, between 2016 and 2021, CEO of the “Delta International” real estate company between 2014 and 2019 and General Manager for Middle East at the “United Excellence” group between 2013 and 2014.
He held several positions in the Dubai Properties Group over a period of ten years, including: Chief Commercial Officer between 2010 and 2012, Director of Marketing and Communications between 2009 and 2010, Senior Executive Officer of Marketing and Communications between 2007 and 2009, and Property Executives between 2006 and 2007. During his career, he contributed to important projects such as the “Jumeirah Beach Residence”, “Business Bay”, “Sunrise and Sunset Mirdif”, “Layan” and “Al Waha” projects in Dubailand, “Al Khail Gate” and “The Villa”.
Saleh Tabakh supervised and contributed to more than 18 important real estate projects in the Emirate of Dubai and participated with the Dubai Land Department in launching initiatives, the most important of which is the crowdfunding initiative, collective ownership, and other important initiatives.
He began his career in the field of building materials, where he worked in the technical support department in the “National Paints” factories between 2003 and 2006.
He holds a master’s degree in business development in 2015 from the Open University in the United Kingdom, a master’s degree in risk management in 2010 from the University of Bradford, and a bachelor’s degree in entrepreneurship in 2003 from the University of Greenwich, also in the UK.
