Empire Developments, a new UAE-based developer, plans to build 'affordable' mid-range luxury projects in Dubai.

The start-up is a joint venture between two Dubai-based companies - EssKay Holdings and Peace Home Real Estate.

The number, value and location of the projects will be announced later this month, the company said in a statement.

Ahsan Rasheed, chief executive of Peace Home Real Estate Group, said Empire Developments aims to focus on the affordable housing sector to meet the needs of Dubai's expanding middle-income and working expatriate population.

Meanwhile, Kamran Ghani, CEO of Empire Developments, said the company is in the final stages of handing over its first residential project, Empire Residence, at Jumeirah Village Circle.