Emaar Properties records 2007 annual net profit of Dhs6.575bn

Annual revenue increased by 25% to Dhs17.566bn ($4.782bn) compared to Dhs14bn ($3.813bn) in 2006. Earnings per share (EPS) for the year 2007 was Dhs1.08 ($0.29) compared to Dhs1.05 ($0.29) in 2006.

Emaar recorded fourth-quarter revenue and net profits of Dhs5.029bn ($1.369bn) and Dhs1.736bn ($0.473bn). These represent a growth of 13% in revenue and 11% in net profit, respectively, over third quarter 2007 revenue and net profit of Dhs4.459bn ($1.214bn) and Dhs1.560bn ($0.425 bn).

Emaar's international operations started contributing positively to the Group's profitability with joint ventures in India and Morocco earning profits during 2007.

Marking its presence as a global conglomerate, Emaar was ranked in the Financial Times Global 500 list, while its flagship development, Burj Dubai, scaled 158 storeys to become the tallest building and free-standing structure in the world. Emaar also ranked in the Top 10 of S&P's IFCG Extended Frontier 150 Index for frontier equity markets covering constituents from 26 countries.

Integrated lifestyle provider

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said:

"In a tough year for the global property market, Emaar recorded impressive financials - testament to the strong fundamentals that drive the company. Emaar's long-term approach of developing lifestyle communities, rather than land sales in its core home market of Dubai, and forming strategic partnerships in key markets positions the company in a robust position to achieve its Vision 2010 of becoming one of the most valuable companies in the world."

"More than any other company, Emaar has delivered homes and lifestyle services in time and quality to its thousands of customers. The company has over the last 10 years built competencies that will help translate our Dubai success story in a number of markets across the globe," said Mr Alabbar.

He added: "The joint venture with equal equity participation with Bawadi, a Dubai Holdings Group company for developing 70 million square feet of land in Dubai highlight our pioneering role in forming strong regional partnerships. This aligns with the strategic vision of UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum to make Dubai a global economic powerhouse."

Mr Alabbar said: "Emaar's growth in diversified sectors reflects our commitment to become an integrated lifestyle provider, and enhance value for our stakeholders - including consumers, shareholders and development partners."

Diverse development portfolio

In Dubai, Emaar recorded strong sales for new residential projects across its master-planned mega-projects Downtown Burj Dubai, Arabian Ranches and Dubai Marina. Emaar launched the Armani Residences - a premier collection of homes in Burj Dubai and a joint venture with Giorgio Armani S.p.A, which was met with record-breaking international sales response.

Emaar Hospitality revamped the Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, and opened three hotels - Al Manzil, Qamardeen and The Palace Hotel, Old Town - in Downtown Burj Dubai.

Emaar Malls Group opened Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque leisure destination; unveiled Cairo Gate, Egypt's largest shopping mall and leisure destination; and signed a joint venture deal with Cathay Organisation, the Singapore-based premier entertainment provider to manage cineplexes at Emaar's shopping malls. The Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall projects are also on track and are scheduled to commence operations in second half of 2008.

Emaar Education opened its first schools in Dubai, and launched the University of the Arts to promote arts education in the Middle East and North Africa region and the Subcontinent.

International markets

In India, Emaar MGF has filed the Draft Red Herring Prospectus (DRHP) for an IPO with Securities and Exchange Board of India's (SEBI's) and the approval is expected shortly; in Egypt, Emaar acquired full ownership of its country subsidiary and announced two new mixed-use projects. Emaar Pakistan commenced sale of homes at Crescent Bay in Karachi, complementing the strong sales record for Canyon Views homes in Islamabad. Emaar Morocco, Emaar International Jordan and Emaar Turkey launched sale of homes, and Emaar Syria made gains with the launch of commercial space within its Eighth Gate development.

In Saudi Arabia, Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C) unveiled the project's first residential component - Bay La Sun Village and Emaar Middle East, a subsidiary of Emaar, launched Jeddah Gate, a mixed-use community. More than 6,000 units have been launched in Emaar's international operations (other than US) and the investors' response has been overwhelming.

Corporate laurels

Emaar was chosen as 'Property Company of the Year' for the second consecutive year at the Arabian Business Property Awards, and the company won the Dubai Quality Award for its commitment to quality and service excellence.

Emaar earned the ISO 14001:2004 certification for its environmental management processes underscoring its commitment to environmentally sustainable initiatives and the Green 2007 campaign unveiled by Sheikh Mohammed.