Emaar Properties records first quarter 2008 profits of Dhs1.655bn

The company recorded net profits of Dhs1.655bn ($0.451bn) in the first quarter of 2008, which is at similar levels to profits earned in the first and the last quarters of 2007.

Driven by rob t sales in its home market, Emaar's revenues reached Dhs3.961bn ($1.078bn) in the first quarter of 2008. The revenue in this quarter is similar to the revenue achieved in the first quarter of 2007 of Dhs3.969bn ($1.081bn) in spite of significantly lower land sales in 2008.

The decline in revenue in the first quarter of 2008 as compared to the revenue of Dhs5.141bn ($1.4bn) in the fourth quarter of last year is due to decreased revenue from John Laing Homes by Dhs1.2bn ($0.327bn), which is due to cyclical delivery pattern at the US subsidiary. The fourth quarter 2007 also included income from land sales from our associates in Morocco and India.

Annualized Earnings per Share (EPS) for the first quarter of 2008 is Dhs1.08, which is same as actual EPS of Dhs1.08 for the year 2007.

Mr Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said: "Despite operating in an extremely challenging global economic environment, Emaar Properties continued to add value to our stakeholders through our focus on geographic expansion and business segmentation. Emaar's farsighted approach of investing in dynamic emerging markets and our ongoing commitment to creating trend-setting neighbourhoods in Dubai were among the prime drivers of our value creation for our shareholders."

He added: "The momentum to the fast growth in the real estate market is maintained with the timely introduction of significant initiatives by the Dubai Government, under the guidance of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. In particular, the introduction of escrow accounts, regulated by the Real Estate Regulatory Agency, a government entity operating under the umbrella of the Dubai Land Department, has further increased investor confidence in this high-growth market.

Strong domestic sales
Emaar's focus in the first quarter of 2008 was on consolidating its international operations, as well as on unveiling additional premium residential and commercial property in Dubai to meet growing demand. During the period, customer response to the sale of new apartments in Downtown Burj Dubai was overwhelming.

Mr Alabbar explained: "Downtown Burj Dubai, our Dhs73bn ($20bn) flagship project, has evolved to become the region's most compelling new lifestyle destination. Three hotels and a shopping mall complement the thriving residential communities in this new neighbourhood, which is anchored by Burj Dubai, already the world's tallest structure. The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, continues to prove a magnet for global investors, and is scheduled for opening on Aug t 28, 2008."

During the first quarter of 2008, the company had record sales of Dhs5.6bn ($1.525bn) in UAE, which is an increase of 20% as compared to sales recorded in the fourth quarter of 2007 of Dhs4.681bn ($1.274bn). The investment in resources for hospitality, malls and international businesses continue as Emaar targets to open The Dubai Mall, Dubai Marina Mall and three five star hotels in the third and fourth quarters of 2008.

Global expansion and partnerships
Emaar strengthened its global operations with the signing of strategic partnerships earlier this year. Emaar became one of the first property developers from the region to expand into China by signing a joint venture agreement with Shanghai China-News Enterprise Development Limited, a Chinese government entity and subsidiary of the People's Daily Shanghai branch. The joint venture was announced during His Highness Sheikh Mohammed's recent visit to China.

Emaar signed a joint venture with the Bali Tourism Development Corporation to develop the Lombok mega-tourism and residential project in Indonesia.

In addition, Emaar Turkey expanded its land bank with the purchase of 73,571 square metres of prime land in the Mediterranean nation in a purchase protocol valued at $ 400 million.

Emaar, The Economic City (Emaar.E.C), the company's Saudi Arabian venture developing King Abdullah Economic City, the region's largest private sector-led development, signed strategic partnerships with DP World and EMAL International, the joint venture of Mubadala Development Company and Dubai Aluminium Company (DUBAL).

"These joint ventures with established UAE companies highlight our commitment to stronger public-private partnerships in global ventures," said Mr Alabbar. "DP World will develop, operate and manage the KAEC Sea Port, while the joint venture with EMAL is to establish a greenfield aluminium smelter complex in KAEC with an initial direct investment of SR18.4bn ($5bn)."

Contributing to growth
Emaar's contribution to Dubai's economic growth was recognised when the company was named the winner in the Real Estate Development category in the third round of the prestigio Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum B iness Award, which was launched by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Emaar was also cited by the Investment Corporation of Dubai, the investment arm of the Dubai Government, for its high value generation in real estate.

"Today more than ever, we are a truly global company, operating in myriad markets, building entirely new communities, enriching the lives of countless individuals. All of us at Emaar are proud to share the fruits of this unique success story, which was born in Dubai and is now celebrated across the world," said Mr Alabbar.