Emaar Properties records 2008 annual net operating profit of Dhs5.578bn

Annual revenue was lower by 105 to Dhs16.015bn ($4.360bn), from Dhs17.869bn ($4.865bn) in 2007. Earnings per share for the year relating to profit from operating activities in 2008 was Dhs0.92 ($0.25) compared to Dhs1.08 ($0.29) in the previous financial year.

Following the policy of conservative accounting, the Company recorded an inventory write down Dhs0.919bn ($0.250bn) relating to real estate inventory in J L Homes, US in the fourth quarter of 2008, where the economy is facing an unprecedented economic crisis.

The Company recorded a profit of Dhs0.924bn ($0.252bn) prior to considering the aforementioned inventory write down in the fourth quarter and recorded a profit of Dhs6.662bn ($1.814bn) for the year prior to considering the total inventory write down during 2008. The lower revenue of Dhs3.495bn ($0.952bn) and operating profit of Dhs0.924bn ($0.252bn) for the fourth-quarter (October to December) 2008 (prior to considering the impact of inventory write down) has resulted in lower overall results for the year 2008. This is primarily due to slowing down of the real estate market in Dubai resulting from the current state of the global financial climate.

Emaar is concentrating on completing all the projects, which have commenced construction and have put new projects/ launches on hold to assist in reducing the real estate property supply in Dubai. The new launches in 2009 will be dependent on the review of the demand and supply situation at various income segment levels.

In view of the unprecedented slow down in the US real estate market, Emaar also decided to write down its investment in J L Homes by a total of Dhs1.773bn ($0.483bn) during the fourth quarter in order to be conservative in accounting for such an investment. This has resulted in the complete goodwill amount of Dhs2.523bn ($0.687bn) relating to J L Homes having been written off during 2008.

Mr Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said:

"The primary focus of Emaar in the last quarter of the year was to mitigate the negative impact of the global financial crisis by facing up to the new economic realities and identifying innovative strategies to sustain businesses in an unprecedented downturn. We have placed emphasis on optimising resource use efficiency and maximising productivity, and will continue to build on our strategy of business segmentation and geographic expansion."

He added: "This will continue to be our business approach in 2009 too, as we continuously strive to maximize shareholder value. Our expansion into other countries and new businesses including shopping malls, hospitality & leisure and education gained traction in 2008. We are thankful to our shareholders, who placed their unwavering trust in our efforts to maintain long-term sustainability."

Mr Alabbar said that Emaar's strategic growth objectives have been complemented by the initiatives of the Dubai Government under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President & Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. "Rising up to face the economic concerns and boost market confidence, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed initiated several measures including the setting up of The Advisory Council, a high-level committee that will evaluate and recommend policies for economic growth. The Dubai Government is also focused on encouraging public spending and infrastructure development, which will in turn boost the property sector in the coming months."

Business consolidation:

Emaar Properties marked year 2008 with several milestones in its growth including the opening of The Dubai Mall, one of the world's largest shopping and entertainment destinations, and The Address, Downtown Burj Dubai, the first hotel brand to be owned and operated by Emaar.

Emaar also opened the Dubai Marina Mall and Dubai Marina Yacht Club, further additions to the company's shopping malls and hospitality & leisure portfolio. This year, Emaar will open two hotels - The Address, Dubai Mall and The Address, Dubai Marina. "The emphasis on our new businesses also highlights our commitment to create integrated, self-sustaining neighbourhoods that energise the economy," said Mr Alabbar. "Our varied projects have created several hundred direct and indirect jobs, thus assisting the economy during a crucial phase."

In Dubai, Emaar is progressing with the construction of Burj Dubai, which will open this year. "Revisiting the project pipeline is a natural response to the new economic realities. We have also been negotiating with our partners to rationalize the project cost benefiting our shareholders and customers," added Mr Alabbar.

Taking a thought-leadership role in strengthening investor confidence, Emaar had announced the 'To Own' scheme featuring the 'Plan to Own' and 'Rent to Own,' programmes - both of which have enabled customers to own property under more affordable terms within Emaar's world-class master-planned communities in Dubai.

Strategic partnerships:

The 11-year-old company also strengthened its long-term growth goals through strategic partnerships locally and internationally. One of the highlights of year 2008 was the Memorandum of Understanding signed between Emaar Misr for Development, Emaar's Egyptian subsidiary, and the Abu Dhabi Municipality to develop the 2.2 million sq m Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Residential City in Cairo. The social housing project also marks Emaar's all-encompassing development approach of meeting the lifestyle needs of all sections of the society.

Emaar also entered into a joint venture agreement with His Royal Highness Prince Meshal Bin AbdulAziz Al Saud, Chairman of Saudi Arabia's Bayah Council, and owner of Al-Shoala Group of Establishment, to develop a 31 million sq m master-planned community, Rawabi Rumah, located near Riyadh.

Mr Alabbar said:

"These global partnerships are an indication of the forward looking policies that govern the growth of Emaar. We are committed to enhancing value for all our stakeholders, and will look at building the company's success further through innovation, by leveraging the opportunities that co-exist with current challenges."