New businesses gather momentum as ATI announces fresh stream of investments

To better support its new projects - which are scheduled to launch in Q4 2012 - ATI will also expand its presence within the UAE and open new offices in foreign markets.

Established in 2006, ATI subsidiaries operate within a broad range of sectors including real estate, early education, facilities management, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and consulting. The new investments will further diversify ATI's portfolio with fashion, food & beverage and leisure companies being incorporated into the group.

In line with the group's investment strategy, ATI's new ventures are socially-driven initiatives that aim to improve the communities in which they operate.

The most anticipated of ATI's new ventures is SO Famous, a modelling and etiquette school founded by Stephanie Ost, winner of season two of the firm's student entrepreneur competition The Big Start. Catering to an important need in the local fashion industry, SO Famous has partnered with a top international modelling agency to become the UAE's first professional academy to provide certified training courses to aspiring models. In addition, SO Famous will provide a range of other services including beauty consultancy, makeovers and modelling career management.

Sela Café, a new home-grown chain of Arabic-Mediterranean fusion cafés, is set to open its first outlet in Jumeirah Lake Towers in October. Meaning "link" in Arabic, Sela aims to bring people together to enjoy good food and freshly brewed coffee while participating in community-related causes. Built on the principles of ethical sourcing, eco-consciousness and community development, Sela Café aims to be a sustainable brand for a better community.

Al Tamimi Stables (ATS), a leisure and horse trading facility, is another ATI venture that brings a new concept to the region. Located in rural Sharjah, ATS will be home to a menagerie of animals as well as a cultural and educational centre where children and families can participate in various recreational activities. In line with the Sharjah Government's vision to increase educational activities within the emirate, ATS aims to provide visitors with learning opportunities in a fun and experiential environment. ATS will also have a dedicated centre to maximise horse trading opportunities among those passionate about Arabian horses.

Following the phenomenal success of ATI's Hummingbird Early Learning Centre, the group is opening another facility within the DIFC to accommodate children across a broader age group. The structured learning centre, conceived to bring convenience and peace-of-mind to working parents, is scheduled to open by the end of this year.

The group is also in the final stages of confirming its first overseas venture in the automotive industry and has opened an office in the USA to better assess other international investment opportunities.

Commenting on the expansion of its portfolio, Rachael Wunsch, CEO of ATI said: "2012 has been a year of fresh business opportunities for ATI and we are delighted to add these new ventures to our portfolio. We are always looking for investment opportunities that have a positive impact on society and these new businesses very much share our vision. We have confidence in the people behind each business and look forward to working with them to make our new ventures a great success."