Emaar Properties reports net operating profit of Dhs1.607bn in first nine months of 2012

The revenue for the first nine months of 2012 reached Dhs5.560bn ($1.514bn), similar to the revenue of Dhs5.873bn ($1.599bn) during the same period last year.

Net operating profit for the third quarter (July-September) of 2012, in line with seasonal trends, stood at Dhs387m ($105m), similar to the third quarter 2011 net operating profit of Dhs406m ($111m).

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman, Emaar Properties, said, "The strong performance of Emaar in the first nine months of 2012 is a clear demonstration of our ability to provide long-term value to our stakeholders through strategic investments in new projects and by strengthening our presence in high-growth emerging markets."

Alabbar said, "Under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the city is on a very positive growth track, underlining its enduring appeal as a global hub for business, trade, travel, hospitality and retail."

"That positive macroeconomic outlook is reflected in the strength of Dubai's real estate sector, which is witnessing an ongoing upward price revision as well as a high level of demand for new projects in strategic locations, such as Emaar's The Address The BVLD, launched to tremendous response in the third quarter of this year," he added.

"Here in Dubai and across all the communities that we serve, Emaar will continue to explore new growth opportunities that will contribute to sustained value creation for the company and its stakeholders," stated Alabbar.

Strong performance of shopping mall and hospitality subsidiaries

Highlighting Emaar's focus on strengthening its recurring revenue streams, the company's hospitality & leisure and shopping malls & retail businesses recorded a total revenue of Dhs2.855bn ($777m) in the first three quarters of this year, representing 51% of Emaar's total revenue for the period. This is 17% higher than the total shopping malls & hospitality revenue of Dhs2.444bn ($665m) reported during the first nine months of 2011.

Revenues from the shopping mall & retail business for the first nine months of 2012 reached Dhs1.882bn ($512m), approximately 18% higher than the revenue of Dhs1.6bn ($436m) during the same period last year. The Dubai Mall welcomed more than 44.5 million visitors from January to September 2012, an increase of approximately 15% compared to the same period last year.

Emaar's hospitality & leisure business recorded revenues of Dhs973m ($265m) in the first nine months of 2012, 15% higher than the revenues of Dhs844m ($230m) during the same period last year. Having consolidated its hospitality business by assuming the management of Al Manzil and Qamardeen hotels, launching new projects and signing management agreements in Egypt and Kenya, The Address Hotels + Resorts, the flagship hotel brand of Emaar, recorded an average occupancy rate of 83% during the first nine months of 2012.

New projects and issuance of Sukuk

In the first nine months of this year, Emaar launched new projects in Dubai and international markets. In Dubai, Emaar launched Panorama at The Views, high-end apartments that are part of an established neighbourhood; several luxury villas and townhouses in Arabian Ranches; and The Address The BLVD, a hotel and serviced residences located in Downtown Dubai.

All three projects sold out in record time, contributing to Emaar's total sales in Dubai at Dhs3.08bn ($839m) in the first nine months of the year, significantly higher as compared to the same period in 2011.

Emaar also finalised a land transaction with Dubai Properties Group in the Dubailand district. That plot is located on Al Qudra Road adjoining the Arabian Ranches development, Emaar's fully established master-planned community.

In the third quarter of 2012, Emaar successfully priced its second international fixed-income sukuk offering, raising $500m via the issuance of trust, which was listed on NASDAQ Dubai. The sukuk's success underlines Emaar's strong value proposition and the positive credit standing of the company in international financial markets.