Emaar Properties records 12% growth in first half

Global property developer Emaar Properties PJSC recorded a net profit of Dh 2.205 billion (US$ 600 million) during the first six months of 2015 (January to June).

This 12 per cent is higher than the first half 2014 net profit of Dh 1.977 billion (US$ 538 million). Revenue for H1 2015 is Dh 6.497 billion (US$ 1.769 billion), 13 per cent higher than the H1 2014 revenue of Dh 5.730 billion (US$ 1.560 billion).

The positive growth of Emaar was underlined by the robust performance of its shopping malls, retail & hospitality businesses, which together contributed Dh 2.9 billion (US$ 790 million) during the first six months of the year, which is 45 per cent of the total revenue. The recurring revenue from these high-performing businesses is 10 per cent higher than H1 2014 revenue of Dh 2.647 billion (US$ 721 million).

Emaar's international revenues during H1 2015 was Dh 1.171 billion (US$ 319 million), representing 18 per cent of the total revenue. International revenues during H1 2015 were 36 per cent higher than the same period last year.

During the second quarter of the year (April to June 2015), Emaar recorded a net profit of Dh 1.179 billion (US$ 321 million). This is 16 per cent higher than the same period last year and 15 per cent higher than first-quarter 2015 (January to March). Revenue for Q2 2015 at Dh 3.484 billion (US$ 949 million) is 16 per cent higher than Q1 2015.

Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said, "The positive performance of Emaar is led by our deep-rooted commitment to create sustained value for our stakeholders. It reflects the success of our strategic approach of building value by monetising core performing businesses and international operations as well as strengthening our high-performing subsidiaries. Our credentials in quality project execution and timely delivery have been our strong-points, especially with the maturing of our home market in Dubai driving end-user demand towards Emaar projects as the most trustworthy in the market."

"Emaar's success also mirrors the ambitious strides made by the UAE, under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai. As a global hub for business and leisure, the country's growth is led by its focus on smart innovation and creativity to achieve all-round excellence. These are the values that drive Emaar too, as we develop new smart cities of the future to support the UAE's preparations to host the Expo 2020 Dubai and contribute to the nation's economy through our masterplannned communities, malls and hospitality projects," he added.

A successful IPO and listing of Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), was quickly followed up with the overwhelming response to the IPO of Emaar's Egyptian subsidiary Emaar Misr and its listing on The Egyptian Exchange (EGX). With a value of about EGP 17.6 billion (US$ 2.3 billion) at the time of listing, Emaar Misr is now one of the largest publicly listed companies on EGX by market capitalisation.

Emaar's strategy for 2015 is centred on efficient project management, seamless customer service and sustained value creation. This is underlined by the progress it has achieved in its two mega-developments, Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills Estate, developed as joint ventures with Dubai Holding and Meraas Holding, respectively.

Simultaneously, Emaar is also expanding its flagship mega-development, Downtown Dubai with remarkable progress achieved on The Opera District, which is anchored by the iconic Dubai Opera. Emaar is also developing Arabian Ranches II, an extension to one of the most sought-after villa communities in Dubai.

Emaar's commitment is reflected in the half-year revenue from property business at Dh 3.597 billion (US$ 979 million). End-user and international investor demand boosted property sales in Dubai and global markets. In Dubai, sales during the first six months of the year reached Dh 6.120 billion (US$ 1.666 billion).

Key project launches in Dubai included: Forte, the second residential development in The Opera District; Azalea villa community in the Arabian Ranches II; Maple, the first townhouse community, Fairway & Acacia at Park Heights in Dubai Hills Estate; and Dubai Creek Residences South Tower II & III in Dubai Creek Harbour at The Lagoons.

Sales in international markets during the first six months was valued at over Dh 2.339 billion (US$ 637 million). In Egypt alone, net sales during H1 2015 was EGP 3.91 billion (Dh 1.9 billion/US$ 517 million), 20 per cent higher than sales during the same period last year.

The hospitality & leisure business of Emaar, recorded first half 2015 revenue of Dh 884 million (US$ 241 million), similar to H1 2014 revenue while the average occupancy in the flagship Address Hotels + Resorts at 87 per cent was also similar to the same period last year.

Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls and retail business subsidiary of Emaar Properties, recorded a net profit of Dh 845 million (US$ 230 million) and total income of Dh 1.462 billion (US$ 398 million), higher by 37 per cent and 16 per cent respectively compared to the same period last year.

Emaar Malls, which includes The Dubai Mall, its flagship mall and the world's largest retail and entertainment destination, welcomed over 62 million visitors during the first six months of 2015, 11 per cent higher than during the same period last year.

Emaar is today one of the world's most valuable property development companies with assets valued at over Dh 158.19 billion and a land bank of approximately 216 million sq. m.