Dubai Investments targets aggressive growth in new sectors, new markets

DUBAI, 17th March, 2015 (WAM) -- Dubai Investments, an investment company listed on the Dubai Financial Market, has announced plans to further diversify its business with a foray into new sectors and newer markets across the globe as part of its aggressive expansion strategy in the near future. The company, marking its 20th anniversary this year, reaffirmed plans to invest in a wide array of new sectors, including asset management, education, healthcare and energy sectors, besides reinforcing its leadership and innovation in real estate, financial investments and manufacturing domains as part of its strategic growth plans. Dubai Investments is currently targeting new acquisitions and joint ventures to benefit from the massive growth potential on offer. Integral to these plans are steps to spread the geographical presence of its operations, both at the group level as also the subsidiaries, in newer markets across the region and beyond. Khalid bin Kalban, Managing Director and CEO of Dubai Investments, said, "Dubai Investments has built strong credentials over the last two decades, underpinned by proven partnerships, smart acquisitions, profitable exits and a robust commitment to value creation. Dubai Investments will continue its build its expertise across both established and new sectors as part of its transition into the next phase of growth trajectory." He added, "Dubai Investments has identified some sectors and promising growth markets which provide the stimulus to invest and generate high returns. The company plans to continue its international expansion plans and leverage its business models across newer markets, particularly in Middle East, Africa and Asia." The focus on global expansion comes close on the heels of Dubai Investments announcing the launch of Dubai Investments International – its wholly-owned subsidiary targeting strategic partnership and forays in global markets. DI International is currently in advanced stages of negotiations with prospective partners across the region and beyond. This aggressive expansion follows an impressive two decades of excellence achieved by Dubai Investments across its subsidiaries and joint ventures in various sectors. In the last 20 years, Dubai Investments has helped create 15,000 job opportunities, invested in and created over 70 companies and subsidiaries, including exits over the years, engaged 25,000-plus shareholders, built total assets to over Dh14.52 billion and Net Worth surged to over Dh10.1 billion. Along the journey, Dubai Investments has paid over Dh4 billion in dividends and bonus shares, thus creating immense value across the entire stakeholder value chain. Kalban reiterated that Dubai Investments will continue its strong thrust in developing its real estate portfolio and allied businesses over the next two to three years to take advantage of renewed market interest and surging investor confidence. "The real estate industry has always been a key driving force for UAE’s economy and the unprecedented demand in the sector benefited DI immensely, given its wide presence across the entire spectrum of the industry. Dubai Investments is confident that the current demand in the sector will continue in the foreseeable future and it is geared to cater to the required capacity," he said. Dubai Investments announced a net profit of Dh1.343 billion for 2014, a 63 percent increase compared to Dh822.32 million net profit in 2013, as per its audited, consolidated financial statement issued last week. The Net Operating Profit for 2014 was Dh1.76 billion, an increase of 42 percent compared to Dh1.27 billion achieved in the previous year. Total assets as on December 31st, 2014 surged to Dh14.52 billion as against Dh12.62 billion in 2013. – Emirates News Agency, WAM – http://www.wam.ae/en/news/economics/1395278003029.html