Focus on added value creation for shareholders and strengthening customer service
Dubai, UAE; April 17, 2017: The 19th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Emaar Properties PJSC today declared a cash dividend of 15 per cent of the share capital, equivalent to AED 1.074 billion (US$ 292 million), for distribution to the company’s shareholders.
The AGM also approved the report of the Board of Directors on the activities and financial position of Emaar, the Auditor’s report, and balance sheet for 2016. Ernst and Young was appointed as the auditor for 2017. The assembly also approved the Employees Incentive Scheme.
Mohamed Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said that Emaar has created sustained value for shareholders through its competencies premium real estate, malls and hospitality. “The leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, inspires us to push our boundaries and expand our operations with the goal of creating added value for our stakeholders.”
He added: “Our ambition is to further strengthen customer loyalty and enhance our brand value. We will achieve this with our absolute focus on being a customer-centric organisation. We will also strengthen our financial performance by maintaining a robust balance sheet. Across all our businesses, we focus on bringing high-calibre professionals while also shaping the next generation of young future leaders. Our new growth approach is led by the digital transformation of our operations, which will transform our company and ensure that we are future-ready.”
In 2016, Emaar recorded net profit of AED 5.233 billion (US$ 1.425 billion), and revenues of AED 15.540 billion (US$ 4.231 billion). Recurring revenues from Emaar’s shopping malls, hospitality, entertainment and leisure businesses was AED 5.976 billion (US$ 1.627 billion), 38 per cent of the total Group revenue. Emaar’s international operations reported revenue of AED 2.665 billion (US$ 726 million), 17 per cent of the total Group revenue.
The performance of Emaar’s real estate sales in Dubai recorded notable growth during 2016 at AED 14.4 billion (US$ 3.92 billion). Sales across various international markets in 2016 were valued at AED 3.9 billion (US$ 1.1 billion). The Group now has a backlog of AED 42.977 billion (US$ 11.701 billion) to be recognised in the next few years.
Emaar also strengthened its landbank, notably in Dubai, without capital investment through joint ventures and strategic partnerships. The company’s land bank in the UAE now stands at over 24 million sq m taking its total land bank across all markets to over 190 million sq m.
Robust growth of malls and hospitality
Emaar Malls (DFM: EMAARMALLS), the shopping malls & retail business majority-owned by Emaar Properties, recorded a net profit of AED 1.874 billion (US$ 510 million) and revenue of AED 3.227 billion (US$ 879 million) in 2016.
The shopping malls assets of Emaar Malls together welcomed 125 million visitors during 2016. The Dubai Mall continues to be the world’s most visited retail and leisure destination, having welcomed 80 million visitors per annum for the past three consecutive years.
The hospitality & leisure, commercial leasing and entertainment business of Emaar recorded revenues of AED 2.749 billion (US$ 748 million) in 2016. Average occupancy of hotels under Emaar Hospitality Group in Dubai was 85 per cent, higher than the industry average.
Emaar’s growth has been led by an overall improvement in productivity in all performance indicators. The company has introduced a new procurement approach that generates savings. Customer service satisfaction levels have also increased across all operations – real estate, malls, hospitality and entertainment.
Emaar is now developing The Tower in Dubai Creek Harbour, billed to be one of the fascinating attractions in the world. Emaar is also strengthening Dubai’s retail sector through new retail precincts in Dubai Creek Harbour and Dubai Hills Estate. Another smart development for the future is Emaar South in Dubai South, a next-generation lifestyle destination in the new aviation and logistics hub of the city, located near the venue of Expo 2020 Dubai.