|
Investment continued from page 3
Mohammed Al Gergawi, Executive Chairman of Dubai Holding, is responsible for the company’s overall business strategy, as well as its clearly-articulated vision: “Dubai Holding will help shape young talent and skills for the good of tomorrow,” says Al Gergawi. “The fundamental reward we seek is human elevation and advancement. For the measure of a nation’s advancement lies not only in the number of skyscrapers it bears, but also the heights of progress that its people have attained.”
Among Dubai Holding’s most prominent subsidiaries are: Dubai Properties, a developer of residential, commercial, hospitality and entertainment projects; the Jumeirah Group, developer and operator of exclusive hotel properties (including the Burj Dubai Hotel and the Jumeirah Essex House in New York); Dubai Health Care City, a center for medical and scientific research; and Dubai Studio City, a state-of-the-art production facility for television and cinema. Dubai Holding’s wide range of activities has brought the company into partnerships with a host of international businesses and institutions, including General Electric, CNN International, Nokia and Harvard University Medical School.
Perhaps the most ambitious of the firm’s tourism developments is Dubailand, a three billion sq. ft. complex that will feature dozens of family-oriented tourist attractions including two theme parks, museums, planetariums, sports facilities, health clubs, over 50 hotels and several shopping malls. When fully completed, it is expected to attract 200,000 visitors per day and 15 million per year.
Dubai Sports City, a component of Dubailand, include a 60,000-seat multi-purpose outdoor stadium, a 25,000-seat cricket oval, and a 10,000-seat indoor arena. Most of these structures will be completed by 2009. The nearby Motor City will contain a Formula 1 race track, a race car driving school and a theme park.
To appeal to shoppers, an increasingly important segment of Dubai’s tourism initiatives, Dubailand will offer the 10 million square foot Mall of Arabia, the world’s largest enclosed shopping center, the Dubai Outlet Mall, and the Dubai Bazaar, which will be modeled after the traditional Arab souk (market).
One of Dubai Holding’s most cutting-edge projects is DuBiotech, a state-of-the-art biotechnology park. Located on a 21 million sq. ft. campus in central Dubai, it will play a pivotal role in improving the quality of life
|

Artist’s rendering of Dubailand, a Dubai Holding property.
through extensive research and development in the areas of medical genetics, environmental biotechnology and other vital areas.
Dubai International Capital (DIC), the conglomerate’s international investment arm, seeks opportunities around the globe. DIC is one of the most active investment companies in the Middle East with total investments of approximately $5.5 billion. Its acquisitions include the Tussauds Group, Doncasters Group Limited and the UK-based Travelodge Hotels, as well as a substantial stake in DaimlerChrysler. The company expects the value of its managed assets to quadruple to $20 billion in the next five years.
Profile: Al Qudra Holding
Abu Dhabi’s Al Qudra Holding has quickly risen to be one of the UAE’s largest and most successful conglomerates. There are few economic sectors in which Al Qudra is not involved. Its various subsidiaries are major players in real estate and property development, industry, infrastructure development, waste water treatment, the hospitality industry, sports management, advertising and public relations. On many projects, Al Qudra has formed innovative partnerships and joint ventures with other UAE, regional and international firms, including U.S. firms such as 3DI and GSE Systems.
Formed in 2005, Al Qudra has a unique mission: to undertake projects that would help bring about the transformation of the UAE for the benefit of its people. In the words of Al Qudra’s Chairman and Managing Director, Salah Salem Bin Omeir al Shamsi: “Our sights are set on noble goals that stretch beyond financial figures or market reputation. From the onset, we focused on achieving success by undertaking projects that would leave a lasting impact on the country long after Al Qudra Holding’s contributions...this path has led to distinction and excellence.”
In 2006, Al Qudra’s real estate development subsidiary broke ground on its landmark project, Danet Abu Dhabi, designed to be one of the UAE’s best-planned urban communities.
|
It will include modern housing as well as gardens, parks, cafes, leisure facilities and a Holiday Inn hotel. Danet Abu Dhabi was completely sold out after the first 45 days, prior to the beginning of construction.
Also in 2006, Al Qudra formed a joint venture with the Kharafi Group of Kuwait to create Emirates Utilities Company Holding (EUCH). The new joint venture will specialize in build-own-transfer (BOT) projects in various infrastructure sectors.
In May 2007, Al Qudra announced the launch of Ain Al Emarat, a major new real estate development in the town of Al Ain, the second largest city in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. Ain Al Emarat will offer unique residential areas as well as shopping malls, golf courses, a hospital, parks and hotels.
In only its first two years of existence, Al Qudra already has been recognized as a firm committed to giving back to society. Al Qudra over half of whose founders are women sponsored the Forum of Female Entrepreneurs of the GCC Nations as well as the General Federation of Women in the UAE. The company also is a major supporter of the UAE Red Crescent and youth sports clubs.
Profile: Emaar Properties
Emaar is the world’s largest real estate development company by market capitalization. It has projects under development in 16 countries worth $60 billion.
Emaar, a publicly-traded company listed on the Dubai Stock Exchange, grew by 35 percent in the year ended December 1, 2006, earning $1.75 billion. In light of the company’s ambitious plans at home, as well as strategic projects overseas, investors anticipate continued growth in the years to come.
According to Emaar’s Chairman, Mohamed Ali Alabbar, “Emaar’s mission is to deliver world-class products and services, not merely in property development, but in every chosen business activity, including hospitality, leisure, retail, education, healthcare, finance and industry. Our vision for 2010: The transformation of Emaar into one of the most valuable companies in the world beyond property development.”
Emaar’s signature project, the $20 billion Burj Dubai development, is transforming the emirate. In addition to its record-breaking skyscraper the final height of which remains
|