Al Jaber Group

"A nation that eats and wears products made by others is a nation in plight”, this is a historic statement said by the Lebanese and Arab genius, Jobran Khalil Jobran, less than a century ago. The profound significance of these words, including liberating the Arab economy, and full reliance on its human, financial and intellectual resources, is the strong belief of Mr. Nasser Al-Kharafi, Chairman of the Group, who sees the statement as a long-term philosophy and strategy for all projects of Al-Kharafi Group.

A preview of the series of successes realized by Al-Kharafi Group emphasizes that such achievements are purely Arab, outstandingly productive, and global by quality and distinction terms. Al-Kharafi Group has managed to raise huge funds, distinctive human and intellectual powers. It has adopted state-of-the-art technologies in its operations to achieve Arab self-satisfaction with goods and services. In this context, Mr. Nasser Al-Kharafi constantly stresses that the Group has spared no effort to fund any project conducive to upgrading the Arab community, and converting it from a mere consumer/importer into a productive/exporter society, with a prestigious foothold worldwide.

Latest Projects of the Group

Port Ghalib

It was winter 1999 when Mr. Nasser Al-Kharafi made an aerial tour along the Red Sea coastal line. He gazed at the sand and waves thinking that the area may be converted into a new generation of tourist resorts that suit the unconventional surrounding eco-system. "It will outperform the world's best tourist resorts in terms of magnificence” he said. 6 years later, the vision converted into reality on the ground; an international marina, 23 outstanding hotels, golf court, yachting club, luxury residential buildings and units, retail outlets, and integrated environmental utilities and services.

In addition, the Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak inaugurated Marsa Alam International Airport in presence of Nasser Al-Kharafi. The airport serves the unique Port Ghalib Tourist Project. Investment in both projects amounted over USD 2 billion.

Arab Style Technological Revolution

Al-Kharafi International Investment Group has endeavored to cope with the technological breakthroughs in our today's world. Inspired by Arab youth with thirst to self-achievement through hard work and competition, the Group established "Al-Kharafi Hi-Tech Manufacturing Complex", covering both Arab Computers Manufacturing Company (for the design, production, manufacturing and upgrading of computers and accessories), and MAKXALTO (for manufacturing and production of smart cards) to the highest global quality standards. The complex was constructed in Egypt, and its opening ceremony was attended by Dr. Ahmad Nazeef, Prime Minister, and a group of ministers, and statesmen. This Arab and regional event is considered a grand donation to the Arab Industry, taking it with steady steps towards technological and industrial excellence.

The huge achievement was possible through the combined efforts by the relevant Egyptian and global entities. In this effort, Al-Kharafi Group has devoted huge human and intellectual energies for this purpose. The positive partnership aims at achieving the Arab Nation's ambitions towards being capable of manufacturing and exporting technology in the near future. Furthermore, the project involves other features, including provision of hard currency, and more job opportunities for the citizens. It is a pan-Arab project that adopts "Technological Revolution Arab Style" as a slogan.

Unprecedented-Worldwide Project: Realizing the Impossible

"With science, belief, human will, and a water drop, we continue to build and develop." This is the philosophy of Al-Kharafi Group to venture into a giant project that many around the world would not venture into. While the world was engaged in thinking about how to recycle sewage water by adding purification to the processing, Al-Kharafi Group took the challenge to achieve the impossible. Cooperation between Al-Kharafi Group and the US Ionix led to the birth of Utility Development Company. With unprecedented financing by local Kuwaiti banks, and a precise action plan, the daring men accomplished the mission 3 months ahead of deadline. The great effort established Al-Sulaibiya Sewage water Processing and Purification Plant, a project now operating on the Kuwaiti soil. It provided creative solutions for agricultural irrigation problems and other areas that need pure water. It is the first of its size to be implemented according to BOT system in the State of Kuwait and the entire region. Al-Kharafi Group wishes to generalize and repeat the project in other Arab and African Countries in order to secure the present and future need for each drop of water. In addition, the project represents added value for environmental protection using permanent wastewater disposal.

Al Jaber Group

Dimension can measure scale and few organizations in the region match Al Jaber for sheer size of operations. Almost 40,000 employees from over 20 nationalities, a major industrial site comprising of 500,000 m2 and more than 30 further off-site facilities and offices throughout the United Arab Emirates and the GCC countries. Since its inception in 1970, Al Jaber has achieved spectacular year on year growth, structured measured and calculated to transform this privately owned firm into the industrial force it represents today. Participating in a multitude of construction, logistics, energy, trading and industrial projects. As a business partner, few are better positioned than Al Jaber to service the continuing growth of a country and a region undergoing enormous change. For this company, scale of operation is however but the start.

SHUAA Capital

SHUAA Capital is a public shareholding company established and headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is licensed and regulated as a financial investment company by the UAE Central Bank. SHUAA Capital was incorporated in 1979 for the express purpose of investing and promoting capital flows into the Arab region.

Beginning in 2000, SHUAA Capital expanded the range of its investment activities to encompass a broad range of financial services such as Asset Management, Investment Banking and Brokerage. The company also carries out proprietary investments for its own account, and undertakes Private Equity activities through its fully owned, Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) headquartered and fully regulated Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) subsidiary, SHUAA Partners.

Today the company is one of the leading financial services institutions in the Arab region, and the largest Investment Banking Institution in the UAE by market share. Total client assets under management stand at approximately USD2 billion as at 31st of March 2007.

SHUAA Capital is listed on the Dubai Financial Market and the Kuwait Stock Exchange. Its shares are held by close to 14,000 shareholders throughout the Arab region. SHUAA Capital has a market cap of $800 million.

SHUAA Capital adheres to strict standards of transparency. It was the first company in the UAE to adopt IAS reporting standards (1993) and issues quarterly financial statements in accordance with Dubai Financial Market and Kuwait stock exchange regulations.

Gulf Capital

Gulf Capital is a leading regional investment company, focused on the GCC and MENA Region. Incorporated in early 2006 as a Private Joint Stock Company (Pvt. JSC) in Abu Dhabi, Gulf Capital has raised AED 1,225 Billion (US$ 330 Million) from 300 of the most prominent businessmen, institutions and families in the GCC.

Gulf Capital seeks to acquire sizeable or controlling stakes in profitable and rapidly growing companies with high quality management, particularly those that can retain a sustainable competitive advantage. The group seeks to invest in a select number of growing industries, notably those that are undergoing consolidation. Gulf Capital is rapidly emerging as a leader in the Middle East private equity industry, with a mission to enhance shareholder value through partnering with portfolio companies to achieve exceptional growth.

Etisalat

The Etisalat has been the telecommunications service provider in the United Arab Emirates since 1976. Since then, it has built up state-of-the-art telecom infrastructure and taken a leadership position of innovation and reliability among regional and international operators.

The Middle East magazine has ranked Etisalat first in the United Arab Emirates and fourth in the Middle East among the top 100 companies, based on its financial performance and capital growth. It was ranked as the 6th best performing Arab company by ‘Forbes Arabia’ magazine for the year 2006, which included more than 1600 Arab joint stock companies in various sectors. At the end of Etisalat’s third quarter in 2007, it had reported consolidated revenues for the period at AED 15.38 billion, showing an increase of AED 3.57 billion, approximately 30%, over 2006 figures.

Penetration of Etisalat’s mobile phone service in the UAE exceeded 152 per cent in November 2007. Internet and broadband penetration in the UAE exceeded 60 per cent, a significant achievement compared to regional average. Etisalat has roaming agreements with over 400 operators around the world.

Etisalat was awarded many times in 2007. These accolades included Best Overall Operator of the Year – Telecoms World Middle East; Best Operator Middle East – Arabian Business; Best New Operator – Etisalat Misr – Comms MEA; Best ISP – Windows User Magazine; Best Enterprise Integrator – Arabian Computer News; Most Innovative New Product – BlackBerry – Network Middle East. Etisalat CEO, Mohammad Al Qamzi was also presented an award for his company’s contribution to the local economy by CEO magazine.

Rotana Hotels

The signature Rotana trademark of warm Arabian hospitality, international standards and luxurious splendour is steadily appearing across the region.

Since inception, the company has grown to be the region’s largest hospitality management company, and a brand that is widely recognized and much admired. The strategic development of Rotana is directed and managed by a team of people who have exceptional international experience and an unparalleled understanding of the culture and the communities of the Middle East. The impressive growth in the number of Rotana properties is powered by a consistency in ‘getting it right’ from the very start. The awards and accolades received by several properties over the last few years reflect the effectiveness of this core policy.

Rotana has a portfolio of 60 hotels and manages currently 25 properties spread between the United Arab Emirates (which includes properties in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Fujairah & Sharjah), Lebanon, Kuwait, Egypt, Sudan and Syria with a further 36 new properties to open by 2012 that will extend the presence of Rotana into Bahrain, Qatar, Sudan, Amman, Oman, Iraq as well as other countries in the region.

Rotana’s strategic aim is to have a property located in every key city in the Middle East and this goal is being steadily achieved through careful long-term planning and timely action. Our vision is to be the leading and preferred hospitality management company operating hotels, suites and resorts, within the Middle East.

The Rotana brand is driven by passion, personal warmth, and the delivery of consistent quality standards, combined with a keen understanding of regional markets, commitment to research, and significant investment in systems and people.

Development of the brand is rigorously planned and meticulously managed across all operations - simultaneously evoking confidence and trust among property owners, and creating satisfying experiences for corporate and leisure travelers alike. Rotana Hotels continues to develop awareness of its brand while maintaining uniformity in its exemplary presentation and performance. The company is constantly working to build on its increasing recognition around the world through its dedicated international sales offices in the UAE, United Kingdom, Kuwait, Lebanon, India and Germany.

Citi

Citi in the UAE: Constant Drive for Excellence

Citi, the leading global financial services company, has some 200 million customer accounts and does business in more than 100 countries, providing consumers, corporations, governments and institutions with a broad range of financial products and services, including consumer banking and credit, corporate and investment banking, securities brokerage, and wealth management. Major brand names under Citi’s trademark red arc include Citibank, CitiFinancial, Primerica, Citi Smith Barney and Banamex. Additional information may be found at www.citibank.ae or www.citi.com

Citi has been present in the United Arab Emirates since 1964 when Citibank, a member of Citi, opened its first branch in Dubai. Since then, the bank has been known for delivering excellence and consistently introducing world-class banking products and services to the UAE market.

Citibank leads UAE’s credit card market and is currently a major provider of consumer credit services including personal and auto loans. The bank has been consolidating its leading position in the UAE market over the past few years, while keeping the momentum of innovation and excellence in the development and delivery of customized banking products.

The personal banking offer is backed by the sophisticated CitiPhone Banking service, a virtual branch meeting all banking needs over the telephone. The bank has been at the forefront of developing Internet-based delivery capabilities for both retail customers (Citibank Online) and corporate clients (CitiDirect) in the UAE, in addition to other B2B e-commerce initiatives that provide clients with full procurement solutions.

Citibank’s Non Resident Indian (NRI) Business offers state-of-the-art financial products, round-the-clock services and personalized wealth management. NRI’s diverse portfolio of products and personalized services cater to a variety of financial requirements, from long-term investments to short-term trading. Dubai is the regional NRI hub.

The bank offers a range of corporate finance services including securitization, project & structured trade finance, syndication and advisory. In the last few years, Citi has consistently ranked as the premier choice for cash management and trade services, foreign exchange products, portfolio products, capital markets primary and secondary, corporate Finance, investment management and custody services in more markets, including the UAE, than any other bank according to industry surveys.

Citi UAE is the leading market maker in local currency foreign exchange and money markets. It is one of the few banks to offer a range of local currency interest rate derivatives, and structured deposits.

Citi has pioneered a host of banking deals, products and practices in the UAE including:

• Cash Management system allowing local customer and the Central Bank to directly access their accounts with Citibank New York (1979)
• Multi-award winning US $1 B bank financing of Taweelah A1 Co-generation power and sea water desalination project (2000)
• 24 hour phone banking services
• The concept of Model Branch, which changed the branch layout into more customer-oriented one
• Data Warehousing/Data Mining
• Priority banking services, CitiGold, for high net worth individuals
• Launched 1st credit card in the UAE that allows users to earn travel miles (strategic alliance with Emirates Airlines)
• Photo-Sign credit cards that give our customers additional security
• On-line Fraud and Risk Management System
• 1st bank in the UAE to offer Mutual funds services online
• Introduced 1st payment gateway in UAE
• 1st major step in establishing B2B and B2C business essential in the development of Dubai Internet City