Majid Al Futtaim profit up on higher property valuations



The Dubai-based conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) posted a 28.7 per cent increase in net profit last year thanks in large part to higher valuations for its investment properties.

MAF’s net profit attributable to equity holders rose last year to Dh3.28 billion from Dh2.5bn a year earlier, the company said yesterday.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (Ebitda) increased 7 per cent to Dh3.8bn last year from Dh3.6bn in 2014. Revenue grew 8 per cent to Dh27.3bn, from Dh25bn a year earlier.

The net gain on the valuation of MAF’s investment properties amounted to Dh1.12bn last year versus Dh767m in 2014. The company did not specify which of its properties had earned higher valuations.

The conglomerate, which operates 19 shopping malls including Mall of the Emirates, said last year it planned to double in size within five years as it boosts investments across the Arabian Gulf countries and Egypt.

“We truly believe in the potential of the Mena region and look forward to delivering solid results in the years to come as we continue to grow our business in new markets in the region and beyond,” said Alain Bejjani, the chief executive of MAF.

The conglomerate plans to expand farther in Africa, with a focus on eastern and southern nations.

MAF, which has exclusive rights to the Carrefour supermarket franchise in 38 markets across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia, plans this year to establish its first outlet in Sub-Saharan Africa, in Kenya.

MAF is bullish about Egypt, having announced last year its plan to increase investment in the North African country to 22.5bn Egyptian pounds (Dh9.26bn) from 18bn pounds.

dalsaadi@thenational.ae

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Jordan cabinet changes

In

  • Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
  • Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
  • Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
  • Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
  • Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
  • Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth

Out

  • Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
  • Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
  • Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
  • Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
  • Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
  • Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
  • Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
  • Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
  • Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
  • Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
  • Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
  • Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
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Stuck in a job without a pay rise? Here's what to do

Chris Greaves, the managing director of Hays Gulf Region, says those without a pay rise for an extended period must start asking questions – both of themselves and their employer.

“First, are they happy with that or do they want more?” he says. “Job-seeking is a time-consuming, frustrating and long-winded affair so are they prepared to put themselves through that rigmarole? Before they consider that, they must ask their employer what is happening.”

Most employees bring up pay rise queries at their annual performance appraisal and find out what the company has in store for them from a career perspective.

Those with no formal appraisal system, Mr Greaves says, should ask HR or their line manager for an assessment.

“You want to find out how they value your contribution and where your job could go,” he says. “You’ve got to be brave enough to ask some questions and if you don’t like the answers then you have to develop a strategy or change jobs if you are prepared to go through the job-seeking process.”

For those that do reach the salary negotiation with their current employer, Mr Greaves says there is no point in asking for less than 5 per cent.

“However, this can only really have any chance of success if you can identify where you add value to the business (preferably you can put a monetary value on it), or you can point to a sustained contribution above the call of duty or to other achievements you think your employer will value.”

 

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