Abu Dhabi's Lulu Retail posts 16% rise in Q1 net profit, beats estimate
UAE's Lulu Retail Holdings Plc posted Q1 2025 net profit of $69.7 million, 16% higher year-on-year (YoY), supported by growth in e-commerce sales in the UAE.
The result came above analysts' mean estimate of $65 million, according to LSEG data.
Revenue for the quarter came to $2.1 billion, up 7.3% YoY, with like-for-like sales up 3.6% YoY driven by strong sales during Ramadan period, the Abu Dhabi ADX-listed supermarket operator said.
E-commerce sales grew 25.3% YoY to $93.4 million and accounted for 4.7% of retail revenue.
(Writing by Brinda Darasha; editing by Seban Scaria)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Gulf Business
26 minutes ago
- Gulf Business
ORO24's Atif Rahman on AI, data centres and the future of proptech
In this conversation with Gulf Business , Atif Rahman — founder and chairman of ORO24 — goes deep on AI, data centres, and the untapped potential of proptech. Rahman shares why he believes there's no such thing as 'machine learning,' how technology must be used responsibly, and why data is the new oil. He also discusses ORO24's ambitions beyond real estate and how the combination of real estate and tech can truly change lives. Topics covered: Why AI is just data + algorithms The danger of unregulated tech Data centres as the next big real estate play Why proptech hasn't taken off — and how it could What keeps Atif Rahman up at night Podcast hosted by Gareth van Zyl, group editor of Gulf Business.
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare launch Integrated Child Development Centre in Dubai
The new centre will address autism, ADHD, learning disabilities, and more, with plans for expansion across the UAE in the next two years The centre is designed for children aged 0-16 years, providing holistic care including screening, assessments, diagnoses, and customized interventions With 16% of children born in the UAE as low birth weight, and a growing prevalence of developmental challenges like autism (1 in 146 births or 0.68%) and ADHD (affecting 5.1% to 8.8% of children), the need for specialized, early intervention care is more critical than ever. [1] [2] [3] Dubai, UAE: Aster Clinics, a leading integrated healthcare provider under Aster DM Healthcare GCC, in collaboration with DYU Healthcare, a prominent leader in child development services, has announced the opening of a new Integrated Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, Dubai. This innovative centre offers a holistic approach to child development, providing a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary therapy services tailored to the unique needs of children of all abilities. An extension of Aster Clinic, Bur Dubai (AJMC), the centre offers screening, assessment, diagnosis, and intervention services designed to enhance key developmental areas such as mobility, strength, coordination, cognition, communication, social skills, and emotional growth. By nurturing these abilities, the centre empowers children to navigate the world with greater confidence and independence. The centre follows a unique interdisciplinary model, bringing together medical doctors and rehabilitation professionals to develop individualized care plans tailored to each child's specific needs. Services include screening and diagnosis of developmental delays, neurodevelopmental, communication, and motor disorders, as well as behavioral assessments. Evaluations cover speech and language skills, sensory integration, IQ testing, and special education needs, addressing conditions such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, Down Syndrome, learning disabilities, and speech-language disorders. As part of its comprehensive diagnostic framework, the centre offers Psycho-Educational Analysis to integrate insights across disciplines and create personalized intervention plans. Equipped with internationally recognized assessment tools, it ensures evidence-based care across all stages—from screening to therapy—for children aged 0–16 years. What sets this centre apart is its seamless collaboration between medical and rehabilitation teams, combining hospital and clinic-based care under one roof. DYU Healthcare's proven Standard Operating Procedures, developed over a decade of experience in India, guide the centre's operations. This includes care for children discharged from the NICU and those requiring ongoing support in early childhood. DYU's team-based approach has consistently delivered impactful outcomes for children with a wide range of developmental challenges. In this collaboration, DYU Healthcare is responsible for the day-to-day operations and the implementation of its proven models of care, while Aster Clinics provides strategic leadership and guidance, to ensure the integration of these services within the UAE healthcare landscape. This partnership brings together Aster's established healthcare infrastructure and DYU's specialized expertise in child development. Ms. Alisha Moopen, Managing Director & Group CEO of Aster DM Healthcare, expressed her enthusiasm for the centre's opening, saying, 'The Integrated Child Development Centre is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services to children and families in the UAE. Our partnership with DYU Healthcare enables us to offer a truly holistic and integrated approach to child development. This is only the beginning, and we are excited to expand these services across the Aster Network in the UAE.' Dr. Sherbaz Bichu, CEO of Aster Hospitals & Clinics in the UAE, Bahrain, and Oman, emphasized the importance of addressing the growing demand for specialized care in the UAE. 'With the increasing number of parents concerned about their children's development or behavior due to disorders like ADHD, autism, and learning disabilities, this centre will provide proper assessment, counseling and integrated, specialized care for children if required. Our goal is to deliver early, impactful interventions that will make a lasting difference to children's lives.' Dr. Prashanth Gowda, Co-Founder of DYU Healthcare Consultancy and Founder of DYU Healthcare India, shared his excitement about the new partnership, stating, " We are excited to launch this first-of-its-kind Child Development Centre in Bur Dubai, offering medical, paramedical, and remedial services under one roof to save parents time and resources. Our expert team, trained in top allied health institutions in India, uses the latest international tools for evidence-based, tailored interventions. We look forward to expanding Aster DYU Centres across the UAE to serve more children.' Operating daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, the centre will deliver over 20,000 therapy sessions annually, serving around 350 children and conducting assessments for approximately 500. With a skilled team, advanced equipment, and an interdisciplinary approach, it ensures comprehensive, evidence-based care. Over the next two years, the centre plans to expand to 10 locations across the UAE. It will also launch cultural activities, competitions, and community outreach, including partnerships with local nurseries, primary, and middle schools to extend services within school premises. This collaboration between Aster Clinics and DYU Healthcare marks a major step forward in child development care in the UAE, promising lasting impact for children and their families. About Aster DM Healthcare FZC in GCC Founded in 1987 by Dr. Azad Moopen, Aster DM Healthcare is a leading integrated healthcare provider, with a strong presence across 5 countries in the GCC and Jordan. Aster is committed to the vision of providing accessible and high-quality healthcare, from primary to quaternary services, with its promise of 'We will treat you well'. The organisation's robust integrated healthcare model includes 15 hospitals, 122 clinics, and 313 pharmacies in GCC serving all segments of the society through three differentiated brands: Aster, Medcare and Access. Aster consistently adapts to meet the evolving needs of patients, ensuring access to quality healthcare through both physical and digital channels which is exemplified with the launch of the region's first healthcare super app, myAster. For more information about us, please contact: [1] [2] [3]
Zawya
29 minutes ago
- Zawya
RAKEZ and Marjan appoint JLL as the exclusive leasing advisor for the landmark RAK Central HQ
Ras Al Khaimah: In a major milestone for Ras Al Khaimah's commercial real estate landscape, Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ) and Marjan have appointed global property consultancy, JLL, as the exclusive leasing advisor for RAK Central HQ, the flagship office development within the broader RAK Central masterplan. A first-of-its-kind Grade-A commercial district in the Emirate, RAK Central is expected to drive business and tourism development, unlock job opportunities, and redefine lifestyle in Ras Al Khaimah. The appointment was formalised during an official signing ceremony attended by Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ; Abdulla Al Abdouli, CEO of Marjan; and James Allan, CEO of JLL Middle East and Africa (MEA). Commenting on the leasing partnership, Ramy Jallad, Group CEO of RAKEZ, said: 'Appointing JLL as the exclusive leasing advisor for RAK Central HQ is a key milestone in our strategy to attract high-quality, long-term occupiers to Ras Al Khaimah. This development goes beyond physical space, it is about creating a Grade A business environment that meets the evolving needs of global companies, with smart design, sustainability, and access to a supportive economic ecosystem. With JLL's global expertise and deep market insights, we are confident in our ability to position RAK Central HQ as the emirate's premier destination for multinational tenants.' Strategically located on Sheikh Mohammed bin Salem Al Qasimi Street, along the E11 highway, RAK Central is the centrepiece of a larger mixed-use development, offering an integrated work-live-play environment to attract international businesses and top-tier talent. The development spans over 435,000 ft2, with more than 882,600 ft2 of leasable space, including Grade A offices, high-end retail, F&B outlets, and premium amenities. Positioned at the heart of this masterplan, RAK Central HQ is expected to become Ras Al Khaimah's largest business hub and will be anchored by five LEED Gold-certified towers. Construction is scheduled for completion in Q4 2026, with a full commercial launch planned for Q1 2027. JLL will lead the exclusive leasing of all office and retail components within the HQ, with pre-leasing and tenant engagement already underway. The HQ targets multinational blue-chip tenants, offering flexible layouts, open-plan workspaces, high ceilings, and cutting-edge infrastructure. Ground-floor retail and F&B options will be complemented by landscaped parks, shaded walkways, and outdoor seating areas, delivering a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly environment focused on accessibility, wellbeing, and experience. Arch. Abdulla Al Abdouli, Chief Executive Officer of Marjan, said: 'RAK Central HQ is a significant investment in the future of Ras Al Khaimah, offering a premier opportunity for market-leading firms seeking Grade A commercial spaces in a prime location. Leveraging JLL's professional services will attract top-tier tenants in both the office and retail sectors, maximising the long-term value of this landmark development for our investors and contributing to the Emirate's economic diversification.' James Allan, CEO of JLL Middle East and Africa JLL, said: 'JLL is proud to be the exclusive leasing advisor for RAK Central HQ, a unique Grade A commercial hub in the heart of a world-class community. This innovative development is set to become the premier headquarters location for leading regional and global businesses, and JLL's appointment reflects the developers' commitment to implementing best-in-class global leasing processes to elevate commercial and retail accommodation standards in the region.' This joint initiative between RAKEZ and Marjan represents a shared commitment to redefining commercial real estate in Ras Al Khaimah, delivering an environment that meets international standards and supports the emirate's long-term economic vision. To explore leasing opportunities at RAK Central HQ, please contact Ben Johnston, Director, Offices and Business Space Leasing from JLL at For more information, please contact: Cleo Eleazar, Public Relations & Events Manager, RAKEZ Email: About Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ): RAKEZ is a powerhouse business and industrial hub established by the Government of Ras Al Khaimah in the United Arab Emirates. It currently hosts over 30,000 companies coming from over 100+ countries and operating in more than 50 industries. RAKEZ offers entrepreneurs, startups, SMEs and manufacturers a wide-range of solutions, including free zone and non-free zone licences, customisable facilities, and first-class services provided in a one-stop shop. Furthermore, RAKEZ has specialised zones that are tailored to specific needs of investors: Al Nakheel and Al Hamra Business Zones for commercial and service companies; Al Ghail, Al Hamra and Al Hulaila Industrial Zones for manufacturers and industrialists; and an Academic Zone for educational providers. A leading economic zone, RAKEZ aims to continue attracting diversified investment opportunities that will contribute to the economic growth of Ras Al Khaimah.
