Latest news with #FaisalFalaknaz
The National
29-04-2025
- Business
- The National
Aldar Properties views weaker dollar as opportunity to boost overseas sales
Aldar Properties, Abu Dhabi's biggest listed developer, has not seen its business adversely affected by tariff-induced trade wars and a weaker dollar, with the latter giving the company an opportunity to boost sales overseas, a senior executive has said. Aldar has maintained a "very strong" balance sheet and will "continue benefitting from the very strong macroeconomic environment" in the Emirates, chief finance and sustainability officer Faisal Falaknaz told The National on a conference call to announce the company's first-quarter results on Tuesday. "We have not seen any impact on sales. It's business as usual, whether on the collection side or the sales side [owing to the UAE's] very pro-economic development and trade." Meanwhile, the weakening dollar, the result of tariff flip-flopping by US President Donald Trump's administration and the reaction of America's trade partners, offers an opportunity for Aldar's international sales network, Mr Falaknaz said. The situation will allow the developer to "focus on selling in countries that are not pegged to the dollar", such as those sold to Chinese investors in 2024 that resulted in first-time sales for that demographic passing the billion-dollar mark, he said. "This year, in the first quarter by itself, we've already crossed a billion [overall] and so we continue to see very strong demand across many different international investors and resident expats. Things continue to look very positive going forward," he added. Aldar posted robust results in the first quarter, underpinning the strength of its new developments and existing inventory. Net profit attributable to equity holders of the company in the three months that ended on March 31 jumped by nearly a quarter annually to Dh1.64 billion ($446.5 million), Aldar said in a regulatory filing to the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, where its shares are traded. Revenue and rental income leapt 38.6 per cent compared with the previous year to reach Dh7.79 billion, while earnings per share were up more than 25 per cent at Dh2.02. "These gains are underpinned by disciplined financial management and strong operational execution, even as we adapt to the new corporate tax environment," Mr Falaknaz said. Aldar's shares were trading up 1.56 per cent at Dh8.45 at 11.47am UAE time, up 2.6 per cent after the results were announced. Aldar is also maintaining its full-year guidance, with ebitda at between Dh10.4 billion and Dh10.8 billion, development sales between Dh36 billion and Dh39 billion, and investments between Dh3.2 billion and Dh3.3 billion, Mr Falaknaz said. "We have a busy calendar coming up in terms of launches across our key master plan," he added. Aldar's cash position also remains strong, having completed four financing transactions in the first three months of 2025 totalling Dh6.3 billion, including hybrid issuances, the region's largest sustainability-linked real estate loan and a $500 million green facility. In February, Moody's Investors Service reaffirmed Aldar's investment grade rating at Baa1 with a stable outlook, "further underscoring our financial resilience", Mr Falaknaz said. Aldar has kept in step with the growing Abu Dhabi and UAE real estate market. The company has said it plans to launch a number of projects this year in Abu Dhabi, including Al Fahid Island development, as well as projects on Yas and Saadiyat islands. It unveiled 12 projects last year. In February, it unveiled The Wilds in Dubai, featuring what it says will be the "largest and most diverse collection of wildlife within a residential community in the emirate', amid surging property demand. Internationally, Aldar posted "strong" performance in Egypt, while sales in the UK surged 160 per cent amid an expanded development pipeline.
Arabian Business
31-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Aldar to support The Digital School's ‘Donate Your Own Device' campaign
UAE real estate giant Aldar is partnering with The Digital School to bridge the digital divide worldwide. As part of The Digital School's 'Donate Your Own Device' campaign, Aldar will contribute AED500,000 and donate used electronic devices from its offices, schools, and communities to be used for education globally. This will enhance digital access in schools across the globe and ensure that students have the tools they need to thrive. The Digital School is a Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Global Initiative, and Aldar's partnership aligns with the UAE's Year of Community. Aldar supports digital education The 'Donate Your Own Device' campaign is a powerful initiative that encourages individuals and organisations to contribute unused laptops, tablets, and other electronic devices. In a world where technology is integral to education, the campaign is creating a path to opportunity for students who lack the necessary resources to access digital learning. Aldar's effort will not only provide essential tools for online learning but also empower students to engage with educational content, develop critical digital skills, and unlock their potential for a brighter future. Faisal Falaknaz, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar, commented: 'Our partnership with The Digital School is a testament to Aldar's belief that education is a fundamental right and a powerful catalyst for change. Bridging the digital divide is essential in today's world, and this impactful initiative will enable every child, regardless of their background or circumstances, to access quality education and equip them with the tools they need to succeed.' Based in the UAE, the Digital School is the first fully integrated digitally enabled school. It offers a combination of digital and in-person learning from specialist trainers, designed to be both smart and flexible. It continues to grow, benefiting over 500,000 students across more than 14 countries: Jordan, Egypt, Iraq, Mauritania, Lebanon, Colombia, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Angola, Namibia, Lesotho, Zambia, Madagascar, and South Africa. The Digital School has also trained over 7,200 digital educators, providing content in five languages – Arabic, English, French, Spanish, and Kurdish. Dr Waleed Al-Ali, Secretary General of The Digital School, added: 'Our collaboration with Aldar marks a pivotal step in closing the digital gap and expanding access to digital education for students in need across the globe. 'The 'Donate Your Own Device' initiative goes beyond simply redistributing technology – it's an investment in the future, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive in an increasingly digital world.' This partnership with Aldar strengthens its growing portfolio of existing community initiatives, including programmes that improve access to education for children from low-income households. Last year, Aldar facilitated the distribution of 10,000 back-to-school kits for students in need, and the company's Thrive Scholarship Programme has supported more than 50 students to attend Aldar Education schools since 2022.
Khaleej Times
13-03-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Aldar further bolsters financial position with $500 million green sukuk issuance
Aldar Investment Properties (AIP), a subsidiary of Aldar Properties, and owner-manager of an Dh28 billion ($7.6 billion) portfolio of income-generating properties, has successfully raised $500 million through a 10-year green sukuk. The issuance was 7.2 times oversubscribed, attracting $3.6 billion orders, with regional and international investors representing 61 per cent and 39 per cent of the total transaction allocation respectively. With a 5.25 per cent coupon rate, the sukuk was competitively priced at a spread of 110 basis points over 10-year US Treasuries, in line with a green sukuk issued in May 2024 when Aldar achieved its tightest-ever spread for a public debt issuance. The strong investor demand was supported by Moody's reaffirmation in January of investment-grade ratings of Aldar and AIP of Baa2 and Baa1 respectively, with a stable outlook. The transaction marked the company's third green sukuk issuance under its $2 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme launched in May 2023. Faisal Falaknaz, chief financial and sustainability officer at Aldar Properties, commented: 'Aldar's ability to consistently achieve a favourable cost of capital, even in the context of global market volatility, underscores the strength of our financial position and disciplined capital management. The strong demand for our latest green sukuk is a clear sign of investor confidence in our strategy and commitment to sustainable growth that delivers real impact for our stakeholders and communities.' Proceeds will be deployed in accordance with Aldar's Green Finance Framework, which guides a broad programme of sustainability initiatives, including Aldar's ongoing investments in optimising energy efficiency. To date, Aldar has invested over Dh150 million in retrofitting 67 properties with new measures designed to optimise energy efficiency and reduce emissions, in line with the company's Net Zero goals. The new issuance supports the early redemption of a sukuk maturing in September 2025 and the repayment of outstanding bank debt. JP Morgan and Standard Chartered acted as joint global coordinators, as well as joint lead managers and bookrunners with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Bank ABC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, KFH Capital, Mashreq and Sharjah Islamic Bank. This green sukuk is aligned with Aldar's broader financial strategy to drive sustainable growth, with the company raising Dh16.3 billion in new liquidity across its capital structure since the start of the year.
Gulf Business
13-03-2025
- Business
- Gulf Business
Aldar Investment raises $500m through an oversubscribed green sukuk
Image: Getty Images Aldar Investment Properties (AIP), a subsidiary of Aldar Properties, has raised $500m through a 10-year green sukuk, further strengthening its financial position. The issuance was oversubscribed 7.2 times, attracting orders exceeding $3.6bn, with regional and international investors accounting for 61 per cent and 39 per cent of the allocation, respectively. Priced at a spread of 110 basis points over the 10-year US Treasury yield, the sukuk carries a coupon rate of 5.25 per cent. The transaction mirrors the company's May 2024 green sukuk issuance, which achieved the company's tightest-ever spread for a public debt offering. The issuance, 'Our ability to consistently achieve a favourable cost of capital, even in the context of global market volatility, underscores the strength of our financial position and disciplined capital management,' said Faisal Falaknaz, chief financial and sustainability officer at Aldar Properties. 'The strong demand for our latest green sukuk is a clear sign of investor confidence in our strategy and commitment to sustainable growth that delivers real impact for our stakeholders and communities.' Sukuk proceeds to refinance sustainability-accredited real estate within Aldar's portfolio The proceeds will be used in line with the company's Green Finance Framework to refinance sustainability-accredited real estate within AIP's portfolio. The new issuance will support the early redemption of a sukuk maturing in September 2025 and the repayment of outstanding bank debt. JP Morgan and Standard Chartered acted as joint global coordinators, as well as joint lead managers and book runners alongside Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Bank ABC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, KFH Capital, Mashreq, and Sharjah Islamic Bank. The company has raised Dhs16.3bn in new liquidity across its capital structure since the start of 2025, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable growth and financial resilience.
Zawya
13-03-2025
- Business
- Zawya
ALDAR Investment Properties further bolsters financial position with $500mln Green Sukuk issuance
In line with Aldar's Green Finance Framework, proceeds will be used to refinance sustainability accredited real estate within Aldar Investment Properties portfolio Represents the third issuance under the company's USD 2 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme Abu Dhabi, UAE – Aldar Investment Properties (AIP), a subsidiary of Aldar Properties PJSC (Aldar), and owner-manager of an AED 28 billion (USD 7.6 billion) portfolio of income-generating properties, has successfully raised USD 500 million through a 10-year green sukuk. The issuance was 7.2 times oversubscribed, attracting USD 3.6 billion orders, with regional and international investors representing 61% and 39% of the total transaction allocation respectively. With a 5.25% coupon rate, the sukuk was competitively priced at a spread of 110 basis points over 10-year US Treasuries, in line with a green sukuk issued in May 2024 when Aldar achieved its tightest-ever spread for a public debt issuance. The strong investor demand was supported by Moody's reaffirmation in January of investment-grade ratings of Aldar and AIP of Baa2 and Baa1 respectively, with a stable outlook. The transaction marked the company's third green sukuk issuance under its USD 2 billion Trust Certificate Issuance Programme launched in May 2023. Faisal Falaknaz, Chief Financial and Sustainability Officer at Aldar Properties, commented: "Aldar's ability to consistently achieve a favourable cost of capital, even in the context of global market volatility, underscores the strength of our financial position and disciplined capital management. The strong demand for our latest green sukuk is a clear sign of investor confidence in our strategy and commitment to sustainable growth that delivers real impact for our stakeholders and communities.' Proceeds will be deployed in accordance with Aldar's Green Finance Framework, which guides a broad programme of sustainability initiatives, including Aldar's ongoing investments in optimising energy efficiency. To date, Aldar has invested over AED 150 million in retrofitting 67 properties with new measures designed to optimise energy efficiency and reduce emissions, in line with the company's Net Zero goals. The new issuance supports the early redemption of a sukuk maturing in September 2025 and the repayment of outstanding bank debt. JP Morgan and Standard Chartered acted as joint global coordinators, as well as joint lead managers and bookrunners with Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Ajman Bank, Bank ABC, Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates NBD Capital, First Abu Dhabi Bank, HSBC, KFH Capital, Mashreq and Sharjah Islamic Bank. This green sukuk is aligned with Aldar's broader financial strategy to drive sustainable growth, with the company raising AED 16.3 billion in new liquidity across its capital structure since the start of the year. For further information, please contact: About Aldar Aldar is the leading real estate developer, manager, and investor in Abu Dhabi, with a growing presence across the United Arab Emirates, the Middle East North Africa, and Europe. The company has two core business segments, Aldar Development and Aldar Investment. Aldar Development is a master developer of a 62 million sqm strategic landbank, creating integrated and thriving communities across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Ras Al Khaimah's most desirable destinations. The delivery of Aldar's developments is managed by Aldar Projects, which is also a key partner of the Abu Dhabi government in delivering housing and infrastructure projects across the UAE's capital. Internationally, Aldar Development wholly owns UK real estate developer London Square, as well as a majority stake in leading Egyptian real estate development company, SODIC. Aldar Investment houses a core asset management business comprising a portfolio of more than AED 42 billion worth of investment grade and income-generating real estate assets diversified across retail, residential, commercial, logistics, and hospitality segments. It manages four core platforms: Aldar Investment Properties, Aldar Hospitality, Aldar Education, and Aldar Estates. For more information on Aldar please visit
