• Home
• Retail
• News Article

Al-Futtaim, Qatar Islamic Bank and Aqar Sign AED 6bn JV For Mega Retail & Leisure Development in Doha

Dubai, September 5, 2010: Al-Futtaim , Qatar Islamic Bank and Aqar Real Estate Investment signed an AED 6 billion (QAR 6 billion) joint venture agreement to construct a state-of-the-art entertainment and retail complex in Doha slated to become a driving force behind Qatar's diverse economic development.

The country's largest multipurpose complex is located on the northern highway linking Doha International Airport with the proposed Bahrain Causeway and will include a full retail centre, an entertainment park and two hotels. Construction for the 433,000 sqm project--first of its kind in the country -- will begin in early 2011. The first retail phase is slated for completion in the first quarter of 2012 and the remaining two phases will be completed by 2015. IKEA, ACE Toys "R" Us, Marks & Spencer, Intersport - all part of the Al-Futtaim group -- have already confirmed as the project's premier anchor tenants.



Artist rendering of Doha project.

Al-Futtaim is one of the biggest family-owned enterprises in the region and owners of the globally acknowledged Festival City brands in the UAE and Egypt which have become the mainstay for leisure, shopping and entertainment in the two countries. The group already has presence in Doha through its automotive, retail, technology and engineering businesses.

The project is owned and developed by Bawabat Al-Shamal, the parent company which is supplying the land to construct this iconic development. Bawabat Al-Shamal comprises four primary shareholders including Al-Futtaim Real Estate Services, Qatar Islamic Bank ( QIB ), Aqar Real Estate Investment Company and a private company. This project is a result of the partners' recognition that Qatar has a rapidly expanding population, strong diversified financial standing and that its local citizens possess a high level of disposable income.

Mr. Salah Jaidah, Chief Executive Officer of QIB , said: "This Joint Venture agreement with the Al-Futtaim group demonstrates both parties' firm commitment to not only enhance Qatar's development, but amplify its positioning within the regional and global economy. QIB is excited to be involved in this project as it represents a new phase in the country's economic evolution and will raise Qatar's profile as a nation focused on innovation, excellence, and dynamic sustainable development. Ultimately the agreement is in accordance with QIB 's strategy to fuel the countries expansion and the State of Qatar's 2030 vision. I am immensely proud to have Al-Futtaim as our partner in progress because if there's anyone who knows a thing or two about customer centricity and the building of a lifestyle enterprise, it is Al-Futtaim ."

Al-Futtaim Group Real Estate, the real estate development arm of the Group has built the award winning Dubai Festival City and Cairo Festival City, both of which has attracted some of the biggest global retail and leisure brands to these mixed use developments.

Mr. Robert Willett, Group Chief Executive Officer, Al-Futtaim , said this project will transform the leisure, retail and entertainment industry in Doha while providing visitors a very attractive destination.

"We are excited to be part of this mega venture which will be a defining moment for Qatar's leisure, retail and entertainment industry. Our involvement symbolises Al-Futtaim 's desire to remain innovative across all markets. Al-Futtaim brings not just its fine construction and real estate development skills to this wonderful project but also its enduring vision to enhance customer experiences.

"This project, as with our Festival City brand in Dubai and Cairo, has been designed with the visitor in mind. Our knowledge in the region's retailing and leisure industry has taught us to do the uncommon, uncommonly well. Through these mini cities, Al-Futtaim will create a unique level of customer and employee engagement that differentiates the experience. Al-Futtaim is equally proud to partner with the Qatar Islamic Bank and Aqar and are looking to extend this relationship which is a very important step in our strategic growth plan."

Details of this landmark agreement were overseen by Q-Invest which acted as the sole financial advisor for all parties. Q-Invest specialise in Sharia'a compliant investment banking and delivers leading financial solutions to its growing spectrum of clientele. The project has also received outstanding support from the government of the State of Qatar.

The state-of-the-art complex's futuristic design separates each individual area into its own uniquely identified space that will transport clientele from the world of waterslides and roller coasters, into a retail area populated with diverse international brands.

Ensuring a seamless integration of this one-of-a-kind development has been achieved through an expertly designed infrastructure system, accentuated by a 6-lane highway that will increase the flow of traffic to this iconic destination. With its strategic positioning, the mega complex is ideally equipped to meet the retail and entertainment needs of not only Qatar, but also Bahrain and the neighbouring GCC countries.

The landmark agreement was signed by representatives of all parties at Al Badia Golf Club, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

-Ends-

About Al-Futtaim :
Established in the 1930s, Al-Futtaim initially operated as a trading company. Rapid development throughout the 1940s and 1950s saw the company establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself as one of the leading businesses in the lower Gulf region. Headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, Al-Futtaim is structured into seven operational divisions; Automotive, Engineering, Electronics & Technology, Retail, Financial Services, General Services, Education, Real Estate and Construction, Leisure and Joint Ventures. Today, Al-Futtaim operates through more than 65 companies in sectors as diverse as commerce, industry and services, touching people across the UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Syria, Pakistan, Singapore, Malaysia and Europe. The success of Al-Futtaim is attributed to proactively managing change, placing customer and employee engagement at the centre of all activities, while upholding the values of integrity, service and social responsibility.

About Qatar Islamic Bank ( QIB )
Qatar Islamic Bank ( QIB ) was founded 25 years ago and was the first Islamic and Sharia compliant bank in Qatar and is also one of the five largest Islamic banks in the world. Today the bank enjoys the premier position within the Islamic banking sector and holds 53% share in the Islamic banking sector and 10% of the total Qatar banking sector. QIB is RATED A by both Fitch and Capital Intelligence. QIB was the pioneer in launching Sharia compliant Islamic Financial products, for retail, corporate and private banking and operates today in Qatar via 26 branches and 91 ATMs. QIB is also the pioneer in successful real estate investment funds in the UK, USA and France. Internationally, in 2004, QIB established in Lebanon the Arab Finance House and today this institution operates with a network of six branches in Lebanon. In March 2007 QIB inaugurated the Asian Finance Bank in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In London the bank opened in January 2008 the European Finance House. The bank also opened QInvest in 2007, the first and biggest investment bank licensed by QFC. QIB Chairman is Sheikh Jassim Bin Hamad Bin Jassim Bin Jabr Al Thani. QIB Vice Chairman is Mr. Mohamed Bin Abdulatif Al Mana. QIB Managing Director is Mr. Abdullatif Bin Abdulla Al Mahmoud. QIB Chief Executive Officer is Mr. Salah Jaidah.

About Aqar Real Estate Development and Investment Company
The company was established in year 2000 and is a joint venture with QIB holding a 49% stake while Qatar's Endowment Department and General Authority of Minors hold 34% and 17% respectively.

About QINVEST
QInvest is the first and largest Islamic investment bank to be established in Qatar, one of the world's fastest growing economies. Licensed by the Qatar Financial Centre Authority in April 2007 with authorized capital of US $1 billion and US $500 million paid-up, QInvest is distinguished by the strength of its shareholder structure, comprised of both institutional and prominent individuals from Qatar and the GCC region. QInvest aims to become a world class investment banking firm offering a broad range of products and services under Sharia'a compliant structures.

For any further media enquiries please contact:
David D'Souza
Director - Public Relations
Al-Futtaim
Tel: +971 4 228 2101
Fax: +971 4 227 9801
Email: David.Dsouza@gmasco.com

Action Qatar, Appointed PR Agency:
Elise Zwein - Account Manager
Tel: +974 4436 1499
Email: elise.z@actionprgroup.com

© Press Release 2010