Abu Dhabi: Shareholders of Waha Capital PJSC (ADX: WAHA), a leading Abu Dhabi investment company, approved a cash dividend of 17.5 fils per share, equivalent to 17.5 percent of its paid-up capital, at the company’s annual general meeting on Sunday.

The shareholders in attendance at the AGM also elected a new board of directors that comprises Salem Rashid Al Noaimi, Ahmed Al Dhaheri, Rashed Al Ketbi, Mohamed Al Nowais, Carlos Obeid, Rasheed Al Omaira and Khaled Al Shamlan with Salem Rashid Al Noaimi elected as the new Chairman and Ahmed Al Dhaheri as Vice Chairman at a meeting of the Board following the AGM. Michael Raynes, who has held various leadership positions at Waha Capital for over ten years, was appointed as Chief Executive Officer. 

His Excellency Hussain Jasim Al Nowais, Chairman of Waha Capital, commented: “Waha Capital has continually rewarded shareholders with robust dividend distributions thanks to a strategy of investment diversification that has focused on increasing free cash flow. The company continues to build an outstanding asset management capability, with our funds consistently delivering attractive returns. Meanwhile, our direct investment teams are carrying out value-creating transactions, and recycling capital into new high potential opportunities. In 2017, Waha Capital achieved impressive IRRs when making two divestments, and took a stake in a high-growth fintech firm. In the coming year, we will remain fully focused on delivering attractive returns for both our shareholders, and the investors in our funds.” 

The newly appointed Chairman, Salem Al Noaimi, thanked the outgoing board members especially His Excellency Hussain Jasim Al Nowais, for his leadership and dedication to Waha Capital over the past 12 years, guiding the company to its current standing as a leading investment firm in the UAE. In that period, Waha Capital has increased its asset size by 4-fold to AED 11.4 billion, diversified its investments across multiple sectors, including aviation, financial services, healthcare and energy, and established a thriving asset management business.

“Hussain Al Nowais has been an inspirational Chairman for Waha Capital, guiding the company through market cycles to become a leader in private investment and asset management in the region,” Al Noaimi said. “During his stewardship, Waha Capital has consistently delivered above-market returns on equity, and is set on a clear growth path, backed by financial strength and a talented team. I am confident that the new board and senior management of the company will collaborate closely to build further on this success.”   

The board also thanked the leadership of Abu Dhabi, particularly His Highness Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces and Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, for their continuous support in the development of the company globally. Waha Capital expects to continue expanding during 2018 and will be pursuing further investment opportunities. 

© Press Release 2018