Emaar’s profit increased by 70%, property sales reach Dhs 40.3b

During 2023, Emaar Properties (Emaar) demonstrated sustained profitable growth with ongoing enhancements in property sales, a notable upswing in profitability, and remarkable progress in the performance of its recurring revenue sectors.

Emaar recorded revenues of Dhs26.7 billion ($7.3 billion) and net profit of Dhs11.6 billion ($3.2 billion) in 2023 achieving growth of 7% and 70% respectively compared to the same period last year. This performance was supported by growth in tourism, a continued upward trend in retail sales, and a consistent increase in real estate demand. Emaar also achieved 63% growth in EBITDA, reaching Dhs16 billion ($4.4 billion) during 2023 as compared to 2022.

With a 15% year-over-year growth, Emaar achieved group property sales of Dhs40.3 billion ($11 billion) in 2023. Enhanced by property sales during 2023, the group’s revenue backlog from property sales reached Dhs71.8 billion ($ 19.5 billion) as of 31 December 2023, indicating positive outlook for revenue recognition in the forthcoming years.

Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, stated, “Following a prosperous 2023, our achievements are indeed gratifying. The strategic initiatives undertaken in the past two years, coupled with enhancements in consumer confidence and overall business dynamics, especially in the real estate and retail sector, have significantly influenced our company’s operations throughout the previous year. With these results, we look forward to a positive performance in our shopping centres, hotels, and property sales in 2024. We remain committed to unveiling innovative projects and unparalleled offerings across all our business divisions.”

Emaar’s long-standing reputation for customer focus, exceptional design, construction excellence, and innovation across all market segments continues to attract both domestic and international investors.

Emaar Development sustained its property sales momentum in 2023. With the successful launch of 27 new projects across all master plans in the UAE, Emaar Development achieved property sales of Dhs37.4 billion ($10.2 billion), reflecting a growth of over 21% compared to 2022.

In 2023, Emaar Development reported revenue of Dhs11.9 billion ($ 3.2 billion) and achieved EBITDA of Dhs8 billion ($ 2.2 billion), marking an 89% growth compared to 2022. Emaar Properties recorded a total revenue of Dhs14.4 billion ($3.9 billion) from its property development business in UAE (including Dubai Creek Harbour owned by Emaar Properties).

Revenue backlog from property sales in the UAE increased to Dhs62.1 billion ($16.9 billion) as of 31 December 2023, representing a Y-o-Y growth of around 50%.

Emaar’s shopping malls, retail, and commercial leasing operations recorded revenue of Dhs5.8 billion ($1.6 billion) in 2023. During the same period, the portfolio achieved an EBITDA of Dhs5 billion (US$ 1.4 billion), marking an increase of 54% over 2022, excluding Dhs700 million ($191 million) gain on sale of Namshi in Q1 2023. This performance is attributed to robust growth in tenant sales, which saw an increase of around 21% compared to 2022. Our mall assets achieved an average occupancy of 97% as of 31 December 2023.

In 2023, Dubai Mall also unveiled its latest additions Dubai Mall Chinatown with a week-long China cultural event. This new extension, synergizing shopping, cultural facets, and an authentic oriental atmosphere, not only enhances the Dubai Mall’s appeal but also strengthens the strategic economic ties between the UAE and China.

Emaar’s international real estate operations recorded property sales of Dhs2.9 billion ($ 0.8 billion) in 2023 and recognised revenues totaling Dhs3.1 billion ($0.9 billion). The performance of international operations in 2023 was primarily driven by Egypt and India. Emaar’s India operation saw an increase of 4X in the property sales compared to last year driven by new launches. Revenues from international real estate operations represent over 12% of Emaar’s total revenue in 2023.

In 2023, Emaar’s hospitality, leisure, and entertainment divisions recorded a growth in revenues of around 20% compared to 2022, reaching Dhs3.4 billion. This growth was driven by a consistent recovery in the tourism industry, coupled with strong domestic spending. Emaar’s UAE hotels increased its average occupancy to 72% and sustained its ADRs level. Emaar expanded its collection of hotels, both domestically and internationally, and added around 1,600 new hotel keys with the opening of Vida Creek Beach in Dubai and Address Jabal Al Omar Makkah.

Emaar’s diverse and sustainable revenue-generating portfolio, encompassing malls, hospitality, leisure, entertainment, and commercial leasing, achieved positive results in 2023. The portfolio recorded revenues totaling Dhs9.2 billion (US$ 2.5 billion), showcasing a growth of more than 26% compared to the corresponding period in the previous year (excluding Namshi, sold in February 2023). Revenue from this portfolio constituted over 34% of Emaar’s total revenue in 2023.