Home Blog Page 4

Eighty percent of WHO-supported facilities in Afghanistan risk shutdown by June

Eighty percent of WHO-supported facilities in Afghanistan risk shutdown by June
Eighty percent of WHO-supported facilities in Afghanistan risk shutdown by June

The World Health Organization (WHO) in Afghanistan is deeply concerned that funding shortages could force the closure of 80% of WHO-supported essential health care services. Millions, including vulnerable populations such as women, children, the elderly, the displaced and returnees, will be left without access to critical medical care.

As of 4 March 2025, 167 health facilities had shut down due to funding shortages, cutting off lifesaving medical care to 1.6 million people across 25 provinces.

Without urgent intervention, over 220 more facilities could close by June 2025, leaving an additional 1.8 million Afghans without access to primary health care. In the worst affected regions – Northern, Western and Northeastern Afghanistan – more than a third of health care centres have shut down, raising alarms about an imminent humanitarian crisis.

“These closures are not just numbers on a report, they represent mothers unable to give birth safely, children missing lifesaving vaccinations, entire communities left without protection from deadly disease outbreaks,” said WHO Representative and Head of Mission in Afghanistan Dr Edwin Ceniza Salvador. “The consequences will be measured in lives lost.”

Eighty percent of WHO-supported facilities in Afghanistan risk shutdown by June

Afghanistan is already battling multiple health emergencies, including outbreaks of measles, malaria, dengue, polio and Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever. Without functioning health facilities, efforts to control these diseases are severely hindered. Over 16 000 suspected measles cases, including 111 deaths, were reported in the first 2 months of 2025. With immunization rates at critically low levels (only 51% for the first dose of the measles vaccine and 37% for the second), children are at heightened risk of preventable illness and death.

Disruptions to WHO-led coordination mechanisms prevent health partners from tracking disease outbreaks, allocating resources and delivering essential services and threaten to push the country’s already fragile health care system deeper into crisis.

While some donors continue to support Afghanistan’s health sector, funding has been significantly reduced as development aid priorities have shifted. The needs, however, remain immense, and current support is not enough to sustain critical health care services for millions of Afghans.

“This is not just about funding. It is a humanitarian emergency that threatens to undo years of progress in strengthening Afghanistan’s health system,” said Dr Salvador. “Every day that passes without our collective support brings more suffering, more preventable deaths and lasting damage to the country’s health care infrastructure.”

GII Saudi Arabia plans to double its US investments in the next four years 

GII Saudi Arabia plans to double its US investments in the next four years
GII Saudi Arabia plans to double its US investments in the next four years
  • GII has current US investments in New Jersey and Florida, plus the award-winning California-based EduTech provider zSpace, which launched a successful IPO on NASDAQ (New York) in late 2024 
  • GII group is exploring investments in US private equity and private debt opportunities

 Gulf Islamic Investments group (GII) plans a significant expansion of its US assets, aiming to double its existing portfolio of $750 million through GII Saudi Arabia in the next four years.

The successful public offering of an allocation of zSpace’s shares on the US NASDAQ in December 2024 brought GII to US public attention, in addition to several earlier US transactions.  GII’s expansion aims to focus on new investments in the US logistics, education and food production and processing sectors.

The Saudi-based operations of GII, a leading global alternative investment company with $3.5 billion of assets under management, are the ideal base for this expansion. GII’s existing operations in the Kingdom include a CMA-regulated Category One financial institution in Riyadh, the largest Saudi dental and dermatological chain (Al Meswak) and a medical insurance provider (Abeer Medical), the largest bakery in western Saudi Arabia (Emad Bakeries), a logistics joint venture in Jeddah (with Logipoint) and a new hydroponic farm in Ta’if, near the holy city of Makkah (Badia Farms).

The Chairman of GII Saudi Arabia and GII group Board Member Fawaz Al Tamimi commented: “We are keen to expand our investments in the USA, a country that GII knows well since our inception in 2014. The US is well-known as one of the best markets for private debt and private credit opportunities, which will allow GII to scale up its existing operations in these asset classes”.

Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment Announces Successful Listing and Commencement of Trading on Saudi Exchange

Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment Announces Successful Listing and Commencement of Trading on Saudi Exchange
Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment Announces Successful Listing and Commencement of Trading on Saudi Exchange

Arabian Company for Agricultural and Industrial Investment (the “Company” or “Entaj”), one of the leading poultry brands in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (the “Kingdom”), announced today the listing of its shares on the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange, following the successful completion of its initial public offering (the “IPO” or “Offering”). The Company is now trading under the ticker symbol: 2287. 

The Offering consisted of 9,000,000 ordinary shares (the “Offer Shares”), with 90% of the Offer Shares allocated to Institutional Investors (the “Participating Parties”). The orders recorded during the institutional book-building exceeded SAR 93 billion (approximately USD 25 billion), representing a coverage of 208.4 times. The number of shares that were allocated to the Individual Investors tranche was 900,000 Offer Shares, representing 10% of the total Offer Shares. The offering saw 499,021 individual investors place orders totaling SAR 1.4 billion, reflecting a subscription coverage of 30.2 times for this tranche.

The Final Offer Price was set at SAR 50 per share, which is at the top end of the previously announced price range for IPO, with the Company successfully raising gross proceeds of SAR 450 million with an implied market capitalization of SAR 1.5 billion at listing.

Ziyad Al Sheikh, Vice Chairman, commented: “Today marks a historic milestone for Entaj as we officially list on the Saudi Exchange’s Main Market, a testament to two decades of growth, innovation, and expansion. The overwhelmingly positive investor reception underscores the strength of Entaj’s investment case and the trust in our vision. As we step into this new chapter, we remain steadfast in our commitment to excellence, transparency, and accelerating strategic growth in the Kingdom’s dynamic poultry sector. Our focus will continue to be on delivering long-term value for our shareholders while advancing the Vision 2030 goals of food security and local production.”

Raja M. Alharbi, CEO, said: “The successful completion of our IPO reinforces Entaj’s position as a leading force in Saudi Arabia’s highly competitive poultry sector. This milestone provides us with enhanced visibility, credibility, and access to resources, positioning us to drive sustainable growth in the years ahead. As a high-growth company, we remain focused on scaling production, expanding our distribution network, and enhancing operational efficiencies to meet the growing demand for fresh, locally produced poultry. We are deeply grateful to our employees, customers, and partners for their unwavering support in making this achievement possible, and we thank our investors for their trust and confidence in our growth story.”

For more information on the IPO, visit https://ipo.entaj.com/ 

Forbes Middle East Unveils its Fintech 50 2025

Forbes Middle East Unveils its Fintech 50 2025
Forbes Middle East Unveils its Fintech 50 2025

Forbes Middle East has revealed its annual Fintech 50 list, recognizing the region’s leading trailblazers in the digital financial services sector as they navigate shifting consumer expectations in an increasingly digital landscape. The ranked companies have collectively processed over $240 billion in transactions and secured more than $3.8 billion in total funding.

The ranking was determined based on external investment, total transaction volume, app downloads, active users, consumer impact, geographic footprint, and achievements in innovation, growth, and expansion over the past year. Fintech entities affiliated with exchange houses, traditional banks, or government institutions were not considered.

After securing $160 million in a Series E funding round in February 2025, Saudi-based fintech giant Tabby propelled its valuation to $3.3 billion, making it the region’s most valuable fintech startup and earning it the top spot in the 2025 Fintech 50 ranking.

Egyptian e-payments pioneer Fawry lands in second place, backed by its 53.1 million-strong customer base. Saudi Arabia’s Insurtech and banking solutions firm Rasan follows in third, having gone public on the Saudi Exchange (Tadawul) in 2024, with a market cap of nearly $1.9 billion as of February 20, 2025.

The 2025 list highlights companies from 11 countries and introduces 12 new entrants, including digital asset platform CoinMENA, U.A.E.-based Ziina, and Egypt’s Sahl. The U.A.E. leads the ranking with 13 fintech firms, followed by Egypt (12) and Saudi Arabia (10), collectively representing 70% of the list. 

Of the 50 listees, 14 were founded by solo entrepreneurs, making up 28% of the ranking.

The Middle East’s Fintech 50:  Country Breakdown
U.A.E.  13 Jordan  2
Egypt 12 Morocco 1
Saudi Arabia   10 Oman  1
Kuwait  3 Yemen 1
Iraq 3 Tunisia 1
Bahrain 3

The Middle East’s Fintech 50 – Meet The Top 10 

1 | Tabby

Shopping & financial services app 

HQ: Saudi Arabia

2 | Fawry 

E-payment platform

HQ: Egypt

3 | Rasan

Insurtech & banking solutions

HQ: Saudi Arabia

4 | Wio Bank

Digital banking platform

HQ: U.A.E.

5 | MyFatoorah

Payment solutions company

HQ: Kuwait

6 | MadfoatCom 

Bill presentment & payment system

HQ: Jordan

7 | MNT-Halan 

Lending, BNPL & payments platform

HQ: Egypt

8 | Thndr

Investment platform

HQ: Egypt

9 | e& money

Financial super-app

HQ: U.A.E.

10 | Valu

Financial technology company

HQ: Egypt

Click here to view the complete list of The Middle East’s Fintech 50 for 2025.

HC Brokerage Signs Cooperation Agreement with Fawry Plus to Enhance Trading and Investment Services

HC Brokerage Signs Cooperation Agreement with Fawry Plus to Enhance Trading and Investment Services
HC Brokerage Signs Cooperation Agreement with Fawry Plus to Enhance Trading and Investment Services

HC Brokerage, one of Egypt’s leading securities brokerage firms, has announced the signing of a cooperation agreement with FawryPlus for Banking Services. The partnership aims to simplify trading in the stock market, in line with HC’s strategy to expand its service offerings and enhance accessibility for clients across Egypt.

Under this agreement, HC clients will be able to open securities brokerage accounts, complete bookkeeping procedures, and sign online trading contracts, among other services, through FawryPlus’ extensive branch network across all governorates. This eliminates the need for clients to visit HC branches or wait for company representatives.

Hossam Ezz, CEO of FawryPlus stated
Hossam Ezz, CEO of FawryPlus stated

Commenting on this strategic partnership, Hossam Ezz, CEO of FawryPlus stated: “Were delighted to partner with HC Brokerage, as this partnership reaffirms Fawry’s commitment to providing innovative solutions that support the growth of Egypt’s financial market fostering effective partnerships with brokerage firms to attract new segments of investors and integrate them into the formal financial sector.

He added: “FawryPlus places great emphasis on the Financial Inclusion Strategy (2022-2025) issued by the CBE. Our goal is to promote the financial inclusion, expand access to financial services for underserved consumers in rural and remote areas, improve financial literacy, and facilitate access to financial services for both individuals and businesses, ultimately encouraging a shift towards the formal financial sector.

Hassan Choucri, Managing Director of HC Brokerage
Hassan Choucri, Managing Director of HC Brokerage

Hassan Choucri, Managing Director of HC Brokerage, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, stating: “This agreement marks a significant milestone in HC’s journey, enhancing our ability to provide more advanced financial and investment services in line with Egypt’s digital transformation and financial inclusion agenda.”

He added: “At HC, we are committed to expanding our reach by leveraging Fawry Plus’s extensive branch network. This enables us to offer innovative solutions tailored to the needs of diverse investor segments, both individual and institutional, while contributing to the development of Egypt’s capital market.”

He further emphasized: “As a leading financial advisor with over 25 years of experience in both local and regional markets, HC continuously adapts to the evolving financial landscape. The recent shift in the Egyptian stock market, where individual investors now account for the majority of trading, underscores the need for more efficient and innovative solutions to support their growth and enhance market performance.”

This collaboration ensures that HC’s diverse and integrated services are now available to all investor segments, including individuals and institutions, without the need for travel between governorates or visits to the company’s headquarters. It reflects HC’s commitment to adopting the latest digital technologies to promote financial inclusion and facilitate broader access to financial services.

FawryPlus is a leading player in promoting financial inclusion, providing accessible banking services such as digital wallet activation, prepaid cards, Know Your Customer (KYC) registration, financial inclusion account openings, and electronic remittance and collection services. Through its extensive network and innovative model, FawryPlus bridges the gap in financial service accessibility, empowering individuals and businesses to manage their financial affairs efficiently.

With over 300 branches across Egypt and operating seven days a week FawryPlus prioritizes reaching remote areas that lack access to financial services, enabling banks to serve their customers beyond official working hours. FawryPlus has also revolutionized the banking sector with its “One Zone, One Bank” model, which offers a centralized banking hub for more than 36 banks, making it easier for individuals and businesses to access various financial and banking services under one roof.

Orascom Development Egypt (ODE) has released its consolidated results for Q4 2024.

Orascom Development Egypt (ODE) (EGX: ORHD.CA) has released its consolidated results for Q4 2024.
Orascom Development Egypt (ODE) (EGX: ORHD.CA) has released its consolidated results for Q4 2024.
ODE Delivers Exceptional Financial Results in FY 2024: Real estate sales reached a record EGP 32.5 billion, a 67% increase. Revenues experienced a substantial surge of 42%, amounting to EGP 21.8 billion, while net profit stood at EGP 3.4 billion, reflecting 10.5% growth despite being impacted by FX losses of EGP 1.8 billion

Key Highlights of Q4 2024 vs. Q4 2023

  • Total revenues increased by 27.4% to EGP 6.3 billion.
  • Adj. EBITDA elevated by 50.0% to EGP 2.7 billion with a margin of 42.4%, showcasing our operational excellence.
  • Net profit increased by 11.6% to EGP 1.2 billion.
  • Net real estate sales rose by 46.8% to EGP 9.3 billion.
  • Sold a 110,000 sqm land parcel to Hassan Allam Properties for USD 34.7 million (USD 341/sqm).
  • Sold a 26,532 sqm land plot at the back end of El Gouna, an extension to the land previously sold during 1H 2024. The total transaction value for this land amounts to c. EGP 370 million (USD 274/sqm).

Key Highlights of FY 2024 vs. FY 2023

  • Total revenues increased by 42.2% to EGP 21.8 billion.
  • Adj. EBITDA experienced an increase of 62.5% to EGP 9.3 billion, resulting in a margin of 42.9%. 
  • Net profit increased by 10.5% to EGP 3.4 billion, while adjusted net profit, after excluding FX losses, increased by 55.5% to EGP 5.3 billion.
  • Our hospitality division achieved record revenues of EGP 4.3 billion, reflecting a 41.6% increase despite challenging market conditions.
  • FY 2024 marked another milestone year for the company, with total real estate sales reaching EGP 32.5 billion, representing a 67% year-over-year growth. 
  • Cash flow from operations increased by 151.5% to EGP 7.1 billion.

In 2024, ODE has exemplified an outstanding ability to sustain a positive growth trajectory, achieving impressive financial and operational results. This success has been realized despite significant challenges, including a foreign exchange loss of EGP 1.8 billion. Our resilient and diversified business model has been crucial in mitigating the negative effects of inflation that have impacted numerous sectors. This accomplishment underscores our steadfast commitment to innovation and operational efficiency, which have proven essential in navigating the complexities of the market. Importantly, we’ve experienced exceptional growth in real estate sales, which has significantly bolstered our overall revenue. Our relentless pursuit of operational excellence has also led to improved adjusted EBITDA, reflecting our capability to manage costs while maximizing profitability. Additionally, our net profit has demonstrated impressive growth, and all associated margins—key indicators of financial health—have also improved, highlighting our operational success this year. These record-breaking results reflect our strategic vision, meticulous planning, and the unwavering dedication of our teams in driving ODE forward through a challenging economic landscape.

Financial Review: 

Q4 2024:

With solid operating and financial results, ODE’s fourth quarter highlights our adept execution capabilities and resilience in the face of significant challenges. 

  • Total revenue: In Q4 24, revenues increased by 27.4% to EGP 6.3 billion. The increase was due to exceptional growth in recurring income segments (hotels and commercial assets), which contributed EGP 2.3 billion to total revenue, marking an impressive 70.3% increase compared to FY 23. In addition to the land sale concluded during the period in El Gouna.
  • Gross profit: During the quarter, the gross profit increased by 54.4%, reaching EGP 2.6 billion, accompanied by a gross margin of 41.6%. This substantial growth was primarily attributed to our enhanced business performance across all segments and the land sale concluded during the quarter.
  • Adj. EBITDA: Adjusted EBITDA elevated by 50.0% to EGP 2.7 billion, boasting a 42.4% margin vs. 36.0% margin in FY 23.  
  • Net income: The company’s net profit increased by 11.6% to EGP 1.2 billion.
  • Land sales: Sold a 26,532 sqm land plot at the back end of El Gouna, an extension to the land previously sold during 1H 24. The total transaction value for this land amounts to c. EGP 370 million (USD 274/sqm).

FY 2024:

ODE has reported robust results, demonstrating significant growth despite all the challenges. 

  • Revenue growth: An outstanding increase of 42.2% to reach EGP 21.8 billion.
  • Real estate revenue: Increased by 28.5% to EGP 12.9 billion compared to FY 23, with a margin of 39.4% vs. 38.8% in FY 23. 
  • Recurring income segments: Experienced exceptional growth in recurring income segments (hotels and commercial assets), contributing EGP 7.3 billion to total revenue, marking an impressive 48.0% increase compared to FY 23.
  • Gross profit: Increased by 58.8% to EGP 8.7 billion, boasting a healthy margin of 40.0% vs. 35.8% in FY 23. This improved performance underscores our operational excellence and the positive impact of key strategic initiatives such as land sales and accelerated construction activities. 
  • Adj. EBITDA: Adj. EBITDA showed robust growth, expanding by 62.5% to a record of EGP 9.3 billion, with a margin of 42.9% in FY 24. 
  • Other gains and losses: A loss of EGP 2.6 billion was reported, mainly due to foreign currency debt resulting from the EGP’s devaluation. 
  • Finance costs: Increased by 49.3% to EGP 1.7 billion, primarily due to rising interest rates. 
  • Strong net income performance: ODE’s adjusted net income, excluding one-offs (forex losses), increased by 55.5% from EGP 3.4 billion in FY 23 to EGP 5.3 billion in FY 24. Meanwhile, the reported net income during FY 24 increased by 10.5% to reach EGP 3.4 billion vs. EGP 3.1 billion in FY 23.
  • Cash from operations: Increased by 151.5% to EGP 7.1 billion, driven by improved operational performance across all business segments. This robust growth underscores our commitment to operational excellence. 
  • Strong cash balance: On the balance sheet side, the company continued to preserve a healthy balance sheet and monitor its cash balances and liquidity. Our cash balance reached EGP 7.4 billion, our foreign currency cash stood at USD 77.4 million, and our net debt reached EGP 2.8 billion in FY 24.  

Group Real Estate segment: achieved unprecedented operational and financial milestones, with a 67% increase in net real estate sales, reaching EGP 32.5 billion. This marks the highest sales figure in ODE’s history.

The fourth quarter of 2024 marked another record-breaking period for the company, with total sales reaching EGP 9.3 billion, a remarkable 46.8% increase from EGP 6.3 billion in Q4 23. This achievement brings our cumulative real estate sales value to an unprecedented EGP 32.5 billion, reflecting a significant 67.1% growth. Our international sales continue to be a cornerstone of our strategy, accounting for nearly 41% of our real estate sales in FY 24, up from 37% in FY 23. This underscores ODE’s robust market presence and the trust we have earned from our customers. Among our projects, O West is the largest contributor to sales, representing 39% of the total, El Gouna at 38%, and Makadi Heights at 23%. Additionally, we have successfully increased our average selling prices per square meter across all destinations. The robust sales and construction activity growth has enhanced our real estate revenue by 3.3%, reaching EGP 3.8 billion in Q4 2024. Consequently, our total real estate revenues for FY 24 have risen to EGP 12.8 billion, reflecting an increase of 28.5%. Additionally, our Adj. EBITDA grew by 30.3% to EGP 5.1 billion for FY 24, with a margin of 39.4% as opposed to 38.8% in FY 23, reaffirming our commitment to operational excellence. Throughout 2024, we recorded a 46.9% increase in real estate cash collections, totaling EGP 14.7 billion. Furthermore, the total deferred revenue from real estate, which will not be recognized until 2029, has increased by 65.4% to EGP 37.3 billion. This trend provides substantial visibility regarding our real estate revenue across all destinations over the coming 3 to 4 years.

Group hotels segment: Achieved record-breaking revenues in 2024 amidst global challenges, showcasing resilience and industry leadership. Revenues were up by 42% to EGP 4.3 billion, with an Adj. EBITDA margin of 48%.

ODE Hotels delivered strong quarterly results driven by its well-established business model. Our hotels recorded revenues of EGP 1.4 billion, marking a notable 78.8% increase over Q4 23. This revenue growth drove our GOP to EGP 782.2 million, demonstrating a 95.1% increase vs. Q4 23. The ability of our hotels to maintain high occupancy rates and enhance room rates has been instrumental in fueling this growth. Despite the conflict in the Middle East, we have managed to sustain a healthy margin and achieve robust financial outcomes. We have achieved an Adj. EBITDA of EGP 700.4 million, representing a 98.9% increase from Q4 23. In FY 24, total hotel revenues increased by 41.6% to EGP 4.3 billion, with GOP also rising by 42.7% to EGP 2.4 billion compared to the previous year—moreover, Adj. EBITDA surged by 56.9% to EGP 2.1 billion in FY 24. This robust financial performance highlights our hotels’ resilience and adeptness at navigating a challenging market environment. Substantial investments have been allocated to elevate our properties, including upgrades and renovations to facilities and enhancements in technological infrastructure, all aimed at ensuring exceptional guest experience.

Group recurring income segment: A substantial increase in recurring income, with revenues rising by 58.4% to reach EGP 3.0 billion and a margin of 34%. 

The commercial assets segment remains a dependable source of cash flow, crucial to funding our group’s expansion and mitigating cyclical downturns from unforeseen events. It is central to our future strategy. In Q4 24, revenue surged by 58.9% to EGP 903.7 million, while Adj. EBITDA grew by 58.1% to EGP 259.3 million compared to Q4 2023. This brings our commercial assets segment revenue to EGP 3.0 billion for FY 24, marking a 58.4% increase from FY 23. Adj. EBITDA outpaced revenue growth, reaching EGP 1.0 billion, up by 77.4%, Adj. EBITDA margin reached 34% vs. 30% in FY 23, demonstrating operational excellence through successful restructuring, improved service quality and increased profitability. 

Details on the Destinations  

El Gouna: 

El Gouna has established itself as the premier destination of choice, with total real estate sales achieving a new record of EGP 12.4 billion. This figure signifies a noteworthy increase of 63.8% from EGP 7.6 billion in FY 23. The significant growth in net real estate sales was primarily propelled by a considerable rise in average selling prices, which escalated by 81.2% to EGP 233,250 per square meter compared to FY 23. Meanwhile, in Q4 24, average selling prices witnessed an even more remarkable increase, surging by 99.9% to EGP 280,496 per square meter. During 2024, we successfully delivered 371 units to our clients across various projects. Looking ahead to 2025, we plan to deliver an additional 394 units. The real estate revenues during FY 24 increased by 25.6%, reaching EGP 6.3 billion.

During Q4 2024, we advanced our land monetization acceleration strategy and successfully finalized two land sales, generating a total value of EGP 2.1 billion. The first transaction occurred in November 2024, in which we sold a land plot to Hassan Allam Properties for USD 34.7 million, equating to USD 341/sqm. This land, situated in the central area of El Gouna, encompasses an area of 110,000 square meters. Subsequently, in December 2024, we completed the sale of a 26,532 sqm land parcel at the rear of El Gouna, an extension of the land previously sold in 1H 24. The total value of this transaction is c. EGP 370 million, corresponding to USD 274/sqm. Total land revenues increased by 317.5% to EGP 1.6 billion in FY 24.

Moving to the hospitality business, El Gouna’s hotels achieved unprecedented revenue levels in 2024 despite facing global challenges, demonstrating both resilience and leadership within the industry. In Q4 24, our hotels reported robust operational and financial performances, with revenues increasing by 86.2% to EGP 1.3 billion (Q4 23: EGP 724.2 million). Hotel occupancy reached an impressive 78%. Furthermore, the ARRs experienced a significant rise of 70.2%, reaching EGP 5,380 per night compared to Q4 23. The GOP surged by 91.6%, amounting to EGP 790.1 million. For FY 24, hotel revenues grew by 60.1% to EGP 4.2 billion, marking the highest level ever recorded. FY 2024 occupancy rate stood at 71%, while ARRs increased by 57.7% to EGP 4,535 per night. The GOP exhibited substantial growth of 53.6%, achieving EGP 2.4 billion. Foreign guests comprised 79% of the total hotel occupancy for FY 24. Shifting to our last segment in the destination, El Gouna’s commercial assets recorded a remarkable 58.3% increase in revenue to reach EGP 2.8 billion. Overall, El Gouna’s total revenues reflected a significant increase of 52.4%, reaching EGP 14.9 billion during FY 24.

O West, Egypt: 

O West continued strengthening its leading position in West Cairo and achieved an impressive sales record of EGP 12.5 billion during FY 2024, marking a remarkable growth of 37.3% compared to FY 23. Meanwhile, Q4 24 alone saw real estate sales increase by 36.6% to EGP 3.9 billion. Our average selling prices increased by an impressive 91.9% to EGP 122,900/sqm vs. Q4 23, while FY 24 average selling prices were up by 72.8% to EGP 99,786/sqm vs. FY 23. In terms of development progress, our construction pace is accelerating. We delivered 1,015 units during 2024. Construction of the O West Club is progressing steadily, with plans to become partially operational during 1H 2025. The club has over 4,750 members, providing a steady recurring income stream. O West’s total revenues increased by 31.7% to EGP 5.3 billion during FY 24, reflecting its continued growth and leading position in the local market.

Makadi Heights, Egypt:

Makadi Heights delivered outstanding real estate sales figures, achieving EGP 3.5 billion in Q4 24, an impressive 283.8% surge compared to Q4 23, showcasing extraordinary growth. This brings our FY 24 total real estate sales to EGP 7.5 billion, up by an impressive 178.4% compared to FY 2023. In Q4 24, the average selling price per square meter increased by 47.0%, reaching EGP 100,901 per sqm compared to Q4 23. Similarly, the FY 24 average selling price per square meter rose by 71.5% to EGP 89,748 per sqm, reflecting the growing value of our properties. The number of units sold increased by 68.4%, with 731 units sold in FY 24. Notably, international sales represented 59% of total real estate sales during FY 24. Makadi Heights successfully delivered 500 units during 2024, with many being early deliveries thanks to the destination’s accelerating construction pace. Total revenues from Makadi Heights reached EGP 1.4 billion, an increase of 37.4% compared to FY 23.

Taba Heights, Egypt:

Taba Heights continues to pose a challenge for the group, with efforts aimed at lowering the cash burn rate in both the short and medium term, while also preparing for the return of tourism. The aim is to ensure the destination is operationally ready once tourism resumes to normal levels. The company is committed to implementing a cautious and practical strategy to mitigate the impacts of the ongoing crisis. In FY 24, total revenues from Taba Heights amounted to EGP 172.3 million, showing a 64.1% decrease compared to FY 23. Of the six hotels, only one remains operational, with the occupancy rate reaching 27% during FY 24.

EFG Hermes Completes Advisory on USD 163 Million IPO of Alpha Data on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange

EFG Hermes Completes Advisory on USD 163 Million IPO of Alpha Data on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
EFG Hermes Completes Advisory on USD 163 Million IPO of Alpha Data on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange

EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), announced today that its investment banking division successfully completed its advisory on the USD 163 million initial public offering (IPO) of Alpha Data, one of the leading digital transformation providers & system integrators in the UAE, on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX).

Alpha Data offered a total of 40% of its total issued share capital through the sale of 400 million existing ordinary shares at AED 1.5 per share, implying a market capitalization of AED 1,500 million (USD 408 million).

The IPO captured the attention of local, regional, and international investors, with the total book seeing double-digit oversubscription levels. The company began trading today under the ticker ALPHADATA.

Karim Meleka, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes, added, “The successful completion of Alpha Data’s IPO underscores the growing investor appetite for tech-driven businesses in the region and highlights Abu Dhabi’s increasing prominence as a hub for innovative companies seeking to scale. The strong demand from a diverse investor base reflects the market’s confidence in Alpha Data’s resilient business model and long-term growth prospects. Our ability to attract robust local, regional and international interest for this offering reaffirms EFG Hermes’ leading position in executing landmark transactions that connect high-potential enterprises with strategic capital, further contributing to the dynamic evolution of regional capital markets.”

Established in 1981, Alpha Data is one of the leading digital transformation and system integration services providers in the United Arab Emirates. Alpha Data and its subsidiaries operate across three key business verticals. The “Solutions” segment, delivering tailored IT solutions by integrating advanced technologies to meet customer needs, and working together closely with its main vendors. The “Services” segment, offering a comprehensive range of ICT services to support clients in the implementation and management of IT infrastructure. Lastly, the “Talent” segment, delivering specialized IT personnel to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals, including tailored recruitment with a focus on Emiratization, providing flexible contract talent through RAAS (Recruitment as a Service), as well as headhunting candidates for permanent roles through its Permanent Staffing Service.

This transaction represents a significant achievement for EFG Hermes in the GCC equity capital markets (ECM), further solidifying its position as the top-ranked firm in ECM for 2024 by the London Stock Exchange Group (LSEG). Building on its recent successes, including the landmark Aramco Follow-on Offering and two Accelerated Bookbuild Offerings for ADNOC Drilling, EFG Hermes has demonstrated its expertise in delivering rapid and efficient execution. The latest milestone is the successful completion of a USD 2.84 billion marketed offering of ADNOC Gas shares on behalf of ADNOC.

EFG Hermes acted as a Joint Global Coordinator and Joint Bookrunner on the transaction.

ALTA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND MAISON MARGIELA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE WORLD’S FIRST RESIDENCES IN DUBAI

ALTA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND MAISON MARGIELA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE WORLD’S FIRST RESIDENCES IN DUBAI
ALTA REAL ESTATE DEVELOPMENT AND MAISON MARGIELA ANNOUNCE PARTNERSHIP FOR THE WORLD’S FIRST RESIDENCES IN DUBAI

Alta Real Estate Development has partnered with the iconic Parisian fashion house Maison Margiela to create the brand’s first residences, an innovative concept set to transform boutique living in Dubai. This exclusive collection of 24 bespoke units will take shape in one of the city’s most prestigious locations (to be announced), embodying the maison’s signature aesthetic, reimagining boutique living and offering residents a space defined by creativity and individuality.

This landmark partnership unites Maison Margiela’s unconventional expression and nonconformity with Alta’s expertise in crafting extraordinary living spaces. Designed as a refined extension of the Maison’sdistinctive design codes, delivering exceptional privacy, elegance, and innovation. Each residence seamlessly blends high fashion with architectural mastery, offering a lifestyle characterized by exquisite craftsmanship.

“As a developer, our vision is to collaborate with the world’s most influential brands to create unparalleled living experiences,” said Abdulla Al Tayer, Managing Director of Alta Real Estate Development. “Partnering with Maison Margiela allows us to push the boundaries of design and redefine luxury living in Dubai. These residences will be a testament to creativity, craftsmanship, and individuality.”

This collaboration is part of Alta’s broader vision to integrate global icons into the fabric of luxury living. Together, Alta Real Estate Development and Maison Margiela will set the stage tomerge the brand’s forward-thinking design ethos with the timeless purity of architectural form.

Jahez Delivers 50% Net Income Growth and Strong Expansion Across All Verticals And Geographies In 2024

Jahez Delivers 50% Net Income Growth and Strong Expansion Across All Verticals And Geographies In 2024
Jahez Delivers 50% Net Income Growth and Strong Expansion Across All Verticals And Geographies In 2024

Jahez International Company for Information System Technology (“Jahez”, or the “Group”, 6017 on the Saudi Exchange’s TASI– Main Market), announces its financial results for the full year of 2024. The Group recorded all-time high profitability and record total orders, while growing market share in all verticals and across all regions including KSA and non-KSA.

Ghassab Bin Salman Bin Mandeel, CEO of Jahez Group, said:

“2024 was a defining year for Jahez Group, marked by record profitability, sustained growth, and our successful transition to the Main Market of the Saudi Exchange (TASI).
In a growing total addressable market, we pursued our expansion in the on-demand services across our core platforms. In Saudi Arabia, we grew our operations, and we continued to captured market share especially outside the central region. In parallel, our operations in Kuwait and Bahrain and in the new verticals are scaling rapidly, reinforcing Jahez’s ability to create and deliver value across diverse markets.
As we enter 2025, we remain focused on sustainable and profitable growth while strategically investing in our ecosystem. We are diversifying our revenue streams by further integrating and expanding our offerings beyond food delivery, creating more seamless experiences for our users and partners while investing in our logistic capabilities. With an expanding market and an unwavering commitment to innovation and customer obsession, Jahez Group is solidifying its leadership across Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Bahrain. Through our ecosystem, we are delivering convenience, reliability, and exceptional service to our users and merchants.”

Key Highlights 2024
  • GMV up 28.5% YoY to 6.5 billion (2023: 5.1 billion), with GMV in non-KSA geographies up 2.9x, while KSA platforms grew by 20.4% YoY.
  • Net Revenue up 24.3% YoY to 2.2 billion (2023 1.8 billion), driven by record full-year total orders exceeding 106 million, higher average order value, and a higher take-rate.
  • Net Income Attributable to the Shareholders of the Parent Company grew 50.0 % YoY to 187.9 million (2023: 125.3 million)
  • Adj. EBITDA of 250 million, exceeding 2024 guidance, and representing 11.3% of Net Revenue, (2023: 181 million, 10.2% of Net Revenue).

DP WORLD AND MAWANI INAUGURATE SAR 3 BILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART TERMINAL IN JEDDAH

DP WORLD AND MAWANI INAUGURATE SAR 3 BILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART TERMINAL IN JEDDAH
DP WORLD AND MAWANI INAUGURATE SAR 3 BILLION STATE-OF-THE-ART TERMINAL IN JEDDAH

DP World and Saudi Ports Authority (Mawani) have unveiled the new state-of-the-art South Container Terminal at Jeddah Islamic Port, marking a major milestone in DP World’s SAR 3 billion ($800 million) expansion and development programme to upgrade the terminal and enhance Saudi Arabia’s position as a leading global trade hub. 

The three-year project has transformed South Container Terminal into one of the region’s most advanced and sustainable container terminals, while also more than doubling the capacity from 1.8 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) to 4 million TEUs. The expansion paves the way for a future capacity of 5 million TEUs, with additional ship-to-shore equipment to be deployed as demand grows. 

Since becoming DP World’s first concession outside the UAE in 1999, the Jeddah terminal has played a crucial role in regional trade. This latest expansion, under a 30-year Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) agreement, cements Jeddah’s status as a critical trade gateway and supports Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals of boosting trade connectivity and economic diversification. 

An official ceremony was held to mark the opening, attended by Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistic Services, His Excellency Eng. Saleh bin Nasser Al-Jasser; DP World Group Chairman and CEO, His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem; Abdulla Bin Damithan, CEO and Managing Director of DP World GCC; other senior representatives from DP World and Mawani, government entities, and key customers. 

His Excellency Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, Group Chairman and CEO of DP World, said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our long-term strategic investment in Jeddah Islamic Port. This expansion builds on our 25-year legacy in Jeddah and reinforces our commitment to driving trade growth in the region.  With this modernised terminal, we are enhancing efficiency, improving supply chain resilience and creating new trade opportunities for the Kingdom and beyond for decades to come.”

Efficiency & Sustainability at its Heart

The terminal’s modernisation integrates advanced automation and digitalisation to improve operational efficiency. Smart systems will slash gate transaction times — from two minutes to just 10 seconds — supported by IoT-enabled cargo tracking and AI-powered cargo tallying for precise record keeping. 

Automated and electrified yard cranes have also been introduced, along with an expanded fleet of quay cranes that will grow from 14 to 17 by the end of 2025, reaching 22 as the terminal scales up to 5 million TEUs.  

Due to the surging demand for perishable cargo such as food and pharmaceuticals, the terminal’s capacity for refrigerated containers (reefers) has been expanded from 1,200 to 2,340, ensuring optimal conditions for temperature-sensitive shipments. DP World is also developing a state-of-the-art facility for inspecting up to 75 reefers at one time —the biggest such port-centric facility in the Kingdom. 

The terminal spans a total quay length of 2,150 metres, including a deep-water quay with an 18-metre depth, capable of accommodating up to five ultra-large container vessels simultaneously. 

In line with its global sustainability strategy, DP World is implementing initiatives to reduce CO₂ emissions at South Container Terminal by 50% in the next five years. Measures include the electrification of yard cranes and trucks, solar panel installations, exploration of floating solar platforms, along with green building designs and water recycling systems. These efforts will significantly cut emissions, enhance air quality and establish DP World’s Jeddah terminal as a model for sustainable port operations. 

Adjacent to the terminal, DP World is investing in the 415,000 square metre Jeddah Logistics Park, the largest integrated facility of its kind in the Kingdom, which will offer state-of-the-art warehousing, distribution and freight forwarding services, further strengthening Jeddah’s position as a key hub connecting trade routes across Asia, Africa and Europe. Integrated with the terminal, Jeddah Logistics Park will streamline cargo transfers and enhance efficiency, with completion scheduled for Q2 2026.