LEADERSHIP

CHAIRMAN’S MESSAGE

Since its formation in 1971, the United Arab Emirates has developed into a true Global economic success story and is now a major hub for business, investment, employment, living and working. The vision and innovation of our Founding Fathers has empowered our Nation to experience almost unprecedented growth and progression, enabling us to enjoy the vibrant society we live in today.

In the complex world that we live in today, facing varied crises, whether it be in the economies surrounding us or the looming disaster in the form of climate change, challenges have to be met not only by the Governments, but by each and every individual in the society.

To face such challenges, I foresee the need for creating institutions which respond quickly to the situation on the ground, while having a clear vision of the future so as to prepare forward looking plans to address critical issues in a timely and effective manner.

I have firmly believed that people are our most important resource and that professionalism and objectivity are the essentials that lead to fulfillment. I have endeavored to do just that by pushing forward such initiatives.

Much has been done, but a lot more needs to be achieved before we can rest on our laurels. I look forward to the future with unbridled optimism and a conviction that we all will rise as one to make the world a better place for generations to come.

H.H. Sheikh Tariq Al Qasimi, Founder and Chairman.

CEO’S MESSAGE

The world economy faces some immediate challenges, and people everywhere are rightly questioning what they must do to maintain control of their financial situation; at the same time, they want guidance and advice, looking past the immediate challenges to the longer term. They understand that the decisions they make today are the key to a more secure tomorrow. For that, they are reassessing the organizations and institutions that intersect with their lives and whom to trust. At Union Investments, the role we play is unequivocal: There’s far more to being an investments house than simply offering a safe place to invest. We are here to help our stakeholders make sense of what it all means to successfully meet their expectations.

UNDERSTANDING STAKEHOLER NEEDS

Beginning with understanding what our stakeholders care most about. Union Investments role is not simply to give a thumbs-up or thumbs-down to the aspirations of our investors. We are here to help make the best investment decisions – on their terms – by understanding what’s not in their interest and by pointing out solutions that fit their budget and long-term goals. We help our stakeholders invest wisely. We help their businesses grow, we help growing businesses become more competitive, and help competitive businesses find new market, and we help them all be more innovative.

MARKET KNOWLEDGE

One of our core competitive strengths is our market knowledge. Our long term investments have provided a deep understanding of the dynamics of the regional businesses and the market movers allowing Union Investments to leverage its investments into profitability. Our long term strategies allowed our investments to perform during cyclical changes of market conditions.

MARKET REACH AND DIVERSITY

Union Investments has capitalized on its strong geographical positions in our home markets in the UAE and the strategic importance of these geographies as a power center for financial markets in the GCC and Middle East regions. The diversity of our investments allows us to take advantage of opportunities in prime growth sectors in the region. Having investments in real estate, logistics, manufacturing, and F&B sectors, we intend to continue our strategy of selectively pursuing opportunities and expanding our investments into key strategic markets poised for future growth while maintaining our leading market positions in the UAE and the Middle East. As a result of our tactful strategy for investments and successful track-record, Union Investments continues to achieve records earning and profits.

FINANCIAL STRENGTH

In addition, Union Investments financial strength has allowed it to take advantage of the competitive market, and to leverage that strength to provide the required investments to our existing platforms and venture into new opportunities that enhance the overall performance of our investments. We strive to maintain a strong balance sheet with ample liquidity. We will achieve this through our robust and committed expansion in growth sectors and exploring new investments opportunities in the region and by continuing to focus on cash generation by achieving higher utilization, and focusing on return on assets from all our operations and future investments.

INVESTMENT IN PEOPLE

Our commitment to our employees and our stakeholders is fundamental to Union Investments activities and to its ability to execute its vision in a sustainable way. The quality of our people supports the execution of our strategy and promotes a culture of excellence throughout the organization. Even in challenging markets, Union Investments continues to enhance employee’s welfare and offers opportunities for their growth. This helps us attract and retain the best people. We understand that remaining at the forefront of a world driven by competitiveness will happen only if we put people at the center. With the support of our, stakeholders and employees, Union Investments is committed to building a brighter future for all of us.

COMITTMENT TO OUR VISION

As we head into the future, we know that we have helped our companies navigate a world of persistent change while managing some major changes of our own. We have stayed true to our objectives of giving companies knowledge and control by remembering that the values that define what we do, don’t change. And as we did, we stayed on our stated agenda. Today, the condition of Union Investments reflects strength, flexibility and a commitment to our strategic objectives.

And finally, we continue to raise profitability as a policy issue and a critical factor in the future success of our businesses. By investing strategically, our companies can continue to compete around the region and the globe without compromise – driving prosperity and growth into our bottom line.

Abdul M. Kunbargi, Chief Executive Officer.