United Development Company (UDC), a leading Qatari public shareholding company and the master developer of The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Island, has reported net profit of QR157mn on revenues of QR1.2bn in the first six months of this year.
The net profit attributable to the equity shareholders was QR136mn and basic earnings-per-share was QR0.038.
"In the first half of 2021, UDC achieved a sustainable performance by balancing development activities across The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Island with a continued focus on commercial activities. This strategy, coupled with our rich portfolio of projects, has enabled UDC to sustain a diversified revenue stream," Turki bin Mohamed al-Khater, UDC chairman, said.
The financial results show positive improvement resulted from sales and leasing revenues, especially with the handover of the majority of UDC’s latest residential units at Al Mutahidah Towers at The Pearl-Qatar, he said.
"Committing to high standards of design, build quality, and innovation, UDC consistently offers premium experiences and lifestyle opportunities across market segments; and its properties continue to be highly sought-after by local and foreign investors,” he said.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, UDC will continue working on the completion of the development plan for the projects under implementation, including United School International as well as Floresta Gardens and Giardino Village gated residential compounds at The Pearl-Qatar and Crystal Residence apartments in Gewan Island, which are aligned with established plans and timetables and which reflect its commitment to preserving shareholders’ and investors’ values, the UDC chairman added.
Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman, UDC president and chief executive and member of the board said the first half results are in line with UDC’s strategy to focus on delivering projects that are currently under development and as per the target completion schedules.
"The Pearl-Qatar maintains its position as a leading retail destination, as evidenced by the signing of 38 new retail leases in the past six months, covering an area of 18,000sqm including The Pearl-Qatar Commercial Showrooms. The Pearl-Qatar has also welcomed 20 new stores since beginning of 2021, with 50 more brands expected to open by end of the year,” he said.
He highlighted that residential occupancy also thrived with 103 new rental contracts signed for UDC properties, while UDC sold 89 completed residential units across The Pearl-Qatar, three plots in Giardino Village and 13 plots in Gewan Island.
Al-Othman said Gewan Island development works are progressing steadily as planned, with marine works for beach villas and island mansions completed, infrastructure works still ongoing and building works at Crystal Residence continuing after podium slab construction has been finalised, while development of Gewan Bridge continues with the bridge deck scheduled to be completed by end of 2021.
"We will continue to exploit The Pearl-Qatar's position as Qatar’s real-estate development of choice and use our resources and experience to create a sustainable commercial and social environment that contributes positively to the project’s investment returns. In line with that strategy, we have launched leasing in Al Mutahidah Towers last June and will be offering 80 compound villas in Giardino Village, for leasing later this year,” he said.
UDC is also set to start construction works on the new Corinthia Yacht Club in Porto Arabia, which will span a built-up area of 2,232sqm and will feature many facilities including fine dining restaurants, climatised outdoor seating, as well as a cigar lounge, several meeting rooms, and many more services that help create a leisurely feel.
Also in Porto Arabia, UDC is preparing to inaugurate a fine dining restaurant, “Shirvan Métisse Doha” in partnership with world-acclaimed Michelin star chef Akrame Benallal, who will introduce an entirely new fusion concept inspired by Old Silk Road food cultures and will equally enrich The Pearl-Qatar’s gastronomy offerings.
"We look forward to a promising future, as we continue to invest in the development of sustainable projects. We are also dedicated to delivering properties in a timely manner and providing unparalleled residential developments that improve the lives of our residents, and reward shareholders and investors over the long term,” he said.
"In the first half of 2021, UDC achieved a sustainable performance by balancing development activities across The Pearl-Qatar and Gewan Island with a continued focus on commercial activities. This strategy, coupled with our rich portfolio of projects, has enabled UDC to sustain a diversified revenue stream," Turki bin Mohamed al-Khater, UDC chairman, said.
The financial results show positive improvement resulted from sales and leasing revenues, especially with the handover of the majority of UDC’s latest residential units at Al Mutahidah Towers at The Pearl-Qatar, he said.
"Committing to high standards of design, build quality, and innovation, UDC consistently offers premium experiences and lifestyle opportunities across market segments; and its properties continue to be highly sought-after by local and foreign investors,” he said.
Looking ahead to the remainder of the year, UDC will continue working on the completion of the development plan for the projects under implementation, including United School International as well as Floresta Gardens and Giardino Village gated residential compounds at The Pearl-Qatar and Crystal Residence apartments in Gewan Island, which are aligned with established plans and timetables and which reflect its commitment to preserving shareholders’ and investors’ values, the UDC chairman added.
Ibrahim Jassim al-Othman, UDC president and chief executive and member of the board said the first half results are in line with UDC’s strategy to focus on delivering projects that are currently under development and as per the target completion schedules.
"The Pearl-Qatar maintains its position as a leading retail destination, as evidenced by the signing of 38 new retail leases in the past six months, covering an area of 18,000sqm including The Pearl-Qatar Commercial Showrooms. The Pearl-Qatar has also welcomed 20 new stores since beginning of 2021, with 50 more brands expected to open by end of the year,” he said.
He highlighted that residential occupancy also thrived with 103 new rental contracts signed for UDC properties, while UDC sold 89 completed residential units across The Pearl-Qatar, three plots in Giardino Village and 13 plots in Gewan Island.
Al-Othman said Gewan Island development works are progressing steadily as planned, with marine works for beach villas and island mansions completed, infrastructure works still ongoing and building works at Crystal Residence continuing after podium slab construction has been finalised, while development of Gewan Bridge continues with the bridge deck scheduled to be completed by end of 2021.
"We will continue to exploit The Pearl-Qatar's position as Qatar’s real-estate development of choice and use our resources and experience to create a sustainable commercial and social environment that contributes positively to the project’s investment returns. In line with that strategy, we have launched leasing in Al Mutahidah Towers last June and will be offering 80 compound villas in Giardino Village, for leasing later this year,” he said.
UDC is also set to start construction works on the new Corinthia Yacht Club in Porto Arabia, which will span a built-up area of 2,232sqm and will feature many facilities including fine dining restaurants, climatised outdoor seating, as well as a cigar lounge, several meeting rooms, and many more services that help create a leisurely feel.
Also in Porto Arabia, UDC is preparing to inaugurate a fine dining restaurant, “Shirvan Métisse Doha” in partnership with world-acclaimed Michelin star chef Akrame Benallal, who will introduce an entirely new fusion concept inspired by Old Silk Road food cultures and will equally enrich The Pearl-Qatar’s gastronomy offerings.
"We look forward to a promising future, as we continue to invest in the development of sustainable projects. We are also dedicated to delivering properties in a timely manner and providing unparalleled residential developments that improve the lives of our residents, and reward shareholders and investors over the long term,” he said.