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How did the company develop after its listing on the Qatar Exchange and what is its scope of operations?

In 2007, Aamal became a public shareholding company listed on the Qatar Exchange, with a paid-in capital of QAR3.45 billion, making it one of the largest public shareholding companies in Qatar. The company has since increased its paid-in capital to QAR6 billion. Aamal is widely diversified with operations across 21 business units, some of which have been operating in Qatar for more than 40 years, achieving strong, market-leading positions. We are a successful group, staffed with over 2,300 employees, and are considered to be a role model for many other companies in the region. Our 21 business units are grouped into four divisions. The first is industrial manufacturing, which includes branches and subsidiaries involved in the manufacturing of the diverse products needed for the development of infrastructure, from ready-mix and cement blocks to concrete pipes and electrical cables. This division includes our companies Aamal Readymix, Aamal Cement Industries, Advanced Pipes & Casts Company, Innovative Lighting, Senyar Industries Qatar Holding, Doha Cables, Elsewedy Cables Qatar, Doha Transformers, Ci-San Trading, and Gulf Rocks. The second division is trading and distribution, and concerns pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, medical equipment, tires, lubricants, air conditioners, and home appliances. This division includes Aamal Trading & Distribution, Aamal Medical, Ebn Sina Medical, Good Life Chemist, and Foot Care Centre. The third division is property. Branches in this division are involved in retail, residential, and commercial property management and development. The division includes City Centre Doha, and Aamal Real Estate. The final division is managed services, which offers the highest quality services to the corporate sector. This division includes Aamal Travel and Tourism, Aamal Services, ECCO Gulf, Johnson Controls Qatar, and Vivantes Medical Centre.

How important is it to maintain a diversified portfolio?

Aamal’s success is the result of a strategy designed to identify key growth opportunities, capitalize on them through the deployment of capital, and partner with industry leaders, who provide the required level of expertise when necessary. We aim to be the first mover in the market, and offering innovative products and services is a key element of our strategy. Aamal’s diversified approach is a source of strength; we provide both a degree of stability and a platform from which to take full advantage of these opportunities. Aamal’s corporate strategy is to create long-term shareholder value through the continued profitable operation and expansion of its diversified business platform. The company seeks to take advantage of the growth opportunities created by the Qatar National Vision 2030, and to leverage its position as a leading participant across various key economic sectors to achieve sustained, profitable growth.

How would you assess the current investment climate in Qatar?

Over the past few years, the economic development of Qatar has been remarkable. The country has become one of the world’s fastest-growing and most successful economies as markets continue to diversify and the infrastructure continues to develop. The vision of HH the Emir, Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani, to develop Qatar into one of the region’s leading economic powers, remains at the heart of our business. Aamal is as determined as ever to play a major role in the realization of this, and of the Qatar National Vision 2030, and to be a major beneficiary of the nation’s success.