United Foods Company announced financial results for the full year ended 31 December 2024.

Against a backdrop of geopolitical volatility and rising costs, United Foods achieved significant growth in revenue and profitability and reinforced its strong financial and market position, delivering on its long-term strategy for development.  Total gross revenue rose to a record AED 601.7 million, supported by a 5.9% increase in sales volumes.

Profitability strengthened as gross profit increased 8% to AED 99.6 million, supported by improved cost controls, procurement optimisation, and product mix enhancements. Net profit before tax increased 11% to AED 33.9 million. Net profit after tax remained stable at AED 30.8 million.

The Board of Directors proposed a cash dividend of 100% of the paid-up capital for 2024, equivalent to AED 1 per share or AED 30.25 million in total. This proposed dividend payout, subject to shareholder approval at the upcoming Annual General Meeting, reflects the Group’s strong financial position and its continued focus on delivering value to its shareholders. United Foods Company is one of only three companies in the UAE to propose 100% cash dividend.

Fethi Khiari, Chief Executive Officer at United Foods Company, commented, “In all, 2024 was a milestone year of achievement for United Foods. We increased sales volumes and revenue, protected margins, continued to deliver dynamic, high-quality products and diversified our product portfolio to better delight our customers. These key initiatives have enabled us to reinforce our robust position in the UAE and in all the markets we serve.

I am pleased to announce that under the recommendation of the Board, there will be 100% cash dividend of the paid-up capital for 2024 in line with our sustainable and progressive dividend policy, at our Annual General Meeting. We would like to thank our shareholders for their continued support and trust in us.

Looking ahead, we remain dedicated to our strategic path that will enhance value for our shareholders, as we continue to scale our operations and invest in automation and efficiency. Our commitment to Emiratization remains core to our corporate vision, and we are proud to be building a business that is both future-fit and locally rooted.”

Operational and strategic highlights:

• The Group invested AED 12.8 million in capital expenditure, primarily directed towards the installation of two new product lines: fractionation unit and PET blowing machine to produce bio-degradable bottles.

Operational performance and outlook

Throughout 2024, United Foods maintained a sharp focus on cost efficiency and working capital management. Total assets rose to AED 439.4 million, while equity increased to AED 344.5 million. The Group continued investing in manufacturing upgrades and digital tools to drive long-term competitiveness.

Strategic efforts to support national priorities of food security also gained traction, with new initiatives to advance Emiratization across departments. These efforts position the Group to contribute meaningfully to national development while attracting and retaining skilled local talent. United Foods remains focused on expanding regional distribution, enhancing product innovation, and deepening its ESG practices, ensuring long-term sustainable value creation for all stakeholders.

ZāZEN Properties highlights Meydan as one of Dubai’s most rapidly emerging destinations for high-quality living and high-yield real estate investment. Backed by a surge in upscale developments, forward-thinking urban planning, and strong market performance, Meydan is drawing attention from discerning investors and homebuyers. Its growth aligns closely with the goals outlined in Dubai’s Urban Master Plan 2040 and Dubai Economic Agenda D33, which prioritises connected, sustainable and community-focused development.

Already recognised as one of Dubai’s most upscale localities, Meydan offers a mix of residential, commercial and family-focused experiences, characterised by premium retail outlets, luxury hotels, fine-dining establishments, and expansive green spaces. This strategy not only elevates residents’ quality of life but also attracts environmentally conscious investors seeking a more natural environment with long-term value.

Luxury real estate sales continue to soar, with properties priced above AED 15 million reaching AED 71 billion in sales value in 2024, a remarkable 688% increase since 2015. This trend is expected to persist as demand outpaces supply, with Meydan seeing a series of landmark developments reinforcing its potential. These include an AED 947 million ultra-luxury villa project, an AED 300 million residential project of 110 exclusive homes by an international developer, an AED 100 million community featuring eco-friendly residences with smart home technology, and other bespoke villas and apartment buildings.

Madhav Dhar, COO and Co-Founder of ZāZEN Properties, commented, “Meydan is emerging as an ideal micro market for high-end sustainable community living. Its combination of high-quality, luxury developments, strategic location, and focus on larger green community spaces aligns well with ZāZEN Properties’ vision of delivering thoughtful, future-ready living experiences.”

Headded, “Its accessibility from Downtown Dubai and Business Bay, coupled with proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Khail Road, and Dubai International Airport, makes Meydan an ideal choice for investors and residents alike.”

Residents of Meydan enjoy proximity to world-class amenities, including golf courses, cycling tracks, iconic Crystal Lagoon beaches, and the upcoming Meydan One Mall. This modern district is emerging as a forward-thinking urban centre—blending sustainable innovation with refined living. With projected annual rental yields between 6% and 8%, Meydan offers returns that exceed averages seen in other prime locations across Dubai and globally.

As the area continues to evolve, ZāZEN Properties remains committed to delivering high-quality, LEED-certified developments that support Dubai’s visionary urban future and add value to how its residents live.​

With the global travel technology market currently valued at $10.7 billion, leaders and innovators from around the world are preparing to steer the future of the tourism industry at the 32^nd edition of Arabian Travel Market (ATM), which will take place at Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) from 28 April to 1 May 2025.

ATM 2025’s extensive conference programme and exhibition reflect this year’s theme, ‘Global Travel: Developing Tomorrow’s Tourism Through Enhanced Connectivity’. With Travel Tech exhibitors experiencing year-on-year growth of 25% and the segment’s exhibition space expanding by 22%, this year’s event will explore how technology is transforming the tourism sector, presenting new growth opportunities for enterprising start-ups and established multinationals alike.

The Future Stage at ATM 2025 will host a range of expert speakers, who will explore how advances in fields such as analytics and machine learning, workplace collaboration, blockchain, next-gen mobility and augmented reality are driving our sector forward. This year’s event represents an unparalleled opportunity for exhibitors to showcase their innovations in front of an international audience of senior decision-makers and purchase influencers.

Danielle Curtis, Exhibition Director ME, Arabian Travel Market, said: “ATM Travel Tech draws together the best and brightest from across our industry, creating an unrivalled forum for discovery, debate and deal-making. Now more than ever, opportunities related to connectivity and integration are at the forefront of our minds, and they will take centre stage at ATM 2025.”

According to IMARC Group, the global market for travel technology is on course to hit $18.6 billion in the next eight years, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.05% predicted during the period 2025-33. ATM 2025’s Future Stage will host a range of presentations designed to highlight opportunities within this exciting and lucrative space. This year’s sessions will feature topics such as: ‘Generational Trends Influencing Hyper-personalisation in Luxury’; ‘Travel Technology: Get Ahead or Get Left Behind’; ‘AI: Everywhere All At Once’; and ‘Data-Driven Travel: The Next Frontier of Destination Transformations’, among others.

Tourism has consistently been an early adopter of emerging technologies, and digitalisation continues to drive seamless, frictionless travel. Looking ahead, the development of smart travel facilitation, smart destinations and new employment opportunities is set to contribute to economic, social and environmental sustainability across our sector.

While the Middle East and Africa’s (MEA) travel tech market is facing stiff competition from Asia-Pacific nations, countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are responding effectively to increased demand from tech-savvy consumers, leveraging the latest innovations to enhance their appeal as global travel destinations.

“I can’t think of a better host city for ATM Travel Tech than Dubai, which continues to raise aspirations both regionally and globally with its commitment to the Smart Dubai strategy,” said Curtis. “Smart travel, transport, artificial intelligence (AI) and urban planning initiatives are driving increased innovation and connectivity across the emirate, making it the ideal meeting point for leaders and disruptors from other markets.”

Smart technologies, mobile applications, contactless solutions and similar cutting-edge innovations will be on show at ATM 2025’s Travel Tech exhibition, which will showcase a dynamic lineup of new and returning exhibitors including Amadeus, Huawei, Sabre, Expedia, Travelport, Dida Travel, Hotelbeds, WebBeds and Moonline Travel, among others.

ATM 2025 will bring together professionals and industry leaders from the leisure, luxury, travel tech, corporate, and meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) travel sectors, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and business opportunities. In addition to the exhibition, international and regional experts will take to ATM’s Global, Future and brand-new Business Events stages throughout the event to deliver an extensive conference programme.

Held in conjunction with Dubai World Trade Centre, ATM 2025’s strategic partners include Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism (DET), Destination Partner; Emirates, Official Airline Partner; IHG Hotels & Resorts, Official Hotel Partner; and Al Rais Travel, Official DMC Partner.