Dubai Investments PJSC (“DI”) reported exceptional results for the nine months ended 30 September 2007 (‘the Period”), with consolidated total income of AED 2.49 billion, 72 per cent more than the total income of AED 1.45 billion for the nine months ended 30 September 2006 (“same period last year”). The net profit for the period was AED 1.1 billion, 44 per cent more than the net profit of AED 745 million for the same period last year. These outstanding results were the product of excellent performances by group entities.
The total income for the third quarter of 2007 (3Q07) is AED 731 million, 55% more than the total income of AED 473 million for the third quarter of 2006 (3Q06). The net profit for 3Q07 is AED 268 million, 34% more than the net profit of AED 200 million for 3Q06.
Total assets as at 30 September 2007 have increased to AED 9.23 billion, a growth of 60 per cent over the total assets of AED 5.77 billion at the same date last year.
Khalid Kalban, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Dubai Investments, said, “The fact that we have been achieving record profits each quarter highlights the impressive performance of our subsidiary companies, and reaffirms the importance of our diversification into various sectors. Our consistent performance also underlines the long-standing trust that our shareholders have shown in us, and looking ahead, we are confident that we will achieve even greater results in future.”
Total Shareholders’ Equity as at 30 September 2007 has increased to AED 4.44 billion, a growth of 32 per cent over the Total Shareholders’ Equity of AED 3.37 billion at the same date last year mainly on account of substantial net profits achieved.
The return on average equity achieved for the Period is 26% and return on average share capital of 52%. The earnings per share (EPS) for the Period is 0.49, 40% higher than the EPS of 0.35 for the same period last year. The return on average total assets achieved for the Period is 14%.
Tips for selecting the perfect diamond engagement ring and bridal set for your bride-to-be
Throughout the world, diamonds are used to symbolize love and the unbreakable bond of marriage
Dubai, United Arab Emirates, 31 October 2007: Choosing the perfect diamond engagement ring or bridal set can be a mine field, there are many options to choose from and the pressure is on, since most young ladies have been secretly imagining the size, shape, and colour of the engagement set for years.
So says Anan Fakhreddin, Diamond Promotion Service (DPS) Director of the De Beers Group Marketing, the largest producer of cut diamonds in the world.
“Internationally, diamonds are a way for a groom to express his love and commitment to his bride, and a way of making the bride feel that she is truly cherished. Additionally, and especially in the gulf region, the engagement and bridal set is a visual way for the groom to prove his dedication to the marriage and to build a good image within the bride’s family.”
Of course setting and style will always be a matter of personal taste, however one can’t go wrong with a good quality diamond – here are some tips and factors to keep in mind when buying that diamond engagement ring or bridal set to ensure a perfect reaction.
A cut above
Diamonds are most commonly cut with 58 facets (separate flat surfaces). These facets, cut at mathematically calculated angles, act as mirrors and reflect light off one another. A skillfully cut diamond will therefore have more sparkle. A rough (uncut) stone is sculpted into a thing of beauty, depending on the cuts that shape it. Variations of cut include asscher, radiant, round, triangle, oval, marquise, pear, princess, heart, and emerald.
• Round brilliant: The Round Brilliant cut accounts for more than 75% of diamonds sold. This popular shape works with an incredible variety of settings and its 58-facet cut achieves the maximum in fire and brilliance.
• Oval: Popular among women with small hands or short fingers, the elongated shape of the oval cut lends the hand a flattering illusion of length.
• Marquise: Originally commissioned by France's Louis XIV, this superb cut was designed to match the beautiful smile of the Marquise de Pompadour. Its beauty is enhanced when smaller diamonds and gems are included in the final design.
• Pear: Shaped like a sparkling teardrop this cut is popular in rings, pendants and earrings. It is a shape that suits small hands or short fingers as it elongates the hand’s appearance. The pear combines beautifully the best features of the marquise and the oval cut.
• Heart: The ultimate symbol of romance! Look for balance in the stone, an even cut with a well-defined outline.
• Emerald: Rectangular in shape, with cut corners, the emerald cut features concentric, flat planes that resemble little steps. It is important to select a stone of superior clarity and colour, as this cut tends to highlight inclusions and blemishes.
• Princess: The princess cut is a square or rectangular cut and is complimentary to someone with long fingers. A relatively new cut, it will often be used in modern pieces.
• Trilliant: An unusual triangular shape typifies the trilliant cut. The exact cut can vary according to the natural characteristics of the diamond, from a traditional triangle with pointed corners to a triangle with softer, rounded edges.
Colour
The closer a diamond's appearance is to colourless, the more perfect it is and the higher its financial value. Diamonds come in many different colours, from 'colourless' through to what are known as 'fancies' i.e. shades of pink, yellow, blue and other colours. Jewellers use an alphabetical grading system to identify the differing shades found in diamonds.
Clarity
The diamond’s beauty is determined by the number of flaws (tiny traces of non-crystallised carbon) that it contains. The fewer the better. These flaws are known as inclusions (internal) and blemishes (external). A diamond with very few inclusions and blemishes will appear dazzling and unclouded when put to light. Of course, a diamond free of flaws is very rare and extremely valuable.
Carat
This refers to the weight not the size of the diamond, and shouldn't be confused with gold karats. A carat, which is equal to one-fifth of a gram, is divided into 100 points. So a one carat diamond equals one hundred points. This measurement alone has little bearing on the overall quality of the diamond. For example, a lower carat stone could be worth more than one of a higher carat if its cut, clarity and colour are superior.
Settings
The setting you choose should suit your fiancés personal style as well as her lifestyle – this is something that grooms to be often forget! If your fiancé has a ‘hands on’ job, you may decide against the classic claw setting because of its tendency to catch easily.
Popular settings include:
• Claw setting: the stone is held in place by tiny ‘claws’ of metal.
• Bezel settings: in the full bezel setting, the stones are completely enclosed by metal with only the top surface visible. This is a secure setting, but the play of light on the stones is minimized. A popular alternative is the half-bezel, which reveals the sides of the stones.
• Channel settings: the stones are set in a row along a metal channel.
• Tension settings: the two ends of the ring grip the stone.
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About De Beers Group Marketing
The Diamond Trading Company (DTC), part of the De Beers Group, reorganised during the summer of 2007. The reorganisation means that the former DTC marketing department is now a separately managed independent division called De Beers Group Marketing. All other activities previously conducted by the DTC continue to be conducted by the DTC.
De Beers Group Marketing will focus on three core activities:
- the development and marketing of “big ideas” like Trilogy and Journey which have proved so successful at driving demand
- the continuing exploration and development of the FOREVERMARK programme
- maintaining consumer confidence in diamonds
