
Markaz real estate products deliver high performance and returns for 2024
As one of Kuwait's first real estate funds, MREF has consistently delivered stable returns over its 22-year history, achieving an impressive 7.7% IRR per annum. This track record reflects Markaz's extensive expertise in real estate investment and wealth management, built over the past five decades. This has helped Markaz garner awards and accolades from prestigious publications such as Euromoney, EMEA Finance, MEED, Global Finance, and Global Investor, further solidifying its reputation as a trusted partner in wealth creation.
Markaz continues to offer stable investment opportunities through its real estate products, which are now available for all residents in Kuwait, from across all nationalities, in accordance to the new law on foreigner investments in Kuwait. MREF pays monthly cash dividends and provides platform for real estate investment in Kuwait through properties spanning various sectors and geographies, and sector diversification with Sharia compliance.
Executive Vice President of MENA Real Estate at Markaz, Mr. Milad Elia commented: "As one of the longest-standing real estate funds in Kuwait, MREF has consistently delivered stable returns through a well-diversified portfolio of local properties, in compliance with Islamic Shariah principles. Our team efficiently manages the portfolios, ensuring sustainable levels of occupancy and net rental income rates, further enhancing the Fund's resilience and steady returns. MREF has been resilient across various economic cycles, due to its diversified prime assets, stable rental income, proactive asset management, conservative financial strategy, market adaptability and strong governance.'
Managing Director of Wealth Management and Business Development at Markaz, Mr. Abdullatif Al-Nusif said: "At Markaz, we have remained committed to delivering high-yield investment opportunities that provide stable and consistent monthly distributions, ensuring long-term value for our investors. Our ability to navigate market trends, backed by the expertise of our dedicated team, allows us to continuously refine our strategies and optimize returns. The inclusion of real estate in asset allocation is critical for portfolio diversification, and Markaz's real estate products provide investors with access to different asset classes and stable income streams. As we build on our strong legacy, we remain focused on offering innovative solutions that empower our clients and strengthen Markaz's position as a leader in wealth management."
Real estate investment through the MREF Fund provides the investors with access to select portfolio of properties. Unlike direct property ownership, investing in real estate funds encompasses professional management of the Fund, and the underlying investments are monitored by the Fund and property manager. Additionally, the Fund structure is per regulatory guidelines and has its own auditors, custodian, investment controller and registrar. This structure helps mitigate investors' exposure to operational risks and other challenges associated with direct ownership in real estate. Furthermore, investment in real estate funds offers diversification of the properties, reducing risk by spreading investment across multiple selected properties.
Subscription is based on unit selection, offering a liquid investment structure, with the flexibility to increase investments in small or large amounts. Investors can also benefit from the power of compounding with regular contributions. Digital subscription to the Fund can be completed through the iMarkaz app for a seamless onboarding process.MREF's assets under management (AUM) currently stand at KD 79 million, while Markaz's MENA Real Estate portfolio's AUM totals KD 298 million. This growth has been achieved due to Markaz's hands-on approach to managing income-generating and value-add properties across Kuwait and the MENA region.
Important info
Fund manager: Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C "Markaz". Kuwait City, Al Mirqab, Al Soor Street, Burj Alshaya, Floor 8, Tel: +965 2224 8000, P.O. Box 23444, Safat 13095, State of Kuwait
Fund Executive Committee Members: Ghazi Al Osaimi, Milad Elia, Khaled Al-Mubaraki
To get a copy of the Fund's Articles of Association, the subscription form and the financial statement of the fund, please visit our website: www.markaz.com
Disclaimer
This announcement is prepared for promotional purposes and has been approved by Markaz. This announcement does not disguise, diminish, or obscure important items from the investment subject of promotion. Investments in funds are subject to market risks. There can be no assurance or guarantee that the investment will produce any returns. Prospective Investors must therefore be aware of and understand that such investment carries a significant degree of risk of loss of their capital; the dividend rate cannot be predicted or guaranteed. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future performance. Before investing, prospective investors must carefully examine the Articles of Association and all Fund-related documents to be aware of the investment methods, including the merits and risks involved.
-Ends-
About Kuwait Financial Centre 'Markaz'
Established in 1974, Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C 'Markaz' is one of the leading asset management and investment banking institutions in the MENA region with total assets under management of over KD 1.41 billion (USD 4.57 billion) as of 31 December 2024. Markaz was listed on the Boursa Kuwait in 1997. Over the years, Markaz has pioneered innovation through the creation of new investment channels. These channels enjoy unique characteristics and helped Markaz widen investors' horizons. Examples include Mumtaz (the first domestic mutual fund), MREF (the first real estate investment fund in Kuwait), Forsa Financial Fund (the first options market maker in the GCC since 2005), and the GCC Momentum Fund (the first passive fund of its kind in Kuwait and across GCC that follows the momentum methodology), all conceptualized, established, and managed by Markaz.
For further information, please contact:
Sondos Saad
Corporate Communications Department
Kuwait Financial Centre K.P.S.C. "Markaz"
Email: Ssaad@markaz.com
markaz.com
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Sharjah 24
4 days ago
- Sharjah 24
AQU's BoT hails Sharjah Ruler for record budget, 500 scholarships
He affirmed that His Highness's approval of the largest budget in the university's history for the academic year 2025–2026 marks a significant milestone in its journey and reflects His Highness's commitment to empowering youth from around the world to continue their university education within a fully integrated academic environment. Comprehensive Budget Supporting Educational Programmes and Research The approved budget encompasses support for academic programmes, educational facilities and infrastructure, in addition to enhancing scientific research and community service—ensuring a stimulating and suitable academic and training environment for students. 500 Scholarships for Students from Around the Globe Al Turaifi praised His Highness's approval of 500 scholarships for male and female students from various countries who have been accepted into the university's different faculties for the first semester of the 2025–2026 academic year. Diverse Student Body from 133 Nationalities He pointed out that the number of nationalities currently enrolled at the university has reached 133, reflecting its growing international standing and continued efforts to attract students from diverse cultures. This is within an educational environment that celebrates tolerance and embraces a global mix of students accepted into its colleges, namely: Sharia and Islamic Studies, Arts and Humanities, Economics and Management, Communication, and Holy Quran. Visionary Support for Global Educational Excellence He affirmed that this budget and the scholarships illustrate His Highness's visionary outlook and deep dedication to the dissemination of knowledge, providing a comprehensive university environment that promotes the university's global leadership. This, in turn, supports efforts to attract students from across the world, enabling them to serve their nations and contribute to their advancement and development. Strategic Direction and Academic Expansion Members of the Board of Trustees and the Chancellor of AQU commended the unlimited support provided by His Highness the Ruler of Sharjah, noting that such support forms the foundational pillar upon which the university builds its academic programmes, enhances its academic capabilities, and expands its scientific and research presence regionally and internationally—particularly with the launch of the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research during the current academic year. New Strategic Plan for 2025–2030 Al Turaifi explained that AQU has begun implementing its new strategic plan for 2025–2030, which is based on a range of national and international frameworks. The plan is built on core pillars that include: quality education and learning, scientific research, student and graduate development, strengthening governance and institutional effectiveness, community service, and integration with the industrial sector. Towards a Globally Recognised Academic Beacon This strategic plan aims to realise the university's vision of becoming a globally recognised academic beacon that embraces multiculturalism, in parallel with the launch of the College of Graduate Studies and Scientific Research .


Sharjah 24
6 days ago
- Sharjah 24
SIB reports AED 697.2 million net profit in H1 2025
Income from investments in Islamic financing and sukuk grew by AED 113.6 million, or 6.4%, reaching AED 1.9 billion in the first half of 2025, compared to AED 1.8 billion in the first half of 2024. Meanwhile, total distributions to depositors and Sukuk holders amounted to AED 1.1 billion, compared to AED 1.0 billion, reflecting the Bank's stability in net income and its ability to balance financing growth with an equitable profit distribution mechanism that aligns with Sharia principles. It also demonstrates SIB's resilience in maintaining consistent income even in the face of volatile funding costs and competitive pricing pressures in the market . Sharjah Islamic Bank continues to emphasize the diversification of its revenue base, as evidenced by a significant growth in the net fee and commission income which rose sharply by 53.5% to AED 276.0 million in the first half of 2025, up from AED 179.8 million in the first half of 2024. As a result, the Bank recorded total operating income of AED 1.2 billion, an increase of AED 133.5 million, or 13.0%, compared to AED 1.0 billion in the same period last year. This upward trend reflects SIB's ability to maintain stable operating income in a challenging economic environment while effectively capitalizing on opportunities across various economic sectors . Total general and administrative expenses for the first half of 2025 amounted to AED 405.4 million, an increase of 16.9% compared to AED 346.9 million in the same period of 2024. This rise is mainly attributed to the Bank's continued investment in human capital, technology, and operational infrastructure to support business expansion and improve customer service. Despite the increase in expenses, the Bank's net operating income before impairment provisions reached AED 757.2 million, compared to AED 682.1 million in the first half of 2024, reflecting a 11.0% increase, which shows the Bank's ability to absorb cost pressures while maintaining stable profitability, reinforcing its operational efficiency and sound financial management . The Bank recorded a net reversal of impairment provisions of AED 9.3 million during the first half of 2025, compared to an impairment provision of AED 67.3 million in the first half of 2024, reflecting a significant improvement in the quality of the financing portfolio as well as prudent credit risk management and successful recovery efforts. This positive development contributed significantly to the 25% increase in profit after tax, which reached AED 697.2 million, compared to AED 558.7 million in the same period last year. These results confirm the effectiveness of the Bank's risk mitigation strategies and its commitment to preserving asset quality amid a changing global economic environment . On the balance sheet side, total assets increased by AED 5.5 billion, or 6.9%, to reach AED 84.7 billion as of June 30, 2025 compared to AED 79.2 billion at the end of the previous year. This is backed by increase in total customer financing to AED 43.0 billion, compared to AED 38.1 billion at the end of 2024, marking a 12.9% increase . Customer deposits amounted to AED 52.7 billion, compared to AED 51.8 billion at the end of the previous year. As a result, the financing to deposit ratio stood at 81.5%, compared to 73.6% at the end of the previous year . SIB continued to maintain a strong liquidity ratio of 21.1% of total assets, amounting to AED 17.8 billion, compared to 21.6% at the end of the previous year . The return on assets and return on equity also increased, reaching 1.70% and 14.88%, respectively, compared to 1.44% and 12.76% for the previous year .


Zawya
6 days ago
- Zawya
Proceeds from GCC IPOs decline 6% in H1 2025 to $3.4bln
GCC IPO markets were shaped by significant geopolitical shifts in the first half of 2025, with proceeds declining 6% to $3.4 billion from the previous year's $3.6 billion raised, according to Kuwaiti research firm Markaz. In a year impacted by economic uncertainty, oil price volatility and US tariffs threatening to ignite a global trade war, the GCC still managed to outpace the previous year in terms of offerings with 24 listings, compared to the 23 recorded in H1 2024. According to Markaz, Saudi Arabia still took the top spot, raising $2.86 billion from IPOs in the first half of the year, through 22 offerings, a notable rise from the $2.1 billion raised in 2024, across 19 offerings. The kingdom's figure constituted to 85% of the total GCC IPO proceeds raised during the year, representing a 36% increase in IPO value compared to H1 2024. The most notable decline was reported by the UAE, which raised $163 million in 2025, dropping 88% from the $1.32 billion raised from IPOs in H1 2024. In 2024, the UAE's offerings constituted 37% of total GCC IPO proceeds, across three offerings. Markaz reported Alpha Data's IPO as the only one for the year, which did not include Dubai Holding's $584 million residential real estate investment trust, which surged more than 13% on its trading debut on May 28. Elsewhere, Oman's Asyad Shipping Company IPO was reported as one of the biggest trading debuts for the sultanate during the first half of the year, raising $333 million. The March 12 listing also achieved the highest gain at 835% by the end of H1 2025, according to Markaz. Saudi Arabia's Umm Al Qura for Development and Construction Company followed recording a gain of 51% during H1 2025. Flynas the largest IPO on Tadawul and the region during H1 2025 witnessed a 3.4% drop in the first day performance but ended the period recording a 0.2% drop compared to its offer price. Companies in the materials sector witnessed negative returns compared to their offer price, with Saudi's marble producer Hedab Alkhaleej Trading Co. witnessing a decrease of 30% in its share price during H1 2025, while the Nomu-listed Dkhoun National Trading Company decreased by 27% and Service Equipment Co. decreased by 26%. According to Markaz data, at the end of H1 2025, only 10 out of the 24 IPOs had shown positive return compared to their offer price, while Kuwait, Qatar, and Bahrain saw no IPOs during this period. GCC IPO pipeline Markaz reports Saudi is expected to continue its dominance in the IPO market with strong activity across multiple sectors. Upcoming IPOs include Sports Club Co., AlRamz Real Estate Company, National Unified Procurement Company, Tabby on the Main Market, along with Riyad Capital. The UAE expects to witness activity in the industrials and technology sectors, according to Markaz, with Etihad Airways and Amanat Holding Education platform expected before 2026 ends. (Writing by Bindu Rai, editing by Seban Scaria)