Global Holding's H1 Profits Soar to AED 10.8 Billion, Signaling Robust Growth

IHC Powers Through H1 2025 with Record AED 10.8 Billion Profit Surge

International Holding Company (IHC) delivered one of its strongest quarterly performances on record, posting AED 10.8 billion in net profit for the first half of 2025 as revenues jumped 31.1% to AED 54.7 billion. The Abu Dhabi conglomerate's diversified portfolio strategy is paying dividends, with real estate leading the charge alongside aggressive expansion into digital assets and reinsurance platforms.

Diversification Strategy Delivers Exceptional Growth

IHC's second quarter alone generated AED 6.7 billion in net profit, representing a remarkable 55.3% year-over-year increase. This performance underscores the effectiveness of the company's multi-sector approach, which has positioned it as one of the Gulf's most dynamic investment vehicles.

The real estate and construction division emerged as the primary growth engine, contributing 41.4% of total group revenues with AED 22.6 billion—a 47.8% annual increase. This surge reflects the continued strength of UAE property markets, where demand for residential and commercial units remains robust despite global economic uncertainties.

Marine Construction and Hospitality Show Strong Momentum

IHC's marine construction and dredging operations generated AED 14.1 billion in revenues, up 10.8% from the previous year. This growth signals the company's successful international expansion strategy, particularly as Gulf states continue massive infrastructure development projects.

Perhaps most impressive was the hospitality and entertainment sector's 72% revenue surge to AED 4.9 billion, driven by strategic acquisitions and the post-pandemic travel recovery. This performance mirrors similar hospitality booms seen across Dubai and other regional tourism hubs.

Financial Services and Energy: The New Growth Frontiers

IHC's financial services division posted AED 1.8 billion in revenues with 21.4% growth, while its energy sector exploded with 161.3% growth to AED 0.4 billion. These figures reflect the company's strategic pivot toward high-growth sectors that align with global energy transition trends.

The company's earnings per share reached AED 2.49, while return on equity hit 10.8%—metrics that place IHC among the top-performing conglomerates in the region. Total assets expanded to AED 436.9 billion by June 30, 2025, representing an 8.7% increase from year-end 2024.

Strategic Initiatives Signal Digital Asset Ambitions

Beyond traditional sectors, IHC made significant moves into emerging markets during the first half of 2025. The company partnered with ADQ and First Abu Dhabi Bank to develop a dirham-backed stablecoin, positioning itself at the forefront of the UAE's digital currency initiatives.

This crypto venture follows similar moves by other Gulf sovereign wealth funds and investment companies, as the region seeks to establish itself as a global digital asset hub. The timing appears strategic, coinciding with increased regulatory clarity and institutional adoption worldwide.

Infrastructure and Reinsurance Platforms Launch

IHC also launched "Gridora," a national infrastructure acceleration platform developed with ADQ and Modon, targeting the UAE's massive infrastructure pipeline. Additionally, the company unveiled "RIQ," a global reinsurance platform created in partnership with BlackRock and Lonette.

These initiatives demonstrate IHC's evolution from a traditional holding company into a platform creator, leveraging its capital base to build entire ecosystems rather than simply acquiring existing assets.

Market Implications and Future Outlook

IHC's performance reflects broader trends reshaping Gulf economies: diversification away from oil dependence, aggressive international expansion, and early adoption of financial technology innovations. The company's success provides a template for how regional conglomerates can leverage abundant capital to build globally competitive platforms.

For investors, IHC's results signal that the UAE's economic transformation strategy is generating tangible returns. The company's ability to deliver consistent growth across multiple sectors while maintaining strong margins suggests its diversification model is sustainable rather than merely opportunistic.

CEO Syed Basar Shueb emphasized the company's commitment to "shaping vital future sectors" while connecting innovative companies with long-term capital and operational excellence. This positioning suggests IHC will continue pursuing transformative investments rather than traditional asset accumulation strategies.

As regional markets face ongoing geopolitical uncertainties and global economic headwinds, IHC's diversified approach and strong cash generation capability position it well to capitalize on market dislocations while maintaining growth momentum across its expanding portfolio.