Abu Dhabi, May 25, 2005: The National Investor (TNI), the leading UAE investment and merchant banking firm today announced the appointment of Emile Habib as the Managing Director to head the Real Estate Division. The appointment reflects the company’s commitment to providing asset classes related to the industry and in particular illustrates TNI’s belief about the potential of the real estate market in the UAE.
Commenting on the appointment, Dr. Karim El Solh, Chief Executive Officer of The National Investor, said: “The National Investor is the first company to provide real estate and merchant banking investment services in the UAE. With the real estate industry booming in the Emirates, I believe the company is committed to the industry and will therefore benefit from Emile’s skills and experience. We are always looking to maintain a solid position in the market and Emile will be an asset to TNI and instrumental in enhancing the reputation of the company. I am also confident that he will be pivotal to the company’s continued growth and success.”
With more than 18 years of experience in global real estate investments, asset management, mortgage finance and trading, Mr. Habib brings a wealth of local and international banking knowledge and insight to his role. Mr. Habib was the Portfolio Manager at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s (ADIA) Real Estate Department. During his 11 year tenure at ADIA, he was responsible for developing global investment strategies, sourcing deals, acquiring, managing and disposing of investments.
Mr. Habib also managed ADIA’s global direct and indirect real estate portfolios, which included closed and open ended funds investments as well as real estate listed securities portfolios. He was also the Hotel Portfolio Manager and served as member of the board of all investing companies. As the hotel portfolio manager, Mr Habib managed the renovation of over 1,000 rooms for landmark hotel properties in London, Berlin and Istanbul. Prior to coming to the UAE, Mr. Habib worked at the Republic National Bank of New York for as an Assistant Vice President for eight years. His responsibilities included securitizing and trading mortgage portfolios. Mr. Habib, who is as a board director for Colliers International, holds BSc Finance from Indiana University and is registered for the CFA Level III exam.
About the National Investor: The National Investor (TNI) is a leading UAE investment and advisory firm with a distinguished track record in investment banking, private equity, real estate and asset management. The Company is backed by over 80 UAE shareholders who come from the highest echelons of the business and political community. TNI is actively involved in investment banking, private equity, real estate and asset management and is currently ranked as the leading arranger of public share offerings, having lead managed the largest number of public offerings in the UAE to date. For more information, please visit www.nationalinvestor.ae.