Established in the 1930's, the Al-Futtaim Group initially operated as a trading enterprise. Rapid development throughout the 1940’s and 50’s saw it establish itself regionally as an integrated commercial, industrial and services organisation, positioning itself one of the leading business houses in the lower Gulf region. Today, it operates collectively over 40 companies bearing the Al-Futtaim name, dominates many market segments in the UAE, and has expanded its sphere of operation to include Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman and Egypt.
The Group comprises a diverse range of strategically positioned operating subsidiaries and associate companies, structured to give the Al-Futtaim Group the flexibility and versatility to keep ahead of local competition while keeping pace with the ever-evolving global business scenario.
The Group’s continued investment in world-class systems technology is clear evidence of its commitment to maintain leading edge performance and service delivery.
The success of the Al-Futtaim Group can be attributed to a business approach that combines the ability to change with the traditional values of integrity, service and social responsibility that define its core business philosophy. This, linked with the Group’s belief in decentralisation, gives the heads of the operating companies a high degree of functional autonomy and authority, providing he Group with essential flexibility, and individual employees a clearly defined work culture and sense of responsibility.
In addition to a diverse business portfolio which comprises automotive, electronics, retail, watches and jewellery, travel, construction, engineering, marketing communications, logistics, insurance and real estate, the Group has business interests in Pakistan and Europe.
The Al-Futtaim Group represents many of the world’s leading brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Volvo, Chrysler, Jeep and Dodge, Panasonic, Toshiba, Sanyo, Aftron, Alcatel, IKEA, Ace, Marks & Spencer, Toys R Us, Seiko, Raymond Weil, Westar, Kolber and Minato Pearls.
The latest, most innovative development undertaken by Al-Futtaim is Dubai Festival City – a city within a city that covers 1,600 acres and stretches along 4km of the Dubai Creek shoreline.
This unique waterfront development is destined to become a globally renowned destination, offering an eclectic, world-class mix of entertainment, dining, shopping, a marina, hotels, residential and office components. Dubai Festival City's 18-hole championship standard Al Badia Golf Course has now opened to VIP invitational play and the feedback has been extremely positive with some guests declaring it "the best they've ever played." Pay-and play will now be phased in gradually over the coming months.
