Dubai Investments on Monday delivered a strong Dh1.1 billion net profit attributable to shareholders of the company in 2015 and said earnings per share will be amounted to Dh0.27.

Excluding the previous year's one-off profit of Dh472 million on the 66 per cent divestment of Globalpharma this represents an increase of 27 per cent compared to Dh871 million net profit achieved in 2014. Return generated on average equity was 10.3 per cent according to a statement issued by the company.

"We have once again delivered strong results against the backdrop of a challenging environment. This underpins the diverse nature and adaptability of our businesses which enable us to take advantage of varied opportunities that arises in the market from time to time" Khalid bin Kalban managing director and chief executive of Dubai Investments said.

The leading diversified investment company which is listed on the Dubai Financial Market said the net profit in fourth quarter of 2015 rose to Dh357 million reflecting a year-on-year increase of 2.7 per cent compared to Dh348 million in same quarter of 2014. It further said total assets rose by Dh1 billion to Dh15.5 billion as at December 31 2015 an increase of seven per cent compared to Dh14.5 billion at the end of 2014.

"As part of the Group strategy we have now ventured into the healthcare and education sectors as these are areas which we believe will benefit from significant growth in the future. We have also tapped into promising markets across the GCC and Africa to further strengthen our position as a regional powerhouse" Kalban added.

During 2015 Dubai Investments acted upon its plans to enhance its geographical footprint in Saudi Arabia by entering into a joint venture to develop Riyadh Investment Park a project targeted at meeting the rising demands for warehousing and industrial real estate in the eastern part of Riyadh.

Furthermore the company also raised its stakes in Al Mal Capital and Emirates Float Glass and made investments in King's College Hospital Dubai and the Dubai campus of MODUL University. The group also successfully divested its stakes in rubber companies held by its subsidiary Masharie realising an impressive IRR of 18 per cent.

"In 2016 Dubai Investments will continue to target new opportunities with a focus on increasing its asset base strengthening bottom line and improving operational efficiency" Kalban said.

He said the fundamentals of the UAE economy are strong and diversification is increasing the country's resilience to macroeconomic risks.

"Infrastructure development will be a key factor this year as we expect the Dubai government to begin mobilising Expo 2020 related projects towards the end of this year" he said.

Incorporated in 1995 Dubai Investments owns 41 subsidiaries joint ventures and associates across a diverse range of sectors and continues to seek new investment opportunities in new sectors locally and internationally as part of its strategic roadmap. It has over 19800 shareholders and a paid-up capital of Dh4 billion.