Hisham Ahmed Al Rayes, GFH's chief executive officer and board member. The Bahrain-based lender got central bank approval for an offer to sell its property portfolio. By Phil Weymouth for The National
Hisham Ahmed Al Rayes, GFH's chief executive officer and board member. The Bahrain-based lender got central bank approval for an offer to sell its property portfolio. By Phil Weymouth for The National
Hisham Ahmed Al Rayes, GFH's chief executive officer and board member. The Bahrain-based lender got central bank approval for an offer to sell its property portfolio. By Phil Weymouth for The National
Hisham Ahmed Al Rayes, GFH's chief executive officer and board member. The Bahrain-based lender got central bank approval for an offer to sell its property portfolio. By Phil Weymouth for The National

Bahrain's GFH gets central bank approval for $1bn property sale


Deena Kamel
  • English
  • Arabic

GFH Financial Group, the Bahraini Sharia-compliant investment company, said it got "conditional approval" from the central bank on an offer to sell its real estate portfolio.

The Manama-based company has received a $1 billion (Dh3.67bn) offer to sell its property portfolio, GFH said in a statement to the Dubai Financial Market on Sunday, where its shares are traded. It expects to receive an upfront payment ranging from $259 million to $380m, with the remainder based on a joint development agreement over five years.

"The transaction will be subject to GFH’s shareholders approval prior to execution," the company said.

In May, GFH said it received an offer to exit its property portfolio. At the time, the offer was under study and due diligence, as well as subject to board and regulatory approvals. The group, which is listed on the Bahrain bourse and the DFM, is also seeking a cross-listing in Saudi Arabia's stock market Tadawul, the region's biggest index by market capitalisation.

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In August, the company said its second-quarter profit rose 19 per cent to $36m from the same period a year ago, boosted by income from investment deals and declining operating expenses.

Earlier this year, GFH acquired 85 per cent of the UAE retail app, The Entertainer, in a deal which gives it about 5 to 10 per cent control of the company, while GFH manages the remaining stake on behalf of the investors.

GFH will invest up to $150m in The Entertainer throughout the holding period. UAE family conglomerates Al Futtaim and Al Zarooni have also acquired "significant" minority stakes in the app and will partner with GFH to extend its reach.

Our legal columnist

Name: Yousef Al Bahar

Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994

Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers

Freezer tips

  • Always make sure food is completely cool before freezing.
  • If you’re cooking in large batches, divide into either family-sized or individual portions to freeze.
  • Ensure the food is well wrapped in foil or cling film. Even better, store in fully sealable, labelled containers or zip-lock freezer bags.
  • The easiest and safest way to defrost items such as the stews and sauces mentioned is to do so in the fridge for several hours or overnight.
Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

UAE v Gibraltar

What: International friendly

When: 7pm kick off

Where: Rugby Park, Dubai Sports City

Admission: Free

Online: The match will be broadcast live on Dubai Exiles’ Facebook page

UAE squad: Lucas Waddington (Dubai Exiles), Gio Fourie (Exiles), Craig Nutt (Abu Dhabi Harlequins), Phil Brady (Harlequins), Daniel Perry (Dubai Hurricanes), Esekaia Dranibota (Harlequins), Matt Mills (Exiles), Jaen Botes (Exiles), Kristian Stinson (Exiles), Murray Reason (Abu Dhabi Saracens), Dave Knight (Hurricanes), Ross Samson (Jebel Ali Dragons), DuRandt Gerber (Exiles), Saki Naisau (Dragons), Andrew Powell (Hurricanes), Emosi Vacanau (Harlequins), Niko Volavola (Dragons), Matt Richards (Dragons), Luke Stevenson (Harlequins), Josh Ives (Dubai Sports City Eagles), Sean Stevens (Saracens), Thinus Steyn (Exiles)

Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes

Cheat’s nigiri 
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.

Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.

Deconstructed sushi salad platter 
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.