one of Saudi Arabia's leading commercial enterprises — announced Thursday that it has begun to implement plans to invest close to $2 billion in the country over the next five years, with $0.5b already earmarked for 2016. This series of new investments is part of the businesses' long-term expansion plans in the Saudi Arabian market, and its contribution to the growth of the local economy, across a range of industries. Abdul Latif Jameel is a 70-year old diversified business with one of the region's leading automotive distributors, and one of the most established automotive consumer finance businesses in Saudi Arabia. Mohammed Abdul Latif Jameel, chairman of the board and chief executive officer of Abdul Latif Jameel, commented: "Saudi Arabia is an evolving economy and our new investments are based on what we see as continued opportunity and potential for future growth. The economy today is going through a remarkable transition, with a range of diversification initiatives being implemented by the government. This, along with a dynamic consumer market and a growing population, offer significant potential for local and international investors." The announced investments are being funded internally by Abdul Latif Jameel, and are expected to create thousands of new jobs in Saudi Arabia, across the automotive, real estate, logistics and financial services sectors. Abdul Latif Jameel Motors will be expanding its network into new cities, increasing the number of customer contact locations, and increasing its total service capacity for its Toyota related brands. New auto-logistics centers will also be developed, in addition to upgrading existing retail and service facilities. Investments will also be made through Abdul Latif Jameel's real estate division, Abdul Latif Jameel Land, a residential property developer in Saudi Arabia that focuses on projects designed to meet the country's growing demand for contemporary housing. This overall investment plan also includes new initiatives in financial services, as well as exploring new opportunities in the manufacturing sector. [1]Abdul Latif Jameel will also be investing in a new eco-friendly and energy efficient headquarters in Jeddah, which will cover 40,000 square meters, with capacity for up to 2,500 employees. In order to identify further growth drivers in the Saudi Arabian market, the company recently established Abdul Latif Jameel Investments. This new division will leverage the Company's local knowledge and experience, to identify further opportunities, through direct investment, partnership, or inward investment. Abdul Latif Jameel refers broadly to distinct separate and independent legal entities whose interests encompass automotive distribution, auto parts manufacturing, financial services, renewable energy, environmental services, land and real estate development, logistics, electronics retailing and media services. Abdul Latif Jameel positions itself as a preferred business partner primarily for inward investment into the Middle East, North Africa and Turkey (MENAT) region. — SG
