- Hungry for more success, IFA has set out an aggressive expansion program covering the tourism sector and other fast moving areas. Already a major player in parts of Europe, South Africa, and Dubai, there are big ambitions ahead. “We look at ourselves as a regional company but we would like to become a global company,” says Jassim M. Al-Bahar, Chairman and Managing Director. “When?: the sooner, the better.”

- The ambitions are there for all to see with the high profile Palm Jumeirah luxury resort now underway in Dubai in which IFA holds a substantial interest. Elsewhere, its portfolio includes the Sheraton Algarve in Portugal – its first tourism venture abroad – while there are plans to open up the Indian Ocean market, including Mauritius and the Maldives.

- The emphasis is always on a high quality tourism product. As well as resort development the company is targeting a fairly new concept in part time yacht ownership. Already well established in Dubai, there are plans for other international yachting subsidiaries to be opened including IFA Cannes this summer and IFA Beirut from September. Other markets are being looked at. “We will have three yachts placed in strategic locations,” says Mr. Al-Bahar. “We follow our client – we follow the Arab tourist.”