Dubai, UAE — UAE-listed investment company Amanat Holdings PJSC has announced a new long-term growth strategy aimed at strengthening its leadership in the GCC’s healthcare and education sectors while providing investors with predictable shareholder returns.

Approved by the company’s Board of Directors, the strategy combines a AED 1.5 billion investment programme, expansion across high-growth markets, and a three-year dividend policy targeting annual cash distributions of 7 fils per share.

The announcement marks a new phase for Amanat after several years of portfolio optimisation and balance-sheet strengthening.

Amanat Targets Long-Term Expansion Across the GCC

Healthcare and education continue to rank among the GCC’s fastest-growing sectors, supported by population growth, government reforms, increasing private sector participation, and rising demand for high-quality services.

Amanat believes these long-term trends provide a solid foundation for sustainable growth.

The company plans to deploy approximately AED 1.5 billion over the next three years through:

• organic business expansion;
• greenfield developments;
• selective acquisitions across the GCC and selected international markets.

Every investment will be evaluated using strict financial and strategic criteria, with management targeting a minimum return on equity (ROE) of 10%.

New Dividend Policy Aims to Deliver Stable Shareholder Returns

One of the strategy’s most significant announcements is the approval of a three-year dividend framework.

Under the policy, Amanat intends to recommend annual cash dividends equivalent to 7 fils per share, representing approximately 7% of the company’s issued share capital, subject to financial performance and shareholder approvals.

Dividend payments are expected to be made twice a year.

The company says the policy reflects confidence in its cash generation, financial position and future earnings while maintaining flexibility to finance expansion.

Financial Roadmap

Healthcare Remains a Core Growth Driver

Healthcare will remain one of Amanat’s primary investment priorities.

The company plans to expand Cambridge Health Group, currently one of the GCC’s leading providers of post-acute care, rehabilitation and long-term healthcare services.

Expansion plans include increasing capacity while pursuing acquisitions that strengthen Amanat’s regional position in specialised healthcare.

Growing demand for rehabilitation, ageing populations and increasing healthcare spending continue to create favourable market conditions across GCC countries.

Education Platform Continues Regional Expansion

Education represents Amanat’s second strategic pillar.

The company intends to grow Almasar Education through higher education, specialised education and selected K–12 opportunities.

Its education portfolio already includes:

• MDX Dubai;
• HDC in Saudi Arabia;
• NEMA Holding in Abu Dhabi.

Management expects continued demographic growth and increasing demand for private education across the region to support long-term expansion.

Strong Financial Position Supports Growth

According to Amanat, the company enters its next growth phase following several years of portfolio optimisation that improved financial flexibility and simplified its corporate structure.

The company reported growth in revenue, EBITDA and net profit during 2025, with positive momentum continuing into 2026.

Management believes its stronger balance sheet allows it to invest aggressively while maintaining disciplined capital allocation.

Leadership Highlights Long-Term Vision

Chairman Dr. Ali bin Harmal Aldhaheri described the strategy as defining Amanat’s ambitions for the coming decade.

He said healthcare and education remain among the most resilient sectors regardless of economic cycles because they provide essential services while benefiting from long-term demographic trends.

Chief Executive Officer John Ireland said the company has already identified a pipeline of expansion projects, greenfield developments and acquisition opportunities that will be assessed using disciplined investment criteria.

Why the Strategy Matters

The announcement comes as GCC governments continue encouraging greater private investment in healthcare and education.

Population growth, longer life expectancy, expanding middle-income households and national diversification programmes continue to increase demand for both sectors.

For investors, Amanat’s strategy attempts to balance two priorities:

• consistent dividend income;
• long-term capital appreciation through disciplined acquisitions and expansion.

If executed successfully, the plan could strengthen Amanat’s position as one of the GCC’s leading listed operators focused exclusively on healthcare and education assets.

Key Takeaways

• Amanat will invest approximately AED 1.5 billion over the next three years.
• The company targets ROE of at least 10%.
• A new dividend policy aims to distribute 7 fils per share annually, subject to approvals.
• Healthcare and education remain the company’s core investment sectors.
• Expansion will combine organic growth, greenfield projects and selective acquisitions.
• Cambridge Health Group and Almasar Education will lead future growth initiatives.

Source and image credit: Amanat Holdings PJSC
Photo: Dr. Ali bin Harmal Aldhaheri, Chairman of the Board of Directors

FAQ

What is Amanat’s new investment strategy?

The company plans to invest around AED 1.5 billion over the next three years through business expansion, new developments and acquisitions across healthcare and education.

What dividend will Amanat pay?

The Board intends to target minimum annual dividends of 7 fils per share, subject to financial performance and shareholder approval.

Which sectors does Amanat operate in?

Amanat focuses on healthcare and education businesses across the GCC and selected international markets.

Why are healthcare and education attractive sectors?

Both industries benefit from long-term demographic growth, rising demand, government support and increasing private-sector participation, making them relatively resilient during economic cycles.