Selected Saffar Investments

In 2001, Saffar acquired 60% of Zawya, the premier business information provider in the MENA region. Saffar moved Zawya’s headquarters from London to Dubai and redesigned the business model to move from strictly an advertising based to a subscription based service based on proprietary, high quality content. In the seven years Saffar has owned the company, revenues have grown at CAGR of 75% and the number of employees has increased from 6 to over 150. Zawya is now widely recognized as the leading provider of financial information on the MENA region and draws many of its clients from outside the Middle East.

Saffar Capital is a Dubai Financial Services Authority (DFSA) regulated financial services company that provides corporate finance advisory services to clients throughout the Middle East.

Saffar developed the concept for a regional investment bank and launched its vision in the Saudi Arabian market. Initially named Saudi Swiss Securities, Saffar managed the evolution of the company from its inception to being granted one of the first three licenses by the Capital Market Authority (CMA). In addition to being a founding investor in the company, Saffar directed aspects of the operational set-up and licensing of the institution. Among the seven shareholders, Saffar is the second largest after Credit Suisse.

Saffar took a minority position in the company in 2006. This Jordan based investment bank started operations in April 2007. Al Awael’s main business lines include financial brokerage, consulting, investments, margin financing and stock issuance.

Saffar acquired a large minority stage in the Bahrain-based telecommunication company in 2007. The firm possesses a comprehensive range of telecom licenses enabling tailor made communication services and was the first alternative telecoms operator in Bahrain.

In 2007, Saffar acquired a majority stake in John Charcol Middle East, the first mortgage broker in the UAE to be given a new mortgage consultancies license and the only mortgage broker to be a part of a foreign group. With John Charcol Middle East, Saffar aims to capitalize on the wide range of opportunities available throughout the regional property finance market.