MAIR Group Established in Abu Dhabi to Boost Food Security and Economic Diversification

Photo : Abu Dhabi Media Office

Abu Dhabi has welcomed the establishment of MAIR Group, a new strategic investment company poised to make significant contributions to the emirate’s economic growth and food security. The launch of MAIR Group marks a transformative step in business development, with a focus on advancing key sectors of the economy.

MAIR Group will oversee a diverse portfolio of established businesses, including the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society (ADCOOP). Founded in 1981, ADCOOP has grown substantially, especially after its merger in 2023 with Al Ain, Delma, and Al Dhafra cooperative societies. This expansion, authorized by the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED), is designed to enhance its impact on socio-economic development.

Additionally, MAIR Group will incorporate Makani Real Estate, known for its network of community malls and hubs, and SPAR, a premium European supermarket chain that has been a fixture in Abu Dhabi for over a decade. SPAR has ambitious plans to expand further in the Middle East.

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Operating with a vertical integration model, MAIR Group aims to support local economic growth while adhering to the UAE’s food security objectives. Mohammed Jumaa Al Shamsi, Chairman of MAIR Group, emphasized the company's commitment to enhancing the economic and social well-being of the UAE. “Our goal is to elevate the UAE’s economic and social landscape by leveraging global expertise, embracing new innovations, and deploying smart solutions. We aim to build strategic capacity in the food sector and collaborate with aligned businesses to unlock value and drive growth.”

Nehayan Al Ameri, CEO of MAIR Group, described the company’s launch as a pivotal moment for the industry. “MAIR represents a major milestone, combining the strengths of successful brands to make a significant impact on the food business landscape. We are committed to enriching UAE communities by building robust economic ecosystems within the food industry and expanding our portfolio to support the nation’s food security goals. Our strategic investment approach will help us capitalize on emerging opportunities in this dynamic market.”

MAIR Group has already established itself as a leading player in the UAE’s business landscape, reporting AED 2.34 billion in revenues for 2023. The company manages a network of over 120 food retail stores and more than 12 commercial community hubs across the country, serving over 65,000 customers daily and maintaining a 90 percent occupancy rate across 320,000 square meters of commercial real estate.

The company plans to expand its market presence through an increased number of physical stores, digital e-commerce opportunities, and the exploration of adjacent business activities. MAIR Group is also set to secure strategic locations for new grocery stores, aiming to enhance traffic and acquire businesses that align with its existing food retail operations. Sustainable and progressive investments will be prioritized to drive the company’s growth in the UAE and the wider region.

In alignment with the UAE’s food security agenda, MAIR Group is also committed to supporting local communities through various initiatives and partnerships. A key aspect of their strategy is Emiratisation, with the company employing 92 Emirati staff in 2023 and setting a target to onboard 400 Emirati employees over the next three years.

Looking ahead, MAIR Group plans to leverage Abu Dhabi’s stable and thriving economy to seize growth opportunities across its key sectors. The company aims to strengthen its core retail operations, expand regionally, and venture into new sectors in the future.