NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

For Al Tamimi Investments (ATI), channelling its private capital for social benefit is reaping more than financial returns for its businesses.

ATI was founded in 2006 by Emirati business leader Essam Al Tamimi and Rachael Wunsch, an accomplished venture capitalist from Australia. Using personal capital gained from the success of his law firm Al Tamimi & Company, ATI sought to invest in businesses that would enrich and bring value to the UAE community.

Although ATI did not realise it at the time, the company had adopted what the global markets now refer to as impact investing, making investments with the aim to solve social or environmental challenges while generating financial profit. JPMorgan predicts that by 2020 there could be between $400 billion and $1 trillion invested this way.

Today, ATI subsidiaries represent a broad range of sectors including real estate, early education, facilities management, healthcare, hospitality, retail, and consulting. Collectively its companies generate over 1,200 jobs within the UAE and contribute in excess of AED 50 million to the local economy each year. However, at their core, ATI subsidiaries are anchored by missions to improve the communities in which they operate.

Emirates Home Nursing, established in 2010, stemmed from a very personal experience of ATI’s Chairman when he found no long-term care solutions for his frail parent. Operating in Dubai, the company now provides skilled nursing care, senior care, baby care and physiotherapy to more than 50 patients.