Emaar Properties has entered the most exciting stage in Dubai's young history. In 2013, when more than 160 countries chose the UAE to host EXPO 2020 in Dubai, it was a loud vote of confidence in our city, our leadership and our people.
The winning bid was a confirmation by the international community that Dubai can achieve only exceptional results. The constant desire to be extraordinary is what has made Emaar a national champion company of Dubai and the UAE.
Over the past 17 years, Emaar has redefined the dynamics of real estate development, which now serves as a model for other companies around the world. We have always believed in the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, who reminds us that in order to reach new horizons, we must go beyond our personal borders.
Our driving force, of course, was the trust that our shareholders placed in us. They supported us as we shaped the city's skyline, built the world's largest shopping mall, created world-class hotels and expanded our presence in international markets.
Our shareholders have given us the opportunity to participate in the amazing transformation of our city into a global center. They built Dubai as an unusual city in one of the best nations in the world, and they made us who we are today – one of the most valuable and respected companies in the world.
We see the transformation around us as promising opportunities to create a new Emaar. We use the potential of Dubai as one of the world's leading centers of business, leisure and fashion, as well as the opportunities of fast-growing international markets. We are implementing our strategy to make our fast-growing enterprises independent profit centers, and we will continue to build smart cities of the future.
We are honing our strategy to become one of the most valuable, most innovative and respected companies in the world. Our goal is to be an invincible company that creates tremendous value for our shareholders, stakeholders and the economy.