Amman, Jordan– (August 2008)– The operation profit of Al-Eqbal Investment Company for the first half of the current year amounts to (4.466.711) dinars in comparison with (817.984) dinars for the same period of 2007 whereas the net profit for the current period amounts to (4.500.997) dinars after deducting the taxes in comparison with (5.271.958) dinars for the same period of the previous year including (4.054.958) dinars as a result of selling stocks.

The Company sales for the first six months of this year increased to reach (35.220.048) dinars in comparison with (26.436.642) dinars for the same period of 2007. At the same time the shareholders property rights in the company for the current year amount to (33.653.427) dinars in comparison with (39.348.475) dinars on 31/12/2007 with a decrease of (5.695.048) dinars in spite of the distribution of (10) million dinars in cash to shareholders. The assets amount to (72.213.803) dinars in comparison with (74.105.605) dinars on 31/12/2007.

Mr. Tawfiq Fakhori, Chairman of the Board, stated:

“Careful planning on the part of the management and the concerted efforts of all the Company teams led to attaining these figures (mentioned before). Our cadre comprises the best experts in various fields, especially that we continually train them. We keep motivating our employees by providing them with incentives and privileges as a token of appreciation for their efforts. We strive to prompt ongoing productivity and growth, which logically brings us closer to realizing our set goals,”

These results were made possible through the companys investment in the production and distribution of Alfakher Tobacco. The results for the first six months of this year show that the profit of Alfakher Company for Tobacco Trade and Agencies amounts to (4.100.390) dinars. It is important here to acknowledge that the company owns Alfakher Factory for Tobacco Trade in Ajman which produces Alfakher Tobacco and exports these products to more than 45 countries. At the same time the cigarette production operation profit amounts to (496.740) dinars in comparison with (1.100.00) loss in the same period of the previous year. These results were made possible by the company’s commitment to the manufacturing of high quality products at suitable prices in spite of the increase of production costs during the previous period, and the company's commitment to paying all taxes and customs.

Mr. Fakhori added that one of the most important achievements made by Eqbal Investments was the restructuring and changing of name during the first half of the year 2008, accordingly, Al-Eqbal became the legal successor of the International Tobacco & Cigarette Company for all activities in the local and regional market and all financial, administrative, legal and judicial rights.

Al-Eqbal Investment Company became an Investment Company with the following subsidiaries:

1-International Tobacco & Cigarette Company WLL. The capital of the company amounts to 30 thousand dinars with 100% possession and specialized in the manufacturing and distribution of cigarette and tobacco products. The company is 100% owned by Al-Eqbal.

2- Alfakher for Tobacco Trade and Agencies Company. The capital of the company is 30 thousand dinars with 100% possession and specialized in the distribution of flavored tobacco within the Jordanian market. The company owns Alfakher for Tobacco Trade Company (Ajman).

3- Arab Cigarette Distribution Company Ltd. The capital of the company is 30 thousand dinars with 100% possession and specializes in the distribution of cigarette and tobacco products in the Special Economic Region of Aqaba.

At the same time Eqbal Investments established a department at the beginning of this year, to prepare and manufacture blends (mixtures) of tobacco to upgrade the quality of present and future products. The Company also fully furbished the new building of the Alfakher factory in the Emirate of Ajman (UAE). The Company now owns the new factory, a step it made to reduce the annual running costs in the old factory.

To this effect, Mr. Fakhouri added, “We, at Al-Eqbal Investments, steadily keep our pioneering position through proper analysis and studies, to enhance our production capacity. We aim to maximize our sales and expand our local and export markets. And we also keep a vigilant eye on cutting costs, in addition to contributing to developing the Jordanian community and its economy under the wise leadership of wise King, King Abdullah the Second and his government.”