The year 2020 was a test for everyone, as COVID-19 disrupted lives and livelihoods. Now as organizations embark on the road to recovery, Family Businesses however they have been under duress to transform their business models and adapt to a constantly evolving digital world. With an increased focus on customer experience, most family businesses have taken significant measures to update their existing legacy systems and are already reaping the benefits of a digitally efficient operating model.
The newer generation have been taking bold steps to innovate and diversify the existing network of goodwill and resources by exploring not only conventional but unconventional business options such as blockchain, digital currencies and investment in up-and-coming technology start-ups.
The Forbes Middle East Family Business Summit will facilitate conversation on the increasing focus for a digitally driven business and will explore the latest trends, challenges and opportunities for family business groups in the region.
Walid heads Deloitte Private and the Global family solutions practice across the Middle East, covering over 15 countries. He is a leading expert in the area of family governance in the GCC and the MENA region. In 2017, Walid celebrates 35 years of professional experience working across the five continents, of which 20 years in his capacity as a family business advisor, serving elite business families in the Region. He is among the first to have advocated the need to introduce family governance to the Middle East, as a means to manage risk and preserve family wealth. Walid is also an international corporate finance Lawyer, and an accredited Mediator specialized in managing intergenerational conflicts.
Leads the McKinsey & company’s work in private equity and principal investors in Africa, Eastern Europe, and the Middle East, advising investment companies, sovereign-wealth funds, and diversified groups, including family-owned conglomerates, on investment, strategy, corporate finance, performance acceleration and turnaround, and governance. Ahmed supports sovereign-wealth funds, diversified family conglomerates, and investment companies as they seek investment opportunities, restructure portfolios, and institutionalize operating and governance models. Ahmed has served clients globally and brings a breadth of experience in investment and corporate strategy, finance, and corporate governance. His clients span many industries, including consumer goods, retail, construction, energy, infrastructure, media, telecommunications, and real estate. Based in Dubai, he brings an insider’s deep knowledge of and insight into regional dynamics and opportunities in the Middle East. Prior to joining McKinsey, Ahmed was a partner at a global consulting firm, where he established and led the firm’s family-business and investment-company work in the Middle East.
Background: Peter Englisch graduated from University of Münster, Germany, with a Master degree in Economics in 1991. He joined EY in October 1992 and was appointed as Partner on 1 January 2001. From 2002 until 2010 he was the Managing Partner for the Ruhr Region of EY, comprising of 3 Offices and 400 Employees at that time. In 2011 he was appointed as Global Leader for Family Business and set up EY´s Global Family Business Center of Excellence. On January 2018 he joined PwC as Global Family Business and EMEA Entrepreneurial & Private Business Leader.
Mr. Fahmi is the Co-Head of EFG Hermes Investment Banking, based in Dubai. He joined the firm in early 2006 after completing the Morgan Stanley Analyst Training program. Mr. Fahmi holds a BA in Accounting and Finance from the American University in Cairo, from where he graduated with high honors.
H.E. Dr. Nabeel Koshak is the CEO and Board Member of Saudi Venture Capital Company (SVC). Nabeel is the Founder and Angel Investor at Athaal Angel Investors Group. He is a Board Memebr of Middle East Venture Capital Association (MEVCA). Nabeel is the Chairman of GEN (Global Entrepreneurship Network) Saudi. He is a member of the Investment Committees of KAUST’s Innovation Fund. Nabeel is a startup mentor at Endeavor Saudi Arabia. Formerly, Nabeel was the Founding Dean of Prince Mohammad Bin Salman College (MBSC) of Business and Entrepreneurship in partnership with Babson College at King Abdullah Economic City. Nabeel was an Executive Advisor at Ministry of Economy and Planning and an Executive Advisor at Deloitte. Nabeel was the Co-Founder and the Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors of Wadi Makkah Company (Innovation Fund, Startup Accelerator, and Venture Capital Fund). He was a Board Member and the Chairman of the Investment Committee at King Abdulaziz and His Companions Foundation for Giftedness and Innovation (Mawhiba). Koshak was a Member of the Executive Committee of King Faisal International Prize. He was a Board Member of Oqal (Angel Investors Group) Jeddah branch and a mentor at Flat6Labs Jeddah (Startup Accelerator). Nabeel is the former Co-Founder and Director of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST) GIS Technology Innovation Center. He was the Co-Founder and General Supervisor of Innovation and Entrepreneurship Institute. As an entrepreneur, Koshak was the Founder and CEO of five tech startups. Nabeel received an Executive Education in "Venture Capital and Private Equity" from Harvard University in 2019, an Executive Education from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in "Regional Entrepreneurship Acceleration Program" and "Management, Innovation, Technology" in 2017, a PhD in Design Computing from Carnegie Mellon University in 2002, and a Master of Architecture (Computing in Design and Planning) from the University of Colorado in 1997.
Masaood Rahma Al Masaood is the Vice Chairman of Al Masaood Oil and Gas, one of the first established oil and gas suppliers and contractors in the UAE. He also serves as a Member of the Board of Directors of the Al Masaood Group. His dynamic leadership and industry proficiency have played a key role in Al Masaood Oil and Gas’ success as one of the leading oil and gas service companies in the GCC--bringing the latest and best technologies to the company and its customers. Masaood holds a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management from the Higher Colleges of Technology from Abu Dhabi. During this time, he began as an intern for the automobiles side of the family business, initially training as a mechanic and sales representative. With a passion for cars, Masaood first worked for the company's service centre--helping transform the business into becoming one of the best in the region and winning multiple awards and increasing its sales. His dedication and commitment paid off as he was later appointed as Deputy Managing Director for Al Masaood Automobiles, where he was part of the leadership team that positioned Al Masaood as one of the leading automotive company in terms of car sales with Nissan leading the total automotive market share in Abu Dhabi. Masaood was later appointed as Vice President of Al Masaood Oil and Gas. He led the restructuring of the business, which resulted in the company's alignment with its most importance customer, ADNOC. The company has also been awarded with several major contracts under his leadership, including the largest 3D Seismic Surveying contract, valued at over USD 1.6 billion. Over the last few years, he has also been actively involved in several PPP projects in the UAE where he has helped in the successful acquisition of international infrastructure and port projects. In addition, Masaood is also an entrepreneur and investor--investing in the early stage of companies coming from all parts of the world. In fact, in November of 2019, Masaood initiated the establishment of the ‘Emirates Angels Investors Association,’ a non-profit association aimed at addressing the gap of early stage funding, educating and mentoring investors and entrepreneurs and providing a network for start-ups. Masaood is an active philanthropist and a socially committed member who strives to make significant contributions to the community. Apart from launching several corporate community initiatives, he has played a prominent role in the success of the Special Olympics, which was held in Abu Dhabi in 2019. By partnering with the Zayed Higher Organization of People of Determination in the establishment of training centers, Masaood has also been instrumental in providing employment opportunities to around 100 people of determination.
Talal Ajlan Alajlan is the chief executive officer of the National Center for Family Business (NCFB). He has over 18 years of experience in the banking and investment sector. Before joining the NCFB, Alajlan held numerous senior management positions such as the deputy general director of the enablement and creativity sector at the Human Resources Development Fund, CEO of Al-Nakhla Real Estate Development Co., and the vice president of business development and strategy at Emcor Saudi Arabia. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in law at King Saud University in 1996. Alajlan did a chartered financial planner course from the Dalhousie University in Canada. Alajlan designed, developed, and executed enablement initiatives and programs such as (Qurrah, Wusool) to support Saudi women and empower them to enter the workforce and sustain their jobs. He also provided enablement solutions to support small and medium enterprises and entrepreneurs through different programs. In addition to being a board member of several companies, Alajlan is a member of the Saudi Economy Association. According to him, “Saudi Arabia is living a great transformation toward different aspects of life, starting from enabling the young population all the way to build one of the strongest economies in the world.”
Mr. Ramez Al-Khayyat is Co-founder and Vice Chairman of Power International Holding, UCC, and Managing Director of Qatar’s largest dairy – Baladna. UCC Holding has grown to become a regional player in the contracting world. It is ranked as one of the top 250 worldwide. UCC has completed several large and complex projects in the State of Qatar and beyond. As Group Vice Chairman and CEO of Power International Holding, Ramez Al Khayyat oversees more than 40 companies that cover general contracting, agro-food industries, real estate development, healthcare, lifestyle, and general services. He has diversified his business interests across different sectors. These include Assets Real Estate Development and property management, as well as Elegancia Group and Elegancia Healthcare. He also expanded into hospitality and entertainment through Aura Group, which owns and operates local and franchised international brands. Ramez co-founded Baladna Food Industries in March 2014, creating a dairy industry in Qatar by importing 4,000 cows, enabling the state to become self-sufficient in dairy. Mr. Al-Khayyat also undertakes active philanthropic work. He founded the Al-Khayyat Foundation in 2015 to support the United Nations with food security and provide aid to refugees.
Leads Alkhorayef Commercial Company a family-owned and globally diversified business founded by the late Abdullah Bin Ibrahim Alkhorayef in 1957. He has over 19 years of experience in the Commercial, Marine and Industrial business sectors. Before joining the ACC, held numerous senior management positions in Banking and Financial institutions. He is board member of Alkhorayef Groups and Osool & Bakheel investment. He graduated in business administration specialized in Finance from King Saud University, Executive MBA from King Abdulaziz University and leadership program from IMD, Switzerland. He is a former vice president of Marine activates committee from Jeddah Chamber of commerce, Tourism community for Gizan region, Young Saudi Entrepreneur “ Oqal” a Saudi Youth Organization, Chamber of commerce, Horaimla. In addition to his leading role in Alkhorayef Company, Abdullah is board member of Riyadh chamber, Saudi Chamber of Council, Red Crescent Friends, Saudi Management Association, Saudi Economics Association and President of Saudi Arabian Marine Federation.
Navin Valrani is the Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Al Shirawi Group, the diversified Dubai-headquartered conglomerate. He is also the CEO of Arcadia Education, the Al Shirawi Group's education initiative and the school operator of the innovative Arcadia Schools. His commitment to education has led him to serve on the Board of Overseers at the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education and hold various other board positions in education settings. Schooled in Dubai, Navin Valrani went on to graduate with honours from the Wharton School of Business. Navin has also completed an MBA with distinction at London Business School, a Master's in Education at the University of Pennsylvania, and a certificate program in college counselling from UCLA. He is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Education at the University of Pennsylvania. In 2014, Navin and his wife Monica committed to empowering female students through education scholarships by creating the Monica and Navin Valrani scholarship fund at various educational institutions. Navin was also an integral part of the Campaign Committee at London Business School to successfully raise over £100 million in its first-ever fundraising campaign. Navin's greatest passion lies in teaching. He teaches the renowned Junior MBA program, a primary school business curriculum he founded at Arcadia School. His dedication to teaching and service led to him being awarded the William B. Castetter Alumni Award of Merit by the University of Pennsylvania's Graduate School of Education in 2019. Navin is married to Monica Valrani, an Early Years educator who runs Ladybird Nurseries in Dubai. Monica and Navin are proud parents to two boys, Rohan and Kunal.
Rashid Khalaf Al Habtoor is the CEO & President of RKHBC, Al Habtoor Trading Enterprises (HTE) LLC and RKH Investments, a holding company. Mr. Al Habtoor lived in the USA for 7 years, graduating from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Operations Research and Computer Science. In the early ‘80s, Al Habtoor started his first business, Al Habtoor Trading Enterprises LLC with a view to contributing to the developing economy of the United Arab Emirates. A knowledgeable and astute businessmen, Al Habtoor has a keen insight to recognize opportunities and capitalize on them, establishing himself as a much sought after Strategic Business Partner. His experience spans a broad range of diverse business portfolios which include but are not limited to Oil & Gas, Construction & Engineering, Automotive, Real Estate, Information Technology, Software Systems, Facilities Management, Communications and Food & Beverage, along with over one hundred Partnerships and Joint Ventures with companies both local and international. A shrewd businessman, Al Habtoor established Consolidated Automotive LLC back in 1996 – a successful arm of AHTE focusing on the sale of Mitsubishi vehicles, followed by Al Habtoor Properties (2008), a property management and brokerage company. Through his education and experience, Mr. Al Habtoor received a Leadership Award from Dubai Chamber of Commerce and industry. He has also been honored by Dubai Business Council four times, with his last award being for “Strategic Partnership in UAE”s developing Economy”. Mr. Al Habtoor’s vision is to continue the growth of UAE’s Economy by maintaining the focus on Strategic Partnership through various business channels including Business Development of New Projects, Establishing Robust Government Relations & Business Consultation via his company, RKH-BC.com A firm believer in the Greek proverb “Mens Sana in Corpore Sano” translated means “a Healthy Mind in a Healthy Body”, Al Habtoor is extremely health conscious and avidly works out each day. He has a passion for life, particularly when it comes to his family, his friends and polo. His passion for polo was so strong that he, along with his brothers, opened his own Polo Club, Dubai Polo Club and the Habtoor Polo Resort & Spa. He is also Patron of the Al Mahra Polo team. His family has sponsored the Al Habtoor Royal Windsor Cup in London, UK for several years with Al Habtoor having played alongside Prince Charles and Prince Harry. Whilst Al Habtoor is known for being a tough yet fair businessman, he is equally known for his philanthropic endeavors. He is a keen advocate for supporting the local community and simultaneously nurturing both local and international charity organizations.
Omar Kutayba Yusuf Alghanim is an experienced CEO and impact investor with strong leadership positions in best practice and governance for the success of family businesses. He is Chairman of The Family Business Council in the Gulf and a board director at the Family Business Network International, the largest worldwide network of family businesses with a membership of more than 4,000 families and 16,000 individuals across 50-plus countries. Omar is also Founder and Chairman of YAKOA, an impact investment fund that seeks to bring about positive change in the GCC. YAKOA pursues a strong set of values, developed and nurtured over four generations of the Alghanim International family business. Previously Omar held a number of senior positions, including CEO of Alghanim Industries and Chairman of Gulf Bank, where he oversaw double-digit growth for seven years in a row. Beginning with his first job as an M&A analyst with Morgan Stanley, Omar has developed a leadership style founded on meritocracy, ensuring careers progress based on performance and successful ideas, rather than social connections. His approach is captured by a Harvard Business School MBA case study. He is co-founder and board member of INJAZ-AL ARAB, a non-profit organization that prepares youths for work and business life across the Arab world that has educated and trained 3m young people to date. Omar also gives back to his alma mater, Harvard, by serving on the Leadership Council of its Kennedy School Centre for Public Leadership as well as the Business School Board of Dean’s Advisors and MENA Advisory Board. He previously served as the World Economic Forum’s Chair of the MENA Regional Business Council.
Farah Foustok is the Chief Executive Officer of Lazard Gulf Ltd. based in Dubai. She began working in the investment field in 1994. Prior to joining Lazard in 2014, she was Chief Executive Officer and Chief Investment Officer of ING Investment Management Middle East from 2008. Previously, she was the Head of Asset Management at NBD Investment Bank. Farah was a senior fund manager at EFG-Hermes prior to NBD IB, responsible for managing GCC and MENA funds and portfolios. Farah spent five years at Deutsche Bank in London, in Equity Strategy. She has also worked at Morgan Stanley within Equity Sales, followed by three years in commercial real estate advisory in Europe. Farah also has Private Equity exposure through a private venture in Argentina and an internet start-up in the UK. In 2012 Farah was elected as the chairperson of the board for the UAE Financial Services Association. In 2013, Farah co-founded the first non-profit female mentoring program in the DIFC, Dubai; Reach. In 2015 Farah co-founded and chaired the Steering Committee for the MENA chapter of the 30% club to develop & promote female leadership in the region. In 2019, Farah was awarded International Investment Woman of the Year by Women in Investment Awards, London. Farah is a finance leaders fellow of the Aspen Institute. In January 2020, Farah launched TARA, speed mentoring NGO platform to connect the Education sector to the Corporate world and develop future female leaders. Farah holds an MBA from Imperial College London and a BSc Hons in Mathematics from King’s College, London.
Saif Ahmed Belhasa, Chairman of Saif Belhasa Holding (SBGC), and Winner of CEO Middle East 2007 Business Expansion Award for Dubai’s most successful establishment, started his prolific career after obtaining degree in Business Management from the Al Ain University in 1988. With 30 years of diversified experience in the field of business and entrepreneurship, Saif Ahmed Belhasa embarked on a number of commercial ventures in the Middle East which lead to the birth of Saif Belhasa Holding. Saif Belhasa Holding is running over 50+ business divisions and more than 10,000 staff across various sectors ranging from transportation, travel & tourism, money exchange, interior designing & fit out, labour supply, recruitment, fashion retail, restaurant franchises through to real estate, building/construction materials and many more. Saif Ahmed Belhasa oversees the operation of the group and the only authorized person to sign the contracts. The group’s rapid expansion can be attributed to Saif Ahmed Belhasa’s distinct ability to build long term business relationships with suppliers and customers, which assisted in the development of the business interests of the member companies. Saif Ahmed Belhasa has made Saif Belhasa, the name a unique asset representing leadership with trust and excellence through differentiated and high profile projects. With established roots in diversified businesses, Saif Ahmed Belhasa geared the group to become one of the most respected organisation in UAE. Saif Belhasa Holding is the holding company for our diversified portfolio of businesses. We have been quietly building long term relationships with suppliers and customers in helping to develop the business interests of our member companies. At the Saif Belhasa Holding our purpose is to improve the quality of service provided to the consumer we serve. We do this through leadership in various sectors to which group brings a unique set of capabilities. Saif Belhasa name is a unique asset representing leadership with trust. Leveraging this asset to enhance group synergy and becoming globally competitive is the route to sustained growth and long-term success. Awards & achievements - 1) Mr. Saif Ahmed Belhasa wins the CEO Middle East Awards 2007 for the largest expansion in the region 2) Mr. Saif Ahmed Belhasa was the 38th position among the 500 most powerful Arabs in the world. To have more insight on our group of companies please visit http://www.saifbelhasaholding.com/ . Our email id is [email protected] or [email protected]
Maha Abdulmajeed Al Fahim serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Eshraq Investments, an Abu Dhabi-based publicly listed company with a multi-asset portfolio under management. She started her career in finance in 2013 at the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority where she is currently a Macro Strategist. In her role, she analyzes global investment conditions, conducts macro-oriented research to determine relative value between countries, currencies, and fixed income sectors, and develops tools and processes to facilitate investment decisions. She also holds a second position as an Investment Manager at the Abu Dhabi Department of Finance since January 2021. At her family-office, Maha advises on strategic and tactical asset allocation. In 2015, she successfully lead and developed the office’s Venture Capital arm focused on investing in technology companies in the US and Africa and was instrumental in bringing several high-growth startups to Abu Dhabi. Maha holds a BSc Hons in Political Science and International Economics from the University of Michigan- Ann Arbor.
A member of the following boards: Board Member of Saudi Arabian Japanese Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Co. (SAIA), Arab Company for Pharmaceutical Products Ltd. (Arabio) Honorary Advisory Board Member of Effat University. Board of Governors of Pearl Initiative. Former Board Member of International Medical Center (IMC), Gulf General Cooperative Insurance Co. (GGI). Ayman has more than 35 years experience of leading Tamer Group. He joined the Group in 1986, served the organization as Director, President and then held the position as Chairman since 2000. In addition to his leading role at Tamer Holding, Ayman is a member of the World Economic Forum (WEF), Family Business Community (FBD), Health Industry, and the Pharma Committee at Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry where he shares Tamer's model with local and international communities.
Hassan Jameel is Deputy President and Vice Chairman, Saudi Arabia, of Abdul Latif Jameel, a family-owned and globally diversified business, founded by the late Abdul Latif Jameel in 1945. Hassan Jameel heads domestic operations such as automotive, land and real estate, and machinery. He also sits on the company’s board. Prior to taking up his current role, Hassan Jameel worked at Toyota Motor Corporation in Japan. Hassan Jameel is also Vice Chairman of Community Jameel, which is dedicated to social and economic sustainability in the Middle East and beyond, through initiatives including job creation, poverty alleviation and food and water security. Community Jameel also partners with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on a number of programs addressing global challenges. Hassan Jameel is a Member of the Board of Directors of Rivian and sits on the UTokyo Global Advisory Board for the University of Tokyo and the MIT School of Engineering Dean's Advisory Council. Alongside this, he is an advisor to CoMotion and a founding member of the Family Business Council – Gulf, which supports the growth and development of family businesses in the region. Hassan Jameel holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Economics from Sophia University in Tokyo, Japan, and gained an MBA from the London Business School.
Ahmad oversees the strategic direction of the Saudi based retail company, BinDawood Holding’s Danube and BinDawood stores. BinDawood and Danube have a nationwide grocery retail chain footprint of 71 stores in 15 cities across Saudi Arabia. With a heritage spanning over 50 years, 35 of which are in grocery retail, BinDawood Holding has become of the MENA region’s largest retail operators with extensive operations including supermarkets, hypermarkets, department stores and imports providing the Kingdom the widest international offering of food and grocery items. BinDawood Holding employs more than 10,000 employees across Saudi Arabia. Ahmad has led Danube and BinDawood through a period of revitalization and growth, continually sustaining double-digit growth for the company. Under his tenure, Danube has grown from 9 branches to 44 branches, and BinDawood to 27 branches by March 2020, with ambitious expansion plans to open more stores across the Kingdom and regional markets in the coming years. Ahmad is spearheading digitizing BinDawood Holding’s retail business, embracing the latest retail innovations such as blockchain technologies to foster transparency in the supply chain and implementing AI. He is the driving force behind the award-winning, highly innovative e-commerce platform Danube Online and the Danube App, the Middle East’s largest e-commerce grocery platform. Ahmad led the group to win ‘Retail Technology of the Year’ award at the 2018, Seamless Awards, ‘Most Admired Food & Grocery retailer in KSA’ at the 2018, Retail Middle East Awards and ‘Most Admired Online Retailer’ for Danube Online at the 2018, Retail Middle East, Saudi Arabia awards. In June 2019, Ahmad’s leadership story was featured on the cover of Forbes Middle East, where the family business, the BinDawood Group was ranked 25 in the top private Arab companies in the world. In 2019, Ahmad was awarded ‘CEO Masterclass of the Year’ at the Saudi Top Achiever Awards’ in collaboration with the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce. Ahmad joined the group at the start of his career and has held a number of positions in the group until he was appointed to the board of directors and CEO of Danube in 2014. In 2018, he was appointed CEO of both Danube and BinDawood supermarkets. Ahmad currently sits on the board of directors of the Red Sea malls, implementing and enhancing the corporate governance of the group. He was a key member of the team who negotiated Bahrain investment bank, Investcorp’s minority stake in BinDawood Holding in 2015. Ahmad graduated from with a degree in International Business Administration from King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. He has completed leadership programs in Cambridge University, UK and has also participated as a public speaker at numerous industry leading events. He is an active member of Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO) and is currently attending an Executive Program in Management from Columbia Business School, New York.
Makarem Sobhi Batterjee is a business leader in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with over 20 years of experience in healthcare, consulting and investment. He is the President and Vice Chairman of Saudi German Health and through his visionary leadership he has been responsible for the complete transformation and rejuvenation of the 30+ year old organization. Mr. Batterjee is the founder and leader of some of the largest business organizations in Saudi Arabia. Apart from being Saudi German Health’s President and Vice Chairman, he is also the President of the family-owned Bait Al Batterjee Group, a diversified organization with investment in over 30 subsidiaries. He is the Founder of Humania Capital, a private equity fund that has successfully raised significant amounts for projects in the GCC and North Africa, and the founder and CEO of the New City Company, which builds contemporary shopping centres in the country. He also owns the Golds Gym franchise in KSA and is the owner of JanPro, a commercial cleaning brand. Mr. Makarem is the founding President of the Saudi Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organization, a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 13,000 influential business owners with 186 chapters in 58 countries. As an active social entrepreneur, Mr. Makarem is a health and wellness advocate as well as a strong supporter of women empowerment initiatives. He is credited for bringing the Gold’s Gym franchise to Saudi Arabia and building the largest and first-of-its-kind female gym in the world. Mr. Makarem holds an MBA from London Business School and an honorary doctorate from the United Nations for Arts Middle East and Africa, which he was awarded in recognition of his efforts to promote women empowerment. He is part of the Arab version of the US-based reality TV show Shark Tank, as one of its panellists. The show features Saudi entrepreneurs who pitch their businesses, products, or services to prospective investors. He is also the youngest member and one of the few Arab members of the prestigious Bretton Woods Committee in Washington, DC. The committee comprises international business leaders who champion global efforts to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and improve financial stability. He was also chosen as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in 2008.
Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani is the Chairperson and Founder of Al Faleh Educational Holding (QPSC), the first woman-led Qatari company to go public and is the first Qatari educational institution to list on the stock market. The Holding is also the first company to list on the Venture Market of the Qatar Stock Exchange. The group offers educational products and academic services of the highest quality. Three schools fall under the umbrella of the Holding including Doha Academy, all of which carry the hall mark of excellence associated with Al Faleh Educational Holding. AFG College with the University of Aberdeen falls under the group and was launched in 2017 as the first British University offering Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees in Qatar. Dr. Sheikha Aisha also serves as a founding member of the board of Patrons of the World Congress of Muslim Philanthropists. WCMP is a global network of donors, foundations, and socially responsive corporations established to advance effective and accountable giving. WCMP mobilises financial and human resources to address global issues and advance efficient philanthropy. Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani served as a member of Qatar Supreme Education Council appointed in 2006, serving two terms until 2014. The Supreme Education Council is the highest educational authority in Qatar and its members were drawn from Qatar and international top leaders in government, business and academia. Dr. Sheikha Aisha Bint Faleh Al Thani served on the Board of Directors of Reach Out to Asia from its inception in 2005 till 2016, ROTA is a charity initiative founded by H. E. Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad Al Thani which, in addition to giving aid to areas in need, is looking at ways to support schools in different Asian countries to help them reach the ‘Education For All’ goals set by the UNESCO. ROTA is based in Qatar. Dr. Al Thani also served on the board of directors of Zaytuna College in the United States from 2006 till 2013. Zaytuna College is the first Muslim liberal arts college in the United States, it was launched in 1996 as Zaytuna Institute in Hayward, California. Dr. Al Thani was chosen as one of the 500 Most Influential Muslims in the world for the year 2009 till 2021 and remains in the list released annually by George Town University’s Centre for Muslim-Christian understanding and the Royal Islamic Strategic Centre in Jordan. Dr. Sheikha Aisha bint Faleh Al Thani has combined her interests in Education and Business. After graduating from the University of Qatar with a Bachelor in Education and a Bachelor in English Literature (with distinction), Sheikha Aisha went on to get a Master in Business Administration from the University of Hull in the United Kingdom, then received a PhD from Cass Business School in the United Kingdom in the area of ‘Corporate Governance’.
Mr. Mohamed Mansour is the Founder and Chairman of Man Capital. As part of Mansour Group, he is the Founder and Chairman of Mansour Automotive Company, one of the world’s leading General Motors distributors, and Mantrac Group and Unatrac, distributors of Caterpillar equipment in 10 countries. He is also a former Chairman of Crédit Agricole Egypt – the country’s second-largest bank. Additionally, Mr. Mansour has been an early investor in some of the most prominent tech companies such as Facebook, Twitter, Uber, Spotify, DoorDash and AirBnB. Alongside other philanthropy, he is the Founder and Chairman of the Lead Foundation, a non-profit organisation providing funding to small and micro enterprises for impoverished women in Egypt, which to date has granted 3.5 million loans.
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Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.
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Forbes Middle East is a licensee of Forbes Media and extends the Forbes brand of journalism across the Arab world. Forbes Middle East’s distinctive editorial style attracts a readership of Arab leaders, entrepreneurs, C-level executives, government officials and investors united by a belief in the spirit of free enterprise and entrepreneurial values.Across the region, Forbes Middle East sets the pace for preemptive business journalism. By uncovering trends and anticipating opportunities in the regional marketplace, each monthly issue brings top executives the information critical to their success – in both Arabic and English language editions. The magazine researches and publishes original rankings, based on methodologies set by Forbes Media.