30 Real estate leaders bringing massive transformation to Gulf’s realty sector

Abdulaziz Ibrahim Alnowaiser became the CEO of Emaar, the Economic City (EEC), in May 2024. EEC is the master developer of King Abdullah Economic City (KAEC), a new economic center and an emerging destination on Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast located a short distance north of Jeddah.
EEC was founded in 2006 and is a publicly traded joint-stock company on the Tadawul exchange — with 25 percent ownership by the Public Investment Fund (PIF). As KAEC’s master planner, primary infrastructure developer, enabler and facilitator, EEC plays a vital role in transforming KAEC into a thriving hub. Spanning 185 square kilometers anchored by King Abdullah Port and KAEC Industrial Valley, KAEC benefits from a substantial new port facility and a station on the Haramain high-speed train line. It’s also home to the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST).
Alnowaiser’s appointment is considered an important moment as EEC and KAEC are intensifying their efforts to implement their long-term strategy. He brings a wealth of management, financial and corporate governance expertise with him, having served in executive and board positions for more than 20 years.
On the academic front, Alnowaiser holds a Master of Accountancy, Accounting and Finance from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, USA.

H.E. Abdullah bin Hamad bin Abdullah Al Attiya has been chairman of Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company since March 2024. In January 2017, he joined the company’s board, and in July 2018, he was named CEO. In Qatar, H.E. has established a distinguished career in a number of fields.
On the academic front, H.E. Al Attiya holds an MSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of Nottingham, United Kingdom, and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Cardiff University, United Kingdom.
The Qatar Investment Authority, the State of Qatar’s sovereign wealth fund, established the Qatari Diar Real Estate Investment Company in 2005. Its headquarters are northeast of Doha on the Arabian Gulf coast.
The company was founded to support Qatar’s growing economy and manage the nation’s goals for real estate development. It works on historic projects that are notable for their unparalleled scale, ambition and vision. Qatari Diar’s portfolio includes a number of ambitious initiatives, each with special characteristics and contributions to Qatar’s growth.
In February 2024, Qatari Diar won two awards for its Lusail Plaza Towers project at Al Sa’ad Plaza: the Best International Office Architecture and Best Office Architecture Arabia at the International Property Awards 2024.

Abeer Al Akel is acting CEO of the Royal Commission of AlUla (RCU).
Al Akel joined the Royal Commission of AlUla in 2017 and served as head of the Private Initiatives and Partnerships Sector.

On the academic front, Al Akel holds a Bachelor’s degree in computer science from King Saud University and completed the leadership development program at Harvard University.

RCU was established to protect and safeguard AlUla, a region of outstanding natural and cultural significance in northwest Saudi Arabia. RCU is embarking on a long-term plan to develop and deliver a sensitive, sustainable transformation of the region, reaffirming it as one of the country’s most important archaeological and cultural destinations and preparing it to welcome visitors from around the world.

RCU’s development work in AlUla encompasses a broad range of initiatives across archaeology, tourism, culture, education, and the arts, reflecting the ambitious commitment to cultivating tourism and leisure in Saudi Arabia, outlined in Vision 2030. The entity also aims to team up with local investors to offer housing units that meet its technical and construction standards.

In March 2024, RCU marked a significant milestone in the development of the Sharaan Resort with the inaugural rock excavation for the much-anticipated project. The initial excavation symbolized the start of a mission that combined Jean Nouvel’s architectural innovation with Bouygues’ engineering expertise.

Since 2020, Ahmed Al Sulaim has served as CEO of Jeddah Central Development Company (JCDC). He has worked for some of the most well-known private and public sector companies in the Kingdom for 36 years in top leadership positions, gaining extensive expertise in various industries, including infrastructure, real estate, and energy. He serves on several committees in both the public and commercial sectors.

JCDC is the master developer of the Jeddah Central Project. The company is wholly owned by the Public Investment Fund (PIF) and was established in 2019 to oversee the development and operations of the project. It aims to contribute to PIF’s objectives to diversify the national economy and create more jobs for Saudis, in line with Vision 2030’s objectives.

The Jeddah Central Project aims to build an international destination in the heart of Jeddah and create quality projects in vital sectors such as tourism, sports, culture, and entertainment. It will feature four exceptional landmarks – the Opera House, Museum, Stadium and Oceanarium. It will also have modern residential areas encompassing 17,000 residential units and diversified hotel projects offering more than 2,700 hotel rooms and world-class solutions for business sectors.

Al Sulaim holds an engineering degree from Minnesota University in the U.S. and a Certificate of Executive Directors from Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S.

H.H. Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum has been at the forefront of Dubai’s remarkable economic growth and development journey for over 37 years.

Dubai Holding is supporting the development of a sustainable, innovation-led economy through multiple industry operations through the management of a diverse portfolio of assets. Through the company’s leading business districts managed by Dubai Holding Asset Management (DHAM) — namely Dubai Media City, Dubai Studio City and Dubai Production City — it has been at the forefront of promoting the status of the emirate as a leading global media destination, creating an extensive platform and infrastructure for media companies of all sizes to thrive. DHAM recently rebranded its residential leasing portfolio to ‘Dubai Residential,’ formerly known as Dubai Asset Management. This change reinforces its status as one of Dubai’s largest residential leasing businesses.

A political science graduate of the University of Denver in the United States, Sheikh Ahmed has received many international honors, including the fellowship of the British Royal Aeronautical Society and Commandeur de l’Ordre de la Legion d’Honneur (the Legion of Honor), which is the highest French civilian award.

Amer Khansaheb is the CEO and board member of Union Properties, a premier Dubai, UAE-based developer founded in 1987.

The publicly listed company has completed over 10,000 residential, commercial and retail units, including landmark projects like UP Tower, Index Tower, Limestone House, Dubai Autodrome, Green Community and Uptown Mirdif. Union Properties employs over 6,000 people and has five subsidiaries, namely, Serveu, Dubai Autodrome, EDACOM, The FITOUT and GMAMCO.

Khansaheb also serves as the managing director at Khansaheb Group, spearheading the organization’s diversification beyond construction into sectors like healthcare, food and beverage and aviation training. Apart from real estate development, his extensive experience spans construction management, investment management and financial analysis.

He holds a Bachelor of Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering from the American University of Beirut and a Master of Science in Project Management from the British University in Dubai.

Carlos Wakim was named CEO of Bloom Holding in 2021, bringing over two decades of strategic leadership and real estate development experience across the region. In this capacity, he oversees operations across Bloom Holding’s various divisions, including Property, Education, Hospitality, and Lease and Facilities Management Services.

Bloom Holding, established in 2004, has developed and managed over 5,000 units across the UAE — with over 5,000 more in the pipeline. Their portfolio comprises a diverse range of properties, such as Bloom Heights, Bloom Towers, Park View, Faya, and Soho Square, along with the Rochester building in the U.S.

In September 2024, Bloom Holding launched the seventh phase of its flagship project, Bloom Living, in Abu Dhabi. Named ‘Almeria’ after the Spanish city, this phase features luxurious lakeside villas ranging from three to six bedrooms. It is projected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027.

Carlos holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Académie Libanaise des Beaux-Arts (ALBA).

Hisham Talaat Moustafa is the CEO and managing director at Talaat Moustafa Holding Group (TMG). The group is a leading real estate developer evolving integrated communities and hospitality projects across Egypt’s key cities, with a land bank of 53 million square meters. It has a strong track record of over 50 years in the housing and real-estate development industry, establishing self-sustained residential cities and communities for the middle and upper classes. TMG has developed 33 million sqm of land so far and sold over 90,000 units.

Moustafa’s achievements are evident in the construction of integrated residential projects spanning a land portfolio of 74 million square meters. Notable among these projects are Nour City and the cities of Celia and Al-Rehab. In addition to his real estate ventures, he owns the largest portfolio of luxury hotels in Egypt. This impressive collection comprises 15 hotels, including seven unique acquisitions.

On his academic front, he graduated from the University of Alexandria’s College of Commerce with an accounting degree.

Hussain Sajwani founded DAMAC Properties in 2002, which has since grown to become one of the largest property development companies in the Middle East and beyond. With over 43,700+ homes delivered and more than 30,000 in development, DAMAC Properties has projects in more than 10 countries worldwide, including cities such as London, Toronto, Miami, and the Maldives.

DAMAC Properties has joined forces with recognizable fashion houses such as Versace Home, Fendi Casa, de GRISOGONO and Cavalli to bring distinguished living concepts. Additionally, the company has established its hotel management company to oversee hotel properties under brands such as Radisson, Paramount, Rotana, DAMAC Maison and Mandarin Oriental.

He is a graduate of the University of Washington.

Ibrahim Jassim Al-Othman is the president and CEO of United Development Company (UDC). Since his appointment in 2015, he has spearheaded the company’s growth, improving financial and operational efficiency and creating new revenue streams. Under his leadership, UDC has launched significant developments at The Pearl Island and the new mixed-use destination, Gewan Island.

Al-Othman has been recognized with the prestigious Sustainability Leader Award and has extensive experience in the oil industry, having worked with national, international and oil service companies.

UDC is a leading Qatari public shareholding company with a mission to identify and invest in long-term projects that contribute to the growth of the State of Qatar and provide good shareholder value. The company was established in 1999 and listed on the Qatar Exchange in June 2003.

On the academic front, Al-Othman holds a Bachelor of Science in Petroleum Engineering from the University of Southern California and an MBA from the American University of Beirut.

As the chairman of Modon, H.E. Jassem Mohammed Bu Ataba Al Zaabi leads the company as it strives to contribute to charting the future of Abu Dhabi and beyond. He also serves as Abu Dhabi’s chairman of the Department of Finance, where he fosters a culture of financial sustainability across all government entities, helping maintain the emirate’s strong financial position.

In his roles as secretary general of Abu Dhabi’s Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs and vice chairman of the UAE Central Bank, he plays a crucial role in steering the economic and financial sectors.

In the first half of 2024, Modon Holding delivered revenue of AED2.2 billion, a year-on-year increase of 333 percent, and a gross profit of AED 833.2 million, a year-on-year increase of 277 percent. Modon Holding achieved a net profit of AED8.74 billion, including the provisional bargain purchase gain from the acquisition of Modon Properties and ADNEC.

On the academic front, H.E. Jassem holds an MBA from the London Business School.

Jerry Inzerillo is one of the industry’s most influential figures, with more than five decades of experience championing the sector and its people. He is leading the transformation of the world’s most iconic tourism destination, Diriyah, in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Just 15 minutes northwest of Riyadh, Diriyah is the home of the At-Turaif UNESCO World Heritage Site, a beautifully preserved mud-brick city that was the birthplace of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the original home of House Al Saud.

In July 2024, Diriyah announced the creation of a major new mixed-use district in the north of Diriyah, the Northern District Construction Contract joint venture. Valued at over $2 billion (SAR7.8 billion), the project will build advanced educational institutions, cultural venues, modern offices and a luxury hotel. It is the largest single contract awarded by the Diriyah Company to date.

On the academic front, Inzerillo holds a Bachelor of Science-Hotel Administration, Hotel/Motel Administration/Management, from the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, U.S.

Red Sea Global’s (RSG) Group CEO, John Pagano, has spearheaded a revolutionary journey that has established the business as a pioneer in developing sustainable and creative tourism. Based on his extensive expertise in real estate and tourism spanning many decades, John’s vision is in perfect alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, which aims to establish the Kingdom as a global leader in sustainable luxury tourism.

John has led some of the most ambitious and innovative projects in the world since becoming a part of leadership at RSG, including AMAALA and The Red Sea. These projects are more than just tourist endeavors; they are revolutionizing sustainability and luxury in the sector. In February 2024, Red Sea Global announced the successful completion of a SAR2 billion ($522 million) financing agreement with Riyad Bank.

Under John’s direction, RSG is dedicated to creating the first tourist destination in history entirely powered by renewable energy sources and not connected to the national grid. On the academic front, John holds a BSC degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Toronto.

Dr. Khalid Johar is the acting group chief executive officer at ROSHN. ROSHN Group is the leading national real estate company owned by the PIF and stands out as one of Saudi Arabia’s prominent giga projects. Established in 2018, ROSHN is dedicated to developing innovative, vibrant, and integrated communities and destinations.

In October 2024, ROSHN secured a SAR9 billion ($2.4 billion) syndicated credit facility. The unsecured revolving credit facility will be for a duration of five years and is part of ROSHN’s funding strategy, intended for general corporate purposes. The credit facility will be used to fund ROSHN’s growth and expansion plans.

In September 2024, ROSHN achieved a number of international standards related to customer satisfaction. The granting of the two International Standards Organization (ISO) certifications reflects the company’s commitment to continuous improvement in serving customers and meeting their needs throughout the Kingdom.

On the academic front, Dr. Johar holds a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) from The University of New South Wales (UNSW), Australia.

Mahdi Amjad has dynamically transformed Dubai’s architectural landscape. Establishing OMNIYAT in 2005, he prioritized design and art, resulting in large-scale collaborations with award-winning designers. Under his leadership, OMNIYAT has marked its presence with unique projects, consistently delivering quality and value across all. His vision continues to shape vantage locations within master communities.

In May 2024, OMNIYAT set a new record by selling one of its penthouses for AED139 million, making it the most expensive property in the Burj Khalifa district of Dubai. The sale of the four-bedroom Penthouse at The Lana Residences, Dorchester Collection, Dubai, further strengthens the company’s leadership in developing ultra-luxury lifestyle destinations for the global UHNW community.

In line with the firm’s policy, OMNIYAT recently announced a new real estate company called Beyond. This is part of a commitment to invest AED50 billion in new real estate divisions targeting multiple market segments.

At Dubai Land Department, H.E. Eng. Marwan bin Ghalita plays a key role in the growth and regulation of Dubai’s real estate market.

In line with the Dubai Land Department’s strategic vision, which aims to achieve world leadership in real estate investment, the Dubai Land Department is committed to empowering the real estate community in the emirate. The goal is to position Dubai as the happiest city in the world and the preferred place to live, work and invest. This objective aligns with the wise vision and ambitious initiatives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, which aim to shape a bright future for the emirate across all levels.

During H1 2024, the Dubai Land Department was able to accomplish 647 settlements of real estate with a value of AED1.38 billion using the Oqoodi Platform.

Bin Ghalita holds a Bachelor’s degree in survey engineering from the University of Fresno, California, and an MBA in Business Administration from the Arabic Academy of Sciences and Technology in Alexandria, Egypt.

One of the most ambitious and revolutionary urban projects in the Middle East is being led by Michael Dyke, CEO of the New Murabba. This entity is closely related to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. His leadership is essential to this ambitious project, which will transform Riyadh’s landscape by combining historic features with sustainable and technological architecture.

Michael brings over 37 years of experience leading large-scale business enterprises and projects across multiple sectors and geographies. He is a recognized leader in infrastructure and is passionate about leading businesses and teams in the sector. As the CEO of New Murabba, Michael plays a key role in shaping Riyadh’s dynamic future through a downtown destination that is both iconic and visionary.

New Murabba is a gateway to another world. It is a new modern downtown overlooking an icon. This downtown reflects the city’s culture, identity and ambition, establishing itself as a pivotal center for Riyadh, the Kingdom and the world. It’s a vision uniquely imagined, originated and brought to life by the people.

It aims to develop the world’s largest modern downtown in Riyadh, contributing to the city’s future development in line with Saudi Vision 2030. In October 2024, New Murabba signed a sponsorship agreement with the General Entertainment Authority for Riyadh Season 2024.

Mirwais Azizi is the founder and chairman of Azizi Group and Azizi Developments. Through his dedicated leadership, Azizi has played a pivotal role in the company’s success and has guided Azizi Developments to become one of the region’s top private real estate developers. With more than 30,000 homes successfully delivered to local and international investors and end users of over 100 nationalities, the developer prides itself on its extensive portfolio of modern luxury developments across Dubai’s most sought-after residential and commercial destinations, its construction-driven approach.

Azizi currently has approximately 40,000 units under construction, with plans for delivery by 2027, valued at several billion US dollars. The company is also recognized for developing the world’s second tallest skyscraper and an AED2.5 billion opera house, which is part of its cultural district at Azizi Venice, a significant contribution to the city’s cultural landscape.

On his academic front, Azizi graduated in law from the University of Kabul.

Mohamed Alabbar is one of the leading businessmen in the Middle East and a driving force behind Dubai’s economic growth. He is the founder and managing director of Emaar Properties, one of the world’s most valuable and admired integrated real estate development companies.

Emaar Properties recorded a total revenue of AED14.4 billion and a net profit before tax of AED7.8 billion in H1 2024, achieving growth of 17 percent and 33 percent, respectively, over the same period last year.

Alabbar is also the chairman of the board of directors of Eagle Hills, a real estate investment and development company based in Abu Dhabi.

A graduate of Seattle University with a degree in Business Administration, his journey from a modest upbringing to becoming a global industry leader is a testament to his visionary approach and relentless drive. Under his leadership, Emaar developed some of the city’s most renowned structures, including the Burj Khalifa — the world’s tallest building — and the Dubai Mall, one of the largest shopping malls in the world.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi has been a driving force in transforming the company into a powerhouse within the leisure, entertainment and tourism sector. Joining Miral in 2015, Al Zaabi’s strategic insight and unwavering dedication have propelled Miral to the forefront of the industry.

Under his leadership, Miral’s portfolio on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, has thrived into a globally renowned hub for entertainment, leisure and business. For over 13 years, Miral has conceived, created, developed, operated and managed immersive destinations and experiences that attract visitors from across the world to create unforgettable memories, accelerating the realization of the Emirate’s economic diversification.

He played a key role in shaping Yas Island’s destination strategy, which has contributed to the emirate’s consistent growth. By introducing new attractions and experiences, Yas Island has seen a constant growth in visitation. In 2023, the destination recorded 34 million visits, reflecting a 38 percent growth from 2022.

Al Zaabi also holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD, an MSc in Strategic Project Planning from Heriot-Watt University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from UAE University.

As the chairman of Binghatti Holding, Muhammad BinGhatti spearheads the UAE’s leading property brand. He has guided the company in developing a portfolio now valued at over AED40 billion. With a background in architecture, he is highly design-focused and plays a key role in leading the group’s design initiatives.

The company is renowned for developing properties that boast sheer architectural prowess. Binghatti is the first real estate developer in the world to form partnerships to develop branded real estate projects with global luxury brands, such as Bugatti, Mercedes-Benz, and Jacob&Co.

The corporation has built several real estate projects in the Emirates and produced numerous large-scale construction projects that have reinvigorated the Arabian Gulf market. The majority of the projects completed by Binghatti Real Estate Development Company have been described as real estate projects that meet all cultural and contemporary requirements, use the best materials, and have unique final finishes at affordable costs that accommodate everyone’s demands.

On the academic front, BinGhatti holds an architecture degree from the American University of Sharjah (AUS).

Nadhmi Al-Nasr has a long and rewarding career leading several of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s most reputable companies and projects.

Since July 2018, Al-Nasr has been at the helm of NEOM, a cornerstone of Saudi’s Vision 2030 strategy. As the CEO of NEOM, Al-Nasr is responsible for leading and delivering the company’s bold and ambitious program of work.

Under Al-Nasr’s leadership, NEOM is set to become an economic engine for the nation and a global hub for innovation and new enterprises to shape the new future. In October 2024, NEOM announced a partnership with Asas Al-Mohileb to establish and operate a SAR700 million ready-mix concrete facility.

NEOM is a region in the northwest of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. NEOM means ‘new future’. With thousands of staff members already living and working here onsite, it has already become a home for people who dream big and want to be part of building a new economic model for the country and the world.

On the academic front, Al-Nasr holds an engineering degree from King Fahad University of Petroleum & Minerals.

Naguib Sawiris is regarded as one of the most influential business figures of his generation. Highly respected for his contributions to the telecommunications sector, his vision and foresight have driven the creation of several world-class companies.

Naguib is the chairman and CEO of ORA Developers, a leading name in the field of designing and developing luxury lifestyle destinations in unique locations, bringing world-class expertise, and visionary ideas to every landmark project.

Naguib earned a diploma in mechanical engineering and a Master’s degree in technical administration from ETH Zurich.

India-born PNC Menon is the founder of Sobha Ltd, a real estate development company based in India, and Sobha LLC, which is based in Dubai with operations spanning the UAE, Qatar, Oman and other Gulf countries.

Sobha Group has become synonymous with excellence in the real estate industry, delivering high-quality residential, commercial and hospitality projects.

PNC Menon’s vision and strategic leadership have been instrumental in the company’s success and recognition, earning him several awards.

His journey, marked by significant personal challenges such as discontinuing his formal education after primary school due to family circumstances, is but a testament to his resilience.

Founded in 1976 as an interior design business in Oman, Sobha has since evolved into a globally recognized real estate powerhouse, with over 130 million square feet of completed projects worldwide.

Rashed Al Omaira is acting director general of the Abu Dhabi Real Estate Center (ADREC), which was established under the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT) in November last year.

As the custodian and regulator of Abu Dhabi’s real estate sector, ADREC focuses on four foundational pillars: Real Estate Strategy, Promotion, Regulation, and Transactions Management. ADREC aims to boost Abu Dhabi’s reputation globally as a leader in real estate through over 35 strategic initiatives.

In the first half of 2024, Abu Dhabi’s real estate market recorded a 225 percent year-on-year increase in foreign direct investments. The UAE capital attracted AED3.28 billion in real estate investments from 971 individual investors spanning 75 countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, China, Kazakhstan and Russia.

Al Omaira boasts extensive experience, having occupied key roles in the past, including being the chief commercial officer at ALDAR Development.

Having previously served as director general of Expo 2020 Dubai, H.E. Reem Al Hashimy now holds the post of CEO of Expo City Dubai Authority, the public authority charged with overseeing the development of Expo City Dubai, the World Expo’s legacy city.

A testament to her exceptional leadership skills, H.E. is also the UAE minister of State for International Cooperation. She also continues to serve as the chairperson for Dubai Cares, a philanthropic organization, with the aim of improving access to quality education in developing countries.

In October 2024, Expo City Dubai and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) advanced their professional cooperation through a strategic agreement that saw Expo City become the first developer in the UAE to incorporate RICS’ award-winning Whole Life Carbon Assessment (WLCA).

On her academic front, H.E. completed her undergraduate degree at Tufts University, earning a BA in International Relations and French, followed by an MA from Harvard University. She also holds a PhD degree from Tsinghua University.

Rizwan Sajan established Danube Properties as part of Danube Group, which he founded in 1993. Under his leadership, Danube Properties has become one of the leading real estate developers in the UAE, known for its affordable housing projects and timely delivery of developments.

The $381 million twin towers, Viewz, and the $680.7 million Oceanz — both launched in 2023 — showcase Danube’s distinctive approach to development. By November 2023, the company had completed 11 projects, delivering 4,555 units worth over $988 million, including notable developments such as Dreamz, Starz and Glamz. One of Danube’s recently unveiled projects, Bayz102, will include a helipad for eVTOL (electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing) sky taxis, marking a groundbreaking addition.

From a small trading firm, Danube has grown into one of the largest building materials companies in the region, with its diversified branches worldwide including UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Qatar and India.

Rizwan is a graduate of the University of Mumbai.

Saeed Al Qatami has been at the helm since 2010, steering the company to new heights. Established in 2002, Deyaar has become a cornerstone in Dubai’s property development landscape, focusing on property development, facilities management, community management, and hospitality.

Under Al Qatami’s leadership, Deyaar has launched notable projects, including Rosalia Residences in Al Furjan and ELEVE in Downtown Jebel Ali, which are redefining urban living experiences.

In H1 2024, Deyaar reported AED202.6 million net profit before tax, up 71 percent YoY, a significant increase from AED118.5 million in H1 2023. Total Assets increased by 6 percent, reaching AED6,598 million as of 30 June 2024 from AED6,226 million last year.

A graduate of the University of South Carolina, U.S., with a degree in Science and Mathematics, Al Qatami has a vast background in effective wealth management, diverse portfolio management, team training and achieving remarkable sales targets.

Arada was formed by two of the Gulf’s most respected businessmen, with H.H. Sheikh Sultan bin Ahmed Al Qasimi acting as chairman. Launched in 2017 and headquartered in the UAE, Arada is one of the region’s fastest-growing and most progressive developer.

Arada’s scope of operation covers property development, retail, education and hospitality. It aims to create superior places, spaces and experiences that people can truly enjoy.

In September 2024, Arada successfully closed a $150 million tap of its existing $400 million sukuk, which was issued in June and listed on both the London Stock Exchange and Nasdaq Dubai. Part of the master developer’s $1 billion sukuk program, the tap took the issuance over benchmark size to $550 million.

H.H. Al Qasimi holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from Arkansas State University in Arkansas, U.S., and a Master of Science degree in Computer Information Systems from the University of Detroit Mercy in Michigan, U.S.

Talal Al Dhiyebi is the group chief executive officer at Aldar Properties, one of the UAE’s leading real estate developers, investors and managers. The company currently holds a diversified recurring income portfolio worth over $10 billion, an ongoing development backlog of over $20 billion between owned and managed projects, and a 69 million sqm strategic landbank.

Under his leadership, Aldar has expanded its operations outside Abu Dhabi to neighboring emirates, Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah. Internationally, Aldar has entered the Egyptian market through its majority stake in the leading real estate company, SODIC, and into Europe via its ownership of UK real estate developer London Square and strategic investments such as its logistics partnership with global investment firm Carlyle.

Aldar is a regional leader in sustainability, having launched its comprehensive Net Zero Action Plan by committing to becoming net zero in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions by 2050.

A graduate of Electrical Engineering from the University of Melbourne, Australia, Talal chairs the boards of a number of Aldar businesses, including Aldar Estates, SODIC and London Square. He is also the vice chairman of Aldar Education.