< Previous60 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem’s expertise have greatly contributed to the impressive upward trajectory of the UAE’s growth. His vision and skills have played an instrumental role in propelling Dubai’s expansion and his strategic contribu- tions have extended to pivotal areas such as the development of regional free zones, ports, and infrastructure. His influence in this regard is reflected in his multifaceted roles, such as being a board member of the Dubai Executive Council, the chairman of Virgin Hyperloop One, and holding the position of the chairman of the UAE Federal Tax Authority. Bin Sulayem’s achievements span a diverse spectrum, showcasing his adeptness in orchestrating transformational ventures. This includes steering the international expansion of DP World, a leading marine terminal operator. DP World provides solutions including third-party logistics (3PL), container services and automated customs clearance and brokerage. With 80 terminals and economic zones around the world, they are at the centre of smarter logistics delivery and offer specialist solutions for industry sectors, fully customised to make the logistics experience transparent, accessible, and cost-effective. Every year, under Bin Sulayem’s guidance, DP World enables the movement of $1 trillion worth of goods, and completes over 300 projects a year at its drydocks in Dubai, home to some of the world’s biggest-ever new-build offshore fabrication programmes. Investing for the future DP World is further reimagining the future with step-change terminal handling innovations designed to streamline their global network of ports. This includes BoxBay, an intelligent High Bay Storage (HBS) system, which is increasing terminal handling speed, energy efficiency and safety, while decreasing operating costs. The company has also invested in Virgin’s revolutionary Hyperloop technology, an on-demand, incredibly fast cargo pod system that will give cargo owners synchronised and intelligent movement of goods. Moreover, DP World extends their technological influence to the realm of freight forwarding through the establishment of the Digital Freight Alliance. Notably, thanks to Bin Sulayem’s visionary foresight, DP World acquired the P&O Group for $6.8bn in March 2006, positioning it as one of the world’s largest port operators and a pivotal trade facilitator, with an impressive global presence spanning 78 marine and inland terminals across six continents. His business acumen further manifested in the dynamic development of the Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza), which he transformed into a thriving business hub housing over 7,300 companies. Additionally, Bin Sulayem’s led the inception of Nakheel, with contributions that include the creation of iconic Dubai landmarks, such as Palm Jumeirah. Bin Sulayem also established and led Istithmar World, a venture with a focus on private equity investments. The impressive portfolio includes diverse investments across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, encompassing sectors like retail and financial services. Sultan Bin Sulayem Group Chairman and CEO DP World Logistics 17 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 60ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6028/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 61 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 The face of the Middle East’s retail sector has been forever changed by Mohammed Alshaya. He is the driving force behind the Kuwaiti family-owned enter- prise Alshaya, a prominent international franchise operator across the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Russia, and has been instrumental in steering the company’s evolu- tion, fostering its progression and widespread expansion. His journey within the organisation began in 1990 when he assumed the role of CEO, later ascending to the position of executive chairman in 2007. Today, the group boasts an impressive roster of over 80 franchise stores and global brands under its name, with a vast and diverse portfolio that spans continents. The group’s endeavours encompass multiple sectors, from health and beauty to pharmacy, food, fashion, home furnishings, and leisure and entertainment. Also included under the expansive Alshaya Group umbrella is local coffee shops, drive-thrus, and restaurants. This collection includes key names like Boots, The Body Shop, H&M, Starbucks, Mothercare, M.A.C, Debenhams, American Eagle Outfit- ters, P.F. Chang’s, The Cheesecake Factory, Victoria’s Secret, Pottery Barn, and KidZania, and more. ESG initiatives Alshaya Group’s commitment to its commu- nities is also paramount and as a leading employer in the retail sector, Alshaya recog- nises the various avenues through which they can contribute sustainably. This includes creating jobs and fostering skills development, sourcing locally, providing charitable support, and collaborating with government and local NGOs. Additionally, the company is dedi- cated to environmental stewardship, imple- menting initiatives such as harnessing solar energy, recycling fashion and electronics, and minimising packaging. A wide range of responsibilities Alshaya’s sphere of influence extends far beyond his role within Alshaya Group. He plays a pivotal role as a board member for the Arab Thought Foundation, contributing his insights and expertise to this intellectual platform. Further- more, his leadership extends to real estate development, where he holds the position of chairman of the board of directors at Mabanee, a distinguished player in Kuwait’s real estate landscape and the development company behind Kuwait’s leading mall development, The Avenues. It’s worth noting that the Alshaya family’s ownership stake of 34.1 percent in Mabanee underscores the family’s substantial commitment to the company’s success. Alshaya is also a member of Kuwait’s Supreme Council of Planning and Development and the country’s Supreme Council of Education, as well as the International Business Advisory Council for London. He is further on the board of trustees for the Foreign Direct Investment Council of Turkey, the Leadership Council of Harvard Kennedy School, Cleveland Clinic’s International Leadership Board. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing from Kuwait University, before studying a Master’s Degree in Business Administration at the Wharton School, the busi- ness school of the University of Pennsylvania. He then went on to work for a short time at Morgan Stanley bank in New York before moving back to the Middle East. Mohammed Alshaya Executive Chairman Alshaya Group Retail 18 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 61ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6128/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0862 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 19 Adriving force in the Gulf ’s retail industry, Indian businessman Yusuff Ali MA is the powerhouse behind Lulu Group , which has an international business portfolio that ranges from hypermarket operations to shopping mall development, as well as manufacturing, goods trading, hospitality assets, and real estate. The company, which operates in 25 countries, turns over $8bn annually and has a staff of more than 70,000. Retail heavyweight Headquartered in Abu Dhabi, Lulu Group is best known in the Gulf for its chain of popular shopping centres and hypermarkets, which have long served a wide segment of multi- ethnic residents in the region. Lulu Group International is one of the largest retail chains in Asia and the biggest in the Middle East, with more than 250 outlets in the Gulf countries and beyond, and was once listed by auditing and research firm Deloitte as one of the world’s 50 fastest growing retail chains. Driving success In 2015, the group famously moved into the hotel development business, making international headlines after it paid AED550m ($149.7m) for Great Scotland Yard in London, the former headquarters of the Metropolitan Police, renovating and reopening it as a luxury hotel in 2019. Ali, who was born in Kerala, moved to the UAE in 1973 on a ship that sailed from Mumbai. He has held many positions over the years, including as former Second Vice Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry and he was also a member of the board of directors of ADCCI for four successive terms. He’s also a former trustee of the India Development Foundation and served on the board of Air India. Today, he still serves on the board of directors for Cochin and Kannur international airports, and as a corporate member of the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce & Industry, as well as a national council member of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and co-chairman of CII Gulf Committee, demonstrating his firm commitment to shaping the future of industry and commerce across the Middle East and India. Aside from his corporate responsibilities, Ali is also active in social causes and is associated with several organisations. This includes his role as vice-chairman of Norka Roots, the Non-Resident Keralite Affairs Department set up by the Government of Kerala to ensure the welfare of non-resident Keralites. Recognitions Notably, in 2005 he was honoured with the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award by the former President of India, Dr APJ Abdul Kalam. In 2008, he also received the Padma Shri Award by India’s then-president Pratibha Devisingh Patil. In 2017, he was also the recipient of the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the UK, for his Birmingham-based food processing plant’s role in boosting Britain’s position as an investor-friendly destination. The company, called Y International UK Ltd, was established in 2013 to source and process food products from the UK to support the demand for high-quality British products for sale in Lulu Group’s hypermarkets across the Middle East, India and other countries in Asia. Yusuff Ali MA Chairman and Managing Director Lulu Group Retail ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 62ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6228/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 63 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 20 In his nearly two-decade-long career in the UAE’s healthcare industry, Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil has enjoyed a meteoric rise. This remarkable journey has seen him building one of the region’s leading super-specialty healthcare networks, balancing the roles of an entrepreneur, strategist, and philanthropist with great ease. In all these roles, his mission has been the same – to offer world-class care across the region. He serves as the founder and chair- man of Burjeel Holdings and chairman of Amanat Holdings. Since setting up his first hospital in 2007, Shamsheer’s leadership has transformed his company, Burjeel Holdings, into a healthcare giant with a diverse portfolio comprising hospitals, medical centres, homecare services, occupational health, and retail pharmacies. Shamsheer plays a key role in steering Amanat towards becoming the region’s gateway to sustainable investing, driving strategic investments in health- care and education. His expertise lies in recognising market gaps and orchestrating the expansion of healthcare services to address them, solidifying his position as a leading investor in the largest healthcare companies in the MENA region. Shamsheer leads the group’s efforts in elevating the level of care in the market across the demographic spectr um through brands like Burjeel, Medeor, LLH, Lifecare, Tajmeel, and Physi- oTherabia. With him at the helm, Burjeel Holdings pursues a bold strategy to use inno- vation to address healthcare challenges in the UAE and beyond. The group has expanded its geographic footprint to new regions within the GCC as well as globally. His passion for addressing global healthcare challenges has led to initiatives like the establishment of the Burjeel Institute for Global Health in New York, US. Shamsheer embodies the spirit of deter- mination and success that defines the dynamic landscape of the UAE. By taking two of his companies – RPM and Burjeel Holdings – public and listing them on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange, Shamsheer has demonstrated steadfast belief in the economic potential of the country. His efforts have comple- mented a comprehensive ecosystem that provides advanced care within the UAE while supporting the nation’s ambitions to become a global destination for patients worldwide. A strategic healthcare investor, he has been a member of several important healthcare and industry boards, including the UAE Medical Council. His contributions have earned him various accolades for his excellence in healthcare, entre- preneurship, and social initiatives. A committed philanthropist, Shamsheer attributes his char- itable values to his upbringing in Kozhikode, Kerala, where his family emphasised the importance of giving back to the community. He supports various initiatives aimed at improving public health and inspiring young entrepreneurs globally. He is also involved in several philanthropic endeavours, focusing on healthcare access, education, and community development. Shamsheer remains an influential figure in the healthcare sector. Under his guidance, his companies are scaling up operations in new regions within the GCC and beyond, aiming to address broader healthcare challenges and set new standards in the industry. Dr. Shamsheer Vayalil Founder and Chairman Burjeel Holdings Chairman Amanat Holdings Healthcare ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 63ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6328/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0864 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Ronaldo Mouchawar pioneered a revolutionary shift in online retail across the region. As a visionary entrepreneur, he is a transformative force in the MENA’s e-commerce landscape as co-founder of Souq.com Group, which he continues to serve as CEO. He cultivated the platform’s growth into the largest e-commerce retailer in the Arab world, catching the attention of tech giant Amazon, which acquired Souq. com for $580m in 2017. Road to success Mouchawar’s leadership began in 2005, coinciding with Souq.com’s inception in the UAE. Under his guidance, the platform expanded into key markets such as KSA and Egypt. In 2014, he introduced the White Friday sale, now a highly anticipated annual shopping event in the region. Mouchawar also extended Souq.com’s influence by launching PayFort, a leading online payment service, and Q-Express, a logistics arm aimed at improving delivery efficiency. In 2016, Souq.com secured a $275m investment, propelling its valuation to over $1bn, marking it as the first unicorn in the region. Following Amazon’s acquisition, Souq.com rebranded as Amazon.ae in the UAE in 2019 and Amazon.sa in KSA in 2020. Mouchawar’s commitment to providing Arabic language support was evident with the introduction of Amazon Prime in the UAE in 2019, Amazon Home Services in 2020, and Prime in KSA in 2021. Amazon MENA, under Mouchawar’s guidance, continues to revolutionise ecommerce in the region. In April 2023, the company launched a state-of-the-art fulfilment centre in Dubai, equipped with advanced technology to increase storage capacity by 70 percent. Situated in Dubai South’s Logistics District, the facility ensures efficient operations with access to key transportation hubs, contributing to the UAE’s digital economy agenda. The expanded capacity aims to host products from 100,000 SMEs on Amazon.ae by 2026 and offers training and upskilling programmes for employees, further contributing to the UAE’s growing digital economy. Driving innovation Amazon.ae has also expanded its International Shopping experience to Qatar, offering local customers the convenience of browsing and purchasing hundreds of thousands of eligible products shipped from the UAE. This service is accessible in both Arabic and English, tailoring the user’s experience based on their location and shipping address. Beyond Souq.com and Amazon, Mouchawar’s impact spans involvement as a board director for Instashop, a UAE-based grocery app. A devoted advocate for innovation and technology, his journey began as a Technical and Systems Consultant with EDS in the US, later spearheading pioneering web and ecommerce projects like Maktoob.com (acquired by Yahoo! in 2009). Mouchawar actively contributes to shaping the future of technology and innovation in the region, serving on key councils and advisory boards, such as the Dubai Future Council on Artificial Intelligence, Dubai Future Academy board of trustees, and International Advisory Council at the Executive Council. Ronaldo Mouchawar CEO and Co-founder/Vice President Souq.com/Amazon MENA Ecommerce 21 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 64ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6428/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com65 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 John Pagano currently serves as the Group CEO of Red Sea Global (RSG), a pioneering real estate firm leading the charge in regenerative development projects along Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. RSG is behind two of the country’s most ambitious projects: The Red Sea and AMAALA, both located on the west coast of Saudi Arabia. With over 30 years of international experience in the commercial property industry, Pagano brings a wealth of knowledge from North America, Europe, and the Carib- bean to his role. Pagano’s expertise spans a wide range of areas, including project structuring, financing, construction, asset management, and master planning. He is at the forefront of transforming RSG’s vision into reality, driving the development of these regenerative luxury tourism destinations from the ground up, all aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. KSA’s hospitality transformation Since taking the helm at The Red Sea project in January 2018, Pagano has played a pivotal role in steering one of the three mega-projects designed to diversify Saudi Arabia’s economy. The Red Sea project, primarily focused on island development, is set to become a global benchmark for sustainable luxury tourism. Alongside The Red Sea, Pagano also oversees the ultra-luxury destination AMAALA, another groundbreaking initiative under RSG’s umbrella. The first phase of The Red Sea project, expected to be completed by 2024, covers an expansive 28,000 square kilometer s, including six inland sites and 22 islands. Upon its full completion, The Red Sea project will boast around 50 hotels and 1,300 residential proper ties across its islands, making it a cornerstone of Saudi Arabia’s tourism strategy. In addition to The Red Sea project, Pagano is leading the development of AMAALA, which, in its first phase, will feature an international airport, the delivery of 16 luxury hotels, and the creation of the iconic Sheybarah Island hotel, characterised by its stunning mirrored orbs. Under Pagano’s leadership, Red Sea Global is poised to redefine luxury and sustainability in the hospitality industry, setting new standards for tourism development worldwide. Industry veteran Pagano spent more than two decades at the world-renowned Canary Wharf development in London, during which time he held several leading executive positions. He also served as President of Baha Mar Development Company (BDMC) based in Nassau, the Bahamas. The $3.6bn development included four new hotels, a convention centre and a Jack Nicklaus Signature championship golf course. Pagano holds a BASc degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toronto. John Pagano Group CEO Red Sea Global Hospitality 22 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 65ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6528/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0866 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Veteran banker Shayne Nelson has undoubtedly had a major impact on the UAE’s financial sector. During his tenure, Emirates NBD’s assets have increased from around $83.8bn to $228bn as of September 2023, including a significant acquisition of DenizBank in Turkey for $2.7bn. The bank has achieved substantial organic growth, securing the largest market share in corporate and retail banking in the UAE and leading in regional technology innovation. Additionally, it has expanded in Egypt, India, and KSA, obtaining the highest number of branch licenses among foreign banks in KSA. The group now also has operations in Turkey, Singapore, the UK, Austria, Germany and Bahrain, with representative offices in China and Indonesia, and more than 850 branches and over 4,200 ATMs/SDMs. In H1 2024, Emirates NBD confirmed a net profit of $3.7bn, a 12 percent increase year on year. Across the group, between April and June, its quarterly profit surpassed $1.9bn for the first time, helped by record results from Emirates Islamic Bank and DenizBank. Leading banking institution The group is also one of the largest and most culturally diversified employers in the UAE, with more than 30,000 staff members representing over 90 nationalities, and with a string of annual awards to its name since Nelson took over in 2013. From bank teller to CEO, Nelson has been involved in most parts of the banking industry over his decades-long career, firstly in his home country of Australia and later in Asia, when he moved between Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia with Standard Chartered, before taking over as CEO of its MENA business. Previously, he was the CEO of Standard Chartered Private Bank in Singapore for three years. He chaired the Standard Chartered Saadiq Islamic advisory board and was a board member of Standard Chartered Bank (China) Ltd. Other positions include the regional CEO of Standard Chartered Bank Middle East and North Africa for five years. Responsible leadership He also chaired Standard Chartered (Pakistan) Limited and the Banking Advisory Council to the Dubai International Financial Centre Board. He was also CEO and managing director of Standard Chartered Bank, Malaysia Berhad, based in Kuala Lumpur. Today, Nelson serves on various boards, including Emirates Islamic, Emirates NBD Capital Ltd., Emirates NBD Capital PSC, Tanfeeth, DenizBank A.Ş. (Turkey), International Monetary Conference, Marsh Emirates Insurance Brokers, and the University of Wollongong in Dubai’s Advisory Board. He is also a member of the International Cooperation Council France UAE (CCI France UAE). He is also a graduate member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors, as well as an associate fellow of the Australian Institute of Managers. But he has more strings to his bow than simply banking. Nelson is also a dedicated family man and former state rugby player with Western Australia – and even holds a world record for fishing, having landed the biggest Giant Grouper, weighing 179.5kg, off Latham Island, Tanzania. Shayne Nelson Group CEO Emirates NBD Banking 23 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 66ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6628/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 67 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 L ubna Olayan is an influential presence in the region’s financial landscape and became a cham- pion of women’s empowerment in KSA when she was the first woman to join the board of a Saudi publicly listed company after being elected to the board of Alawwal Bank in 2004. She also served as the bank’s deputy chairman prior to the merger with Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB), the third-largest bank by assets in KSA, where she now serves as chairperson. In April 2023, the Saudi British Bank (SABB) revealed its new name, SAB. This change came after two years of significant efforts following the merger of SABB and Alaw- wal Bank. SAB’s forward-looking approach aligns with KSA’s Vision 2030 objectives as the bank’s adoption of blockchain technology for international trade transactions in 2022 reflects the push for digital transformation and innovation in the industry. Olayan’s appointment as the chair of a Saudi-listed entity was a ground-breaking achievement, making her a trailblazer in the region. Her career, which began in 1983, spans diverse leadership positions, including her role as the CEO of Olayan Financing Company (OFC) for over 35 years. After resigning from the CEO position in April 2019, she remains a member of OFC’s board. Family enterprise Established by her father in 1947, OFC oper- ates across manufacturing, services, invest- ments, and distribution sectors. Headquar- tered in Riyadh, the city ser ves as the cornerstone of The Olayan Group’s opera- tions and investment activities within KSA and the wider Middle East. Since its incep- tion in 1969, OFC has developed a diversi- fied investment strategy, embracing public and private equities, strategic alliances, and real estate ventures. The company boasts a robust portfolio exceeding 32 entities, along- side global investments spanning the Middle East, Turkey, and India, all managed by its Riyadh-based team. Under Olayan’s guidance, OFC, in collaboration with King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST) via the Suliman S. Olayan Founda- tion, launched the Suliman S. Olayan Institute for Innova- tion and Entrepreneurship. This institute specialises in sustainability solutions for the water, food, and energy sectors and is named in memory of the late visionary and founder of Olayan Group. Female leadership Olayan is also the chairperson of the board and executive committee of the Saudi-Swedish Business Council (SSBC). Additionally, she presides over the Suliman S. Olayan Foun- dation and the UK-based Alfanar philanthropy organisation, along with holding memberships on key international and local corporate, university boards, and advisory councils. She was also appointed to join the World Economic Forum’s board of trustees in September 2022. Additionally, over her esteemed career, Olayan has received numerous awards and recognitions, including an Honorary Doctor of Laws from Trinity College, Dublin, and the insignia of Member First Class of the Royal Order of the Polar Star by King Carl Gustav XVI of Sweden. Olayan has a Bachelor’s Degree in agriculture from Cornell University and an MBA from Indiana University. Lubna Olayan Chairperson Saudi Awwal Bank (SAB) Banking 24 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 67ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6728/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0868 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Hesham Al Qassim is a key figure in the region’s business landscape. He is the CEO of Wasl (formerly Wasl Asset Management Group) and the Chairman of Emirates NBD. He is also the Chairman of Emirates Islamic, Vice Chairman of Dubai Real Estate Corporation, Chairman of BNP Paribas Egypt, and Board Member of Amlak Finance, International Humanitarian City, Etisalat, DIFC, and National General Insurance. Key achievements Al Qassim has spearheaded Wasl’s transformation into a world-class company since 2008. He was responsible for restructuring and developing the group’s key subsidiaries: Wasl Properties, Wasl Hospitality and Leisure and Dubai Golf. Wasl’s hospitality division is now the largest hotel asset company in Dubai, with 35-plus hotels and hotel apartments; including the Mandarin Oriental Jumeirah, Mina Seyahi, and all the Hyatt hotel brands in Dubai. He has played a pivotal role in driving this expansion to include more than 8,200 hotel keys across the city. His vision, passion and dedication have played a key role in attracting over 150 restaurants to Dubai, most notably Tasca, Carine, Bussola and Stay by Yannick Alleno. Wasl continues to thrive under his leadership. The company is currently expanding its portfolio in Dubai to include upcoming hotels, like the second Mandarin Oriental hotel in Dubai. Furthermore, Al Qassim is overseeing the introduction of key brands, including MGM, Bellagio and Aria, to the Middle East for the first time, with a total of 1,883 additional hotel keys to be added to the city. Sustainability initiatives Al Qassim played a key role in overseeing Wasl’s sustainability initiatives to meet the UAE’s climate goals and strengthen Dubai’s reputation as a global leader in adopting state-of-the-art sustainability solutions in the construction sector. Currently, he is overseeing the development of Wasl Tower, one of the UAE’s most ambitious sustainability projects. He has played a pivotal role in the development of Food Tech Valley, a project that will triple the UAE’s food production. The site can grow up to 3,000 tonnes of produce annually and recycle more than 50,000 tonnes of food waste, supporting the UAE’s move towards decarbonising food production and replacing 1 percent of the country’s fresh produce imports. Wasl successfully completed one of the largest on-grid solar projects in Dubai, with more than 22,000 PV panels installed across 44 buildings and company facilities, enhancing the grid’s capacity by over 11 million kWh annually. The solar energy produced is expected to offset 4,500 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, with the same impact as taking 2,200 cars off the road, planting 180,000 trees, or providing a year’s worth of energy for 900 Dubai homes. Key CSR initiatives Wasl has supported numerous charitable causes in Dubai over the past 12 months, including extending financial sponsorships to the Dubai Autism Centre during World Autism Day, supporting the Sheikha Latifa Bint Mohammed Award for Childhood Creativity, supporting the Tarahum Charity Foundation by sponsoring Al Nas Ll Nas radio show, and supporting the Emirates Environment Group. Hesham Al Qassim CEO Wasl Real estate 25 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 68ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6828/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 69 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Over the past 35 years, Abdulrahman Al Fageeh has solidified his reputation as a key figure in the global chemical industry. During his decades- long tenure at SABIC, Al Fageeh has excelled in many senior executive positions, including in project management, plant operations, and corporate and business management. As one of the world’s leading petrochemical manufac- turers, SABIC operates as a public entity headquartered in Riyadh, KSA. Saudi Aramco holds 70 percent ownership stake in the company, while the remaining 30 percent is publicly traded on the Saudi stock exchange. Over the years, SABIC’s phenomenal growth trajectory has allowed the company to attain a strong foothold in the global market share, with operations that span approxi- mately 50 countries and a workforce of more than 31,000 staff members. SABIC’s primary corporate hubs and head- quarters are located in Riyadh, complemented by significant industrial operations in Al Jubail on the Arabian Gulf and Yanbu along the Red Sea coastline. The company’s manufacturing, sales, technology, and inno- vation facilities are geographically dispersed to ensure a comprehensive global presence and seamless operations. Managed through four regional offices spanning the Middle East and Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, SABIC maintains a proactive approach towards shaping the future land- scape. Emphasising the paramount impor- tance of Technology and Innovation (T&I), SABIC channels substantial investments into pioneer ing research and development endeavours. Al Fageeh has contributed in myriad ways to this extraordinary growth. Before assum- ing his current position in September 2022, he was the executive vice president of petro- chemicals, performance chemicals and poly- mers business units, demonstrating his stra- tegic acumen across different segments of the organisation. His impressive track record also includes key positions such as vice president of the Polyethylene Business Unit and a significant six-year tenure as president of Yansab. Versatile professional Al Fageeh’s leadership contributions extended to chairing notable entities within SABIC such as Petrokemya, Sadaf, Ibn Sina, Shrouq, Yanpet, Kemya, SAMAC, SABIC SK Nexlene Company, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, and SABIC Fujian. Moreover, he served as vice chairman of the board of Ibn Zahr and held directorial positions at Ar Razi and SABIC Capital B.V. In his external appointments, Al Fageeh’s influence extends beyond SABIC. He holds the prestigious position of chairman at both the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) and the Saudi Petrochemical Manu- facturers Committee. Now, while CEO, he also serves as an executive member of the board of directors. Concurrently, he holds the positions of chairman of SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company and NUSANED™ Investment company. Abdulrahman Al Fageeh CEO Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) Energy 26 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 69ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 6928/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08Next >