< Previous100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 70 100 Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Avisionary on a mission to redefine success within the global business community, Mohammad A. Baker is leading GMG into an exciting new chapter within its 47-year legacy. Under his leadership, Baker has metamorphosed GMG into a worldwide well-being entity that impacts millions of lives. The family-owned company, established in 1977 by Abdul Aziz Baker, first began as a small butchery offering fresh Western meat, fish, and cold cuts. Over the past four decades, it has grown to encompass a diverse portfolio of home-grown and international brands, and today, Baker is steering the company towards a new era, advocating for a world enriched by positive contributions. This endeavour entails staying at the forefront of innovation while delivering robust investment returns for GMG’s global partners. Expanding the family business GMG’s portfolio spans across five key verticals: GMG Sports, GMG Everyday Goods, GMG Health and Beauty, GMG Properties, and GMG Logistics. Baker is driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence and positive impact, transitioning GMG from a single Dubai store, to introducing over 120 brands to markets across the MENA region and Asia. These encompass both home-grown names such as Sun & Sand Sports, Supercare Pharmacy, Farm Fresh, and international brands such as JD Sports, Nike, Vans, and Columbia. Additionally, GMG successfully launched nike.ae and nike.sa for regional customers. Baker has also orchestrated a comprehensive presence across the entire food consumption chain, aligning with GMG’s visionary ‘farm-to-fork’ approach and commitment to the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. GMG has established state-of-the-art food manufacturing facilities, an expansive food retail network, and distribution of highly sought-after international brands. These facilities are enhanced by a cutting-edge R&D kitchen and food laboratory, covering various product lines. GMG ventured into the food retail industry in April 2022 by acquiring the Middle Eastern operations of Groupe Casino’s prestigious brands, including Géant, Franprix, Monoprix, and Monop. GMG’s commitment to excellence continued with the acquisition of aswaaq LLC, consolidating its position as one of the UAE’s largest community mall operators. The group has also expanded its health portfolio within the UAE, introducing innovative concept stores such as Supercare, Arabella, Glu, and Good Health, and GMG’s global footprint is rapidly expanding, with Baker envisioning the opening of 100 stores in Southeast Asia by 2025. In April, GMG announced plans to expand the store network of VF Corporation’s brands, such as Vans®, The North Face®, and Timberland®, across the MENA region and Southeast Asia (SEA). Currently, GMG operates 90 mono- brand stores for VF in MENA and SEA, with plans to roll out over 300 stores in the next five years. Outside of corporate operations, Baker strongly believes in empowering the UAE’s youth and has launched several initiatives to support their growth. He played an instrumental role in promoting healthier lifestyles across schools in the UAE by collaborating closely with the government and integrating sports and active living into the curriculum. Mohammad A. Baker Deputy Chairman and CEO GMG Retail 27 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 70ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7028/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10arabianbusiness.com71 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Driven by passion and a need to succeed, Yogesh Mehta established the brand in 1995 at age 35 which today is considered one of the best in the chemicals industry. With an annual turnover in excess of $1.5bn, Petrochem is the largest chemical distributor in the Middle East and the 12th largest distributor in the world. Apart from their state-of-the-art tank farm in Jebel Ali Free Zone in the UAE, The company also has two large bulk chemical storage terminals in Egypt (Adabiya and Port Said) that can store more than 55,000 tonnes of various chemicals and a drumming and logistics facility in KSA which has not only expanded their portfolio, but has created economies of scale. Petrochem distributes chemicals across pharmaceutical, oilfield, and paint, coating, printing and packaging industries, in more than 32 countries. Under his leadership, Petrochem Middle East has now expanded into chemical trading, tank leasing and logistics. With new expansion plans already underway, Petrochem is newly tripling its chemical storage and distribution capacity with stainless steel tanks with manufacturing and blending capability in Jebel Ali investing more than $95m to committing to sustainable development in UAE. Construction of this large bulk storage terminal has already started a few months ago to complete in late 2025. Petrochem has offices in China, Singapore, Taiwan, London, Egypt, Colombia and India with their corporate head office in Dubai. Born leader Mehta earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry from Mumbai; India and his first job was at his father’s chemical manufacturing factory in western India. It was here that Mehta honed his innate leadership skills and gained valuable hands-on business experience. He then went on to open his own chemical trading business, which enjoyed limited success. Mehta then relocated to Dubai in 1990, and in five years, managed to establish a successful chemical distribution business and become a market leader. Mehta attributes his company’s success to the team of engineers and professionals who are like a family. His son Rohan joined Petrochem 10 years ago and is very successful in his own right. Rohan plans to take the company to new heights and believes that they have just started the growth period at Petrochem. Mehta is a Harvard Business School Alumni and a trustee board member of GSN, Global Sustainability Network, supporting human rights and abolition of child slavery. He is also the vice chairman and Trustee of the iconic BAPS Temple being built in Abu Dhabi and a board member of the Education for Employment ( EFE) Middle East chapter. Mehta’s contribution to the Dubai music and culture and arts is legendary and has promoted several events regularly. Yogesh Mehta CEO Petrochem Middle East Energy 28 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 71ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7128/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 72 100 Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Helal Al Marri has one of the most important jobs in Dubai: planning, overseeing and delivering the city’s vision to the world. As Director General of the Dubai Department of Econ- omy and Tourism, he holds a key responsibil- ity in enhancing the emirate’s status as a sought-after destination for investment, busi- ness, and leisure, while concurrently bolster- ing its economic foundation and driving sustainable tourism. DET assumes the central authority for steering, overseeing, fostering, and promoting the growth of Dubai’s economic and tourism sectors. The authority further plays a pivotal role in marketing and advocating for the emir- ate’s thriving commerce sector. Additionally, it bears the responsibility of licensing and categorising all economic and tourism services, encompassing key domains such as hotels, tour operators, and travel agents. Its compre- hensive mandate spans the planning, supervision, develop- ment, and strategic marketing efforts essential to propel Dubai’s economic and tourism landscape forward. In 2023, Dubai experienced a record-breaking year in tourism, welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors, a 19.4 percent increase from 2022. This year is already set to break those records, with the city welcoming 9.31 million overnight visitors between January and June, an increase of 9 per cent compared to the same period last year. This exponential growth aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by Sheikh Moham- med bin Rashid Al Maktoum to solidify Dubai’s position as a premier global city for both business and leisure. Dubai’s inter- national recognition as a leading destination has been further reinforced by prestigious awards and accolades, including being named the Number 1 global destination for the third consecutive year in the esteemed Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards for 2024. This recognition is a testament not only to the city’s world-class infrastructure, but also the continuous collaboration between the private sector and government authorities, including DET under Al Marri’s leadership. Tourism drive A hallmark of Al Marri’s tenure has been his adept steering of numerous impactful global campaigns that have been consistently launched across traditional, digital, and social media platforms and spotlight Dubai’s multifaceted allure to international audiences. Al Marri’s expansive portfolio encompasses both the leisure and business facets of Dubai’s value proposition. In this capacity, Al Marri plays a key role in orchestrating the planning, supervision, and execution of Dubai’s visionary goals and ambitious targets within the sector. Alongside his position at the DET, he also holds significant leadership roles, standing as a distinguished member of the Executive Council of Dubai and concurrently serving as the director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA), which houses the foremost event venue in the UAE and the largest event and exhibition centre across the region. His influence also extends to his board memberships at esteemed institutions, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICD, Taaleem PJSC, and Emaar Malls. His professional background includes valuable expe- rience gained at reputable consulting firms such as McKinsey and KPMG, further enhancing his expertise in driving stra- tegic growth and innovation within the business landscape. Helal Al Marri Director General Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) Tourism 29 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 72ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7228/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10arabianbusiness.com 73 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Badr Mohammed Al Meer has played many integral roles in Qatar’s landmark developments. This includes 10 years as COO of Hamad International Airport (HIA), a role he successfully undertook before assuming the position of Group CEO at Qatar Airways in November 2023. His leadership at HIA, which is part of Qatar Airways Group, was characterised by visionary initiatives and remarkable accomplishments in significant airport projects. Noteworthy among these was the expansion endeavour known as The Orchard, a unique indoor tropical garden that sprawls 6,000 square metres and features 65 of the airport’s 180 retail and dining experiences. This initiative revolutionised the airport experience and solidified Doha’s status as a premier global aviation hub. In 2023, HIA received over 45.9 million passengers, almost double the 26.3 million the new airport welcomed when it first opened back in 2014. During the decade, Al Meer not only oversaw this exponential growth, but was also instrumental in securing industry accolades for HIA, includ- ing Skytrax’s prestigious Best Airport in the World awards in 2021, 2022, and 2024. Al Meer’s previous role as a board director of the Airports Council International in the Asia/Pacific Region further under- scores his commitment to airport development and sustaina- bility initiatives. Now, Al Meer’s tenure at the helm of the airline group symbolises a period marked by a dedication to innovation, fostering a culture of empowerment within the organi- sation, and driving continued success in the competitive aviation landscape with his guid- ance and industry expertise. Harnesssing technology Most recently, Qatar Airways made a ground- breaking debut at ITB Berlin 2024 with the introduction of Sama 2.0, described as the first digital human in aviation, as an innovative AI assistant for passengers. This advanced tech- nology, which represents a second generation of AI, offers passengers information on various topics such as travel details and on-board services. Sama 2.0 has been designed to appear more human- like, displaying expressions and simulated breathing compared to its earlier appearance. The integration of Sama 2.0 into Qatar Airways’ digital ecosystem signifies a significant advance- ment in passenger interaction and service provision. This AI assistant can help passengers with booking flights, completing transactions, and providing personalised recommendations. In December 2023, Al-Meer was also elected to the board of governors of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a prestigious appointment that underscores his excep- tional leadership in the aviation industry. IATA, recognised as the trade association for the world’s airlines, boasts a member- ship of approximately 320 airlines, representing 83 percent of global air traffic. Through his role, Al Meer will contribute to shaping the future growth of secure and sustainable air trans- port, in line with IATA’s mission to advocate for airline inter- ests globally. His extensive expertise in the aviation sector positions him to make further significant contributions as a member of the Executive Committee of the Arab Air Carriers’ Organisation (AACO). AACO, the regional association of Arab Airlines comprising 34 carriers, focuses on fostering cooperation among members in various areas such as aero-political affairs, environmental sustainability, and training initiatives. Badr Mohammed Al Meer Group CEO Qatar Airways Aviation 30 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 73ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7328/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 74 100 Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Kabir Mulchandani, founder and chair man of FIVE Holdings is arguably one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the region. With assets valued at $2.9bn, over 1,700 keys, and 3,060 employees, Mulchandani’s leadership has expanded FIVE Holdings to include three UAE hotels – FIVE Palm Jumeirah, FIVE Jumeirah Village, FIVE LUXE – along with FIVE Zurich in Switzer- land, Destino Hotel Pacha Ibiza and El Hotel Pacha in Spain, Pacha Ibiza nightclub, FIVE MODE and The Pacha Collection Fashion Lines; and a range of assets including Toy Room Clubs, and WooMoon Storytellers (Globally). The brand also encompasses FIVE Music, a joint venture with The Warner Group. Guided by Mulchandani’s Sustainable Indulgence philos- ophy, in 2023, FIVE’s pro forma EBITDA margin reached 39 percent, and the company earned an ‘A’ ESG rating from ISS. FIVE’s Dubai, Zurich and Ibiza hotel properties stood out with an average Occupancy Rate of 86 percent for LTM ended 31st March 2024, with total revenue growing approx- imately 349 percent from $123m in 2019 to proforma* reve- nue of $552m in LTM ended 31st March 2024. Global vision Mulchandani’s global vision led to the opening of FIVE Zurich in 2022 and the acquisition of The Pacha Group in a landmark deal valued at €302.5m ($336.44m) in October 2023, in line with the group’s strategic vision towards universal entertain- ment and hospitality. Creating sustainable entertainment With FIVE’s Sustainable Indulgence ethos of guilt-free luxury lifestyle and immersive entertainment experiences, Mulchandani pioneers a no-compromise model of sustain- able hospitality. Achieving 100 percent solar power for his Dubai hotels, 100 percent LEED Platinum Dubai and Zurich hotel portfolio (1,500 Total Platinum Rooms at FIVE vs. 1,430 Total Platinum Rooms in the US) and earning the world’s highest ISS ‘A’ ESG Rating, Mulchandani proves his conviction in sustainability. Guest carbon footprints at FIVE Hotels are just 24kgCO2e per night, beating the competition, validated by CHSB 2023. Mulchandani has also developed a Net Zero ‘Build Tech’ Luxury Building Design Concept, ready for development. Mulchandani’s sustainability leadership has been recognised with FIVE Holdings listed in Construction Week’s Top Green Developers in the Middle East 2023 and was a finalist inArabian Business Achievement Awards Sustain- able Company of the Year 2023. Mulchandani is also nomi- nated for The World Sustainability Awards 2024 in the Sustainability Leader of the Year category, and the Reuters Events Sustainability Awards 2024 in the Sustainability Trailblazer Award category, and 2024 Skift IDEA Awards in the Change Makers – Leadership category. Effective altruism Philanthropy is a key aspect of Mulchandani’s approach. Recognised as Philanthropist of the Year by CEO Middle East, he has contributed over $1.8m to various causes, including literacy and girls’ empowerment through Room to Read and 800 life-saving surgeries for children in India. The FIVE Cares programme, championed by Mulchandani, provides critical financial aid to employees during medical crises. *Proforma figures include the effect of acquisition of Universo Pacha S.A as if the business combination was effective for LTM ended 31st March 2024. Kabir Mulchandani 31 Founder and Chairman FIVE Holdings Hospitality ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 74ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7428/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10arabianbusiness.com 75 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Ahmed Baghoum is the CEO of Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s flagship sustainable urban development, free zone, and innovation hub. He oversees operations and development, driving strategy, innovation, part- nerships, and R&D clusters towards sustainable growth. A Masdar veteran, Baghoum joined in 2009 as director of the Free Zone, overseeing all special economic zone functions. He then became Executive Director of Human Capital and Services, leading talent acquisition, development, and optimiz- ing the UAE national workforce. He also managed the compa- ny’s corporate services activities. Under his leadership, Masdar City has evolved into a world-class business and technology hub for clean-tech and innovation, attracting a diverse array of organizations, from start-ups to multinationals and government agencies. Baghoum has spearheaded several landmark projects at Masdar City, including NZ1, the region’s first designed for net-zero energy commercial building, and The Link, a 30,000-square-meter development featuring the region’s first net-zero energy shared working and living ‘Co-Lab’ building. He is overseeing the development of Masdar City Square, which includes the region’s first net-zero energy HQ building, announced at COP28 to be occupied by the Department of Energy. He also oversaw the groundbreaking of the region’s first net-zero energy mosque and the delivery of the Estidama Mosque, Abu Dhabi’s first LEED Platinum mosque. Additionally, he enhanced Masdar Park, providing Abu Dhabi residents with more sustainable recreational spaces. These initia- tives further align Masdar City with the UAE's Net-Zero Energy 2050 strategy and reinforce its commitment to pioneering sustainable urban development. Pioneering sustainability Baghoum has fostered a culture of innovation and collaboration at Masdar City, supporting the growth of the city’s R&D clusters. He facilitated partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Department of Health to bolster the life sciences cluster and with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office for the Smart Autonomous Vehicle Industry (SAVI) and the AgriFood Growth & Water Abundance (AGWA) clusters, both located at Masdar City. Other R&D industry clusters include energy, AI, and space-tech. Aligning Masdar city with Abu Dhabi’s Falcon Economy strategy and reinforcing its role as a global leader in sustainability and technological advancement. Before joining Masdar, Baghoum was Executive Director of Customer Operations at the Dubai Technology & Media Free Zone Authority, overseeing Dubai Internet City, Dubai Media City, and Dubai Knowledge Village. There, he led client interface and re-engineered the Government Service Opera- tions Department, developing innovative servicing concepts with key government entities. Baghoum holds an MBA from Texas Tech University and a master’s certificate in project management and management concepts from Regis University in the United States. Ahmed Baghoum CEO Masdar City Real estate 32 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 75ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7528/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 76 100 Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Backed by more than two decades of experience, Olayan Alwetaid has climbed an upward trajectory across several key senior leadership roles at Saudi Telecom (stc) and was appointed to his current role in 2021 as a reflection of his dedication and success. He previously served as the senior VP for the consumer sector, stc Bahrain’s CEO, and vice chairman of the BoD of stcPay. Now, Alwetaid also serves as the chairman of SAMENA and is a GSMA board member. He leads multiple boards of directors of stc subsidiaries, including Integral, CCC, and Channels, where he holds the chairmanship of several key committees responsible for strategic decision-making and oversight. This diverse and extensive experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the telecommunications sector and a proven track record of driving impactful growth and innovation across diverse markets and business units. Supporting the kingdom’s tech transformation Steered by Alwetaid, stc is leading the region’s digital transformation nationally and regionally, transforming from a telecommunications provider to an advanced digital player, backed by multiple achievements across cloud services, cybersecurity, application programming interface (API) management, and big data. The company is dedicated to achieving three key pillars of Vision 2030: A vibrant society, a thriving economy, and an ambitious nation. As of June 2023, stc entered into a binding agreement with Devoteam SAS (France) and ORTLL Investment, culminating in the acquisition of a 40 percent stake in Devoteam Middle East (DME). This will bolster stc’s capabilities within the IT sector and amplify digital transformation through a holistic network of affiliates, each specialising in diverse areas such as digital infrastructure, Internet of Things, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and digital financial services. Expansion plans In April 2024, the Public Investment Fund (PIF) of KSA announced plans to acquire a 51 percent stake in Tawal, the largest telecommunications infrastructure company in KSA and a key player in the regional market, valued at $5.85bn. This stake was previously held by stc Group. Following the acquisition, PIF and stc Group will merge Tawal with Golden Lattice Investment Company (GLIC), where PIF holds a majority stake, to create a new entity that will become the largest company in the telecommunications infrastructure sector regionally. PIF will own 54 percent of the new entity, stc Group will own 43.1 percent, and GLIC minority shareholders will hold the remaining shares. The agreements between PIF and stc Group signify their joint commitment to integ rate and strengthen the telecommunications infrastructure sector in KSA, with the aim of unlocking its combined potential. This initiative follows Tawal’s acquisition of infrastructure assets in Bulgaria, Croatia, and Slovenia, positioning this Saudi national champion as the largest independent tower company in the region. The new merged entity is expected to operate around 30,000 mobile tower sites, making it one of the largest global tower companies with projected annual revenues of approximately $1.3bn. Olayan’s leadership will be integral in this endeavour, thanks to a demonstrated executive management track record and more than two decades of experience in the telecom, media and technology sectors. Olayan Alwetaid Group CEO Saudi Telecom (stc) Technology 33 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 76ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7628/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10arabianbusiness.com 77 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Fadi Ghandour is a visionary figure in the flourishing startup landscape of the MENA region, having founded Aramex and now also Wamda Capital, a venture capital firm with a $70m growth fund. This entity not only injects capital into early-stage tech start-ups but also cultivates entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout the region. Before establishing Wamda in 2010, Ghandour occupied the role of CEO at Aramex for more than three decades, after he co-founded the logistics company in 1982, ushering in a new era of logistics in the MENA. It started as Arab American Express, later branded as Aramex, and specialised in the delivery of parcels originating from the US to countries in the Middle East. Under his helm, Aramex transformed into a leading firm within emerging markets, boasting a network of more than 250 offices across 90 countries. He also took the company public twice, first on Nasdaq, a historic moment for the Arab world, and subsequently on the Dubai Financial Market. Upon his strategic exit from the company, he sold his remaining 10 percent shareholding to Boson Ventures Corporation, although he still contributes his expertise as an active member on the Aramex board. Helping the region’s entrepreneurs At Wamda, Ghandour is cultivating innovation across the region. It first came to life with the launch of wamda.com, a free, bi-lingual independent online platform that publishes articles in English and Arabic related to the tech ecosystem in the Arab world. The platform now plays a key role in empowering emerging entrepreneurs with the essential resources and support, equipping these ventures to thrive in the ever-evolving business terrain. At the heart of Wamda’s mission lies Wamda Capital, a crucial component of the organisation that serves as a venture capital fund, providing financial backing to early- stage and growth-stage technology startups across the MENA. Wamda is also deeply committed to foster ing a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship programmes and networking initiatives. By linking start-ups with experienced mentors, industry experts, and potential investors, Wamda facilitates access to guidance, strategic partnerships, and additional funding to fuel their growth trajectory. Ghandour’s dr ive is built upon an unwaver ing entrepreneurial ethos. He has consistently invested in, founded, and launched various companies and non-profit organisations, with diverse ventures encompassing sectors such as fitness, wellness, digital technology, hospitality, and security. This includes becoming a founding investor in Maktoob, one of the region’s pioneering tech companies, culminating in Yahoo’s groundbreaking acquisition of the company in 2009. Additionally, he holds several strategic roles on the boards of leading entities within the financial and entrepreneurial landscapes, including Abraaj Capital and Endeavor Jordan, while providing advisory support to the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut. He is also a dedicated philanthropist and founded Ruwwad Al Tanmeya, a community development NGO that uplifts displaced communities across Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt through avenues like education, financial inclusion, and civic engagement. Moreover, he co-founded non-profit sports club Al Riyadi in Jordan. Fadi Ghandour Executive Chairman Wamda Capital Investment 34 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 77ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7728/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 78 100 Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 Ghaith Al Ghaith has had a long and illustrious career in the commercial aviation sector, with more than 15 years as head of budget carrier flydubai, a role for which he was hand-picked by the Dubai government. In this position, Al Ghaith has earned the airline a stellar reputa- tion, having implemented products and pioneering technologies to improve the passenger experience, while ensuring costs remain low. Closely collaborating with the airline’s group chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Al Ghaith is responsible for flydu- bai’s strategic direction. Dubai’s flagship budget airline now flies to more than 125 destinations in 58 countries and over 100 million passengers have chosen to travel with the carrier, making it the second-largest by passenger numbers operating out of Dubai International (DXB). More than 90 of its routes did not have previous direct air links to Dubai or were not served by a UAE national carrier from the city. Upward trend Flydubai has recorded sustained growth in passenger numbers since the beginning of the year, carrying almost five million between 1 January and 28 April 2024, a 13 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023. Since the start of 2024, it has further enhanced its network with the commencement of operations to Al Jouf, Langkawi, Mombasa, Penang, and The Red Sea, as well as seasonal summer oper- ations to Basel, Riga, Tallinn, and Vilinius. Additionally, it increased frequencies on routes such as Colombo, Doha, Krakow, Milan, and Salalah. Two new aircraft have also been received in 2024, grow- ing its fleet to 86 Boeing 737 aircraft, with six more expected before the end of the year. At the same time, the carrier launched a multi-million dollar retrofit project in January that will see a complete upgrade of the cabin interior for much of its next-generation Boeing fleet. This includes the instal- lation of the carrier’s flagship lie-flat Business Class seats and new Economy seats. All the retrofitted aircraft will also be equipped with inflight entertainment, a rarity for low-cost carriers, and will ensure a more cohesive and consistent travel experience for passengers across the fleet. Leading the way The airline’s expansive network and financial accomplish- ments under Al Ghaith’s leadership testify to the airline’s significant contributions to the aviation sector, further solid- ifying his position as a distinguished player in the industry. Prior to this role, for 14 years Al Ghaith was the executive vice president for commercial operations worldwide for Emir- ates. Equipped with a business administration degree from the University of Arizona, Al Ghaith first joined Emirates as a management trainee in 1986 and, in 1988, transitioned to deputy passenger sales manager for the UAE and next to deputy manager for overseas development and marketing. He became the UK and Ireland’s area manager in 1991, and then general manager for commercial operations for North Amer- ica and Europe in 1993. Al Ghaith’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the aviation industry have played a key role in shaping the success of flydubai. Ghaith Al Ghaith CEO Flydubai Aviation 35 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 78ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7828/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10arabianbusiness.com 79 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Dimitrios Dosis is the President of Mastercard’s Easter n Europe, Middle East and Afr ica (EEMEA) region and a member of the company’s global management committee. He is responsible for driving Mastercard’s strategy across an incredibly diverse region with high-potential growth opportunities, encom- passing 81 markets spanning three continents. Under his leadership, Mastercard is advancing its ambi- tions to become a leading technology company, collaborat- ing with a diverse range of public and private sector partners to enhance the region’s digital ecosystem. Previously, Dosis was President of Mastercard Advisors, the company’s professional services arm. In this role, he accelerated the use of predictive technologies to advance Mastercard’s industry-proven problem-solving skills and leveraged data-driven insights and analytics to help retail and banking customers solve pressing business issues. Dosis has more than 25 years of experience in technol- ogy, transaction banking and management consulting. He joined Mastercard in 2005 from Roland Berger Strategy Consultants, where he was leading the transaction banking practice. Previously, he worked for A.T. Kearney, covering the financial institutions business. He serves as an independ- ent director on the Board of Directors for the Athens Stock Exchange (ATHEX) in Greece. He holds an MBA and PhD from the European Business School as well as a Master of Economics from the University of Hagen. Adopting technology With Dosis at the helm, technologies such as big data and artificial intelligence are playing a key role in driving Mastercard’s future. He told Arabian Business: “At Mastercard, we are ramping up our investments in AI governance, new technologies and talent. For example, our use of AI and Machine Learning in fraud detection systems such as Decision Intelli- gence have enabled us to bring fraud to historically low levels, protecting society’s wellbeing and helping our part- ners solve real business challenges.” “Our AI-powered innovations aim to solve next-genera- tion problems, including and transcending payments, to equip people with new digital tools and support our custom- ers’ digital transformation journeys,” he added. Trusted partner Mastercard serves as a trusted partner, technology provider and policy advisor to governments in the region and beyond to shape digitisation strategies and innovative solutions which help build a connected world that works for everyone. Mastercard’s vision is to embed AI further into the business so that all its products and services will be powered by Ethi- cal AI, helping to solve problems efficiently, at scale, thus improving the consumer experience. Mastercard last year launched the Centre for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology, which is aimed at enhancing AI capabilities and readiness in the region. Drawing on the organisation’s technical knowledge and expertise, the initi- ative supports the UAE National Strategy for Artificial Intel- ligence 2031 that seeks to position the Emirates as a global leader in AI. The centre focuses on developing AI-powered solutions to battle financial crime, secure the digital ecosystem and drive inclusive growth in the UAE and beyond. Dimitrios Dosis President, Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa Mastercard UAE 36 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 79ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_70-95_entries 27-52_13359807.indd 7928/08/2024 12:1028/08/2024 12:10Next >