< Previous20 Vol. 22/03S, March 2021 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 JAMAL ABDULLA LOOTAH IS the main figure behind Imdaad, a Dubai-based group of companies that provides integrated, sustainable facili- ties management services that enhance operational efficien- cies of physical assets. Recognized as Visionary Leader of the Year at the Inno- vation in Construction and FM Awards 2020, Lootah led the phenomenal rise of Imdaad to become a benchmark of quality services and efficiency across the Middle East. Under his stewardship, the group has continually expanded the scope of its services and dramatically grown its prestigious client base to include some of the region’s leading organisa- tions, including Nakheel, Emaar Properties, Dubai Municipality and Al Maktoum International Airport. Previously the director of Human Resources and General Administration at Dubai World, Lootah started his career with the Security Department of Dubai Ports Authority and is renowned for his outstanding leader- ship style, excellent admin- istrative skills and ability to build and maintain a solid company culture. His unwavering focus on excellence through diversifica- tion and a personalised busi- ness model has led to his firm winning several prominent industry awards and recog- nitions, including the SKEA – Sheikh Khalifa Excellence Award, Dubai Quality Appre- q WE LOOK FORWARD TO FURTHERING OUR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE COUNTRY’S EFFORTS TO BUILDING CLEAN, HEALTHY AND ECO-FRIENDLY COMMUNITIES” 2,629 Hectares of commercial and industrial facilities under Imdaad’s management ciation Award, Green Facility Management Organisation of the Year prize at the Emir- ates Green Building Council (EGBC) Awards, and Overall FM Company of the Year at the Facilities Management Awards by ITP Media Group. Named the most influen- tial figure in the Middle East’s Facilities Management (FM) sector an unprecedented nine times by Facilities Manage- ment Middle East magazine, Lootah continues to raise the bar to achieve market leader- ship, resulting in a significant impact on Imdaad’s stellar portfolio of projects and glob- ally recognised partners. Guided by his vision, Imdaad has remained firmly ahead of its competitors by constantly investing in inno- vative new technologies and maintaining the highest stand- ards of services. This approach has enabled the company to secure contracts for some of the world’s most iconic build- ings and destinations, includ- ing the Burj Khalifa and the Palm Jumeirah. Lootah is the co-founder and president of the Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA), a non- profit association supported by the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) that aims to establish a dedicated resource for industry professionals seeking industry knowledge and best practices for the facili- ties management sector. He graduated with a degree in Business Administra- tion from the University of London before completing the Corporate Advanced Programme at IMD, a global business school based in Switzerland. Lootah is also an active participant in the Dubai Leaders Programme. Jamal Abdulla Lootah Group CEO, Imdaad FACILITIES MANAGEMENTWELCOME TO THE NEW RIVIERA The Adriatic Riviera’s most desirable new homes are now available to buy, with the launch of The Marina Residences at Montenegro’s Portonovi. These luxurious apartments and penthouses offer relaxed waterfront living in an idyllic Mediterranean-style village, with a D-Marin Portonovi Marina and the first European resort from the ultra-luxury hotel group, One&Only. Prices from €345k for studios to €9.64m for penthouse suites, with balconies and breathtaking Boka Bay views. One&Only private homes starting from €9.85m. Find your new Riviera retreat at PORTONOVI.COM22 Vol. 22/03S, March 2021 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 BASED IN DUBAI, ELGIBALI is responsible for leading the company’s dynamic Middle East and North Africa business – driving growth and innova- tion to meet market-specific needs, form new partnerships and deliver on Mastercard’s continued commitment to 1 billion The number of people Mastercard aims to bring into the digital economy by 2025 invest in the region. Elgibali held several senior positions at leading financial institu- tions, including HSBC Middle East, Standard Chartered Bank, Barclays and Citigroup, and brings a wealth of expe- rience to the role alongside a deep understanding of the region’s economic landscape. Since joining Mastercard in 2016, Elgibali has helped reinforce the company’s posi- tion as a technology leader and trusted payments advi- sor to regional governments, enabling the successful execu- tion of national-level programs that support their digital agen- das and long-term visions. Furthermore, Elgibali spear- headed Mastercard’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic in MENA, as the company supported governments, busi- nesses, SMEs and consumers in combatting the impact of the pandemic through the power of digital commerce. From driving commercial growth through diversifica- tion of revenue streams to building strategic partner- ships with the region’s leading public and private stakehold- ers, Elgibali is on a mission to drive financial inclusion and payments innovation in the region through Mastercard’s multi-rail network strategy. Fluent in six languages, Elgibali holds a BA in Econom- ics from the American Univer- sity in Cairo and an MBA from Strathclyde Graduate Busi- ness School in Glasgow. Khalid Elgibali Division President – Middle East and North Africa at Mastercard FINANCEarabianbusiness.com 23 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 Lujaina Darwish Chairperson, Infrastructure, Technology, Industrial & Consumer Solutions, Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC DIVERSIFIED LUJAINA MOHSIN DARWISH is a multi-faceted individual who believes deeply in giving back to the community, a person who assiduously works for the welfare and well-being of underprivi- leged persons, and serves as an example and inspiration to all. In her official position as chairperson of the Infrastruc- ture, Technology, Industrial & Consumer Solutions (ITICS) at Mohsin Haider Darwish LLC (MHD), one of the oldest and highly regarded business houses in Oman, she presides with poise and elan over a highly complex and hugely varied group of businesses. With the strength of the legacy inherited from her late father, Mohsin Haider Darwish, and guided by his philosophy of “people first”, she brings a humane dimen- sion to the nitty-gritty of managing a large business. It would be fair to say that MHD has been in the fore- front of leveraging oppor- tunities that come up in a constantly developing econ- omy. Together with its part- ners and people, and with an extensive network and presence, as well as active collaboration with local busi- nesses, MHD has continued to inspire progress and build meaningful value for future generations. Lujaina’s valu- able insights have signifi- cantly contributed to the growth and expansion of the company, helping to create competencies, identify and hone talent, and co-create innovative solutions. She was elected to the country’s consultative coun- cil – Majlis A’ Shuraa, one of only seven women to be elected since its inception, and holds the distinction of having been elected twice to this honorary position from the Wilayat of Muscat. In November 2015, she was appointed member of the State Council (Upper House) by Royal Decree, and is presently a member of the esteemed Council. A gradu- ate in English Literature from Sultan Qaboos University (SQU), she began her career as a lecturer at SQU before joining the family business. As a proud flag-bearer of Omani Women power, Lujaina has been a trailblazer in uplifting, empowering and inspiring young Omani women entrepreneurs and corporate leaders alike. q THERE IS NO EASY WAY TO SUCCESS AND THERE IS NO SUBSTITUTE FOR HARD WORK. FOR ME, ONLY HARD WORK LEADS TO SUCCESS” 2015 The year in which Lujaina Darwish was appointed as a member of Oman’s State Council A committed contribu- tor to the social, cultural and business landscape of Oman, she currently holds various important posi- tions such as: Honorary President of Oman-China Friendship Association; Omani-Indian Friendship Association; Head of the Governance Team of Oman Business Forum – Minis- try of Commerce, Industry and Investment Promo- tion, Honorary President of German University of Technology Alumni Asso- ciation, Oman; Member of the GCC Women’s Forum; Member of the Board of Trustees of Al-Zahra College for Women, Oman. She is an ex-Board Member of Dar Al Atta’a – a leading Chari- table Association in Oman, formed in 2002. Additionally, she was on the Board of the Advisory Committee for The National Program for Leader- ship & Competitiveness and has been a member of the Working Team of Partner- ship between the Public and Private Sectors at the Diwan of Royal Court. At local and regional levels, she has served as a member of important organisations such as the Arab Interna- tional Women’s Forum, the Board of the Oman Cham- ber of Commerce & Indus- try and Board of The Omani Center for Investment Promotion & Export Devel- opment (Ithraa-Oman). She also was the recipent of The Diamond Executive’s Award and Leadership Medal from the Harvard Business Council 2020 International Awards and Women of the year 2020 by International Business Stevie Awards.24 Vol. 22/03S, March 2021 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 Makarem S. Batterjee President and Vice Chairman of Saudi German Health DIVERSIFIED MAKAREM SOBHI BATTERJEE is a business leader from Saudi Arabia with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, consulting and investment. He is the presi- dent and vice chairman of Saudi German Health and through his visionary leader- ship he has been responsible for the complete transforma- tion and rejuvenation of the 30 plus-year-old organisation. Batterjee is the founder and leader of some of the largest business organisations in Saudi Arabia. Apart from his role at Saudi German Health, he is also president of the family-owned Bait Al Batterjee Group, a diversified organisation with investment in over 30 subsid- iaries; founder of Humania Capital, a private equity fund that has successfully raised significant amounts for projects in the GCC and North Africa; and the founder and CEO of the New City Company, which builds contemporary shopping centres across Saudi Arabia. He also owns the Golds Gym franchise in Saudi Arabia and is the owner of JanPro, a commercial cleaning brand. Batterjee is the founding president of the Saudi Chapter of the Entrepreneurs’ Organisa- tion, a global, peer-to-peer network of more than 13,000 influential business owners with 186 chapters across 58 countries. As an active social entre- preneur, Batterjee is a health and wellness advocate as well as a strong supporter of women empowerment initiatives. He is credited for bringing the Gold’s Gym franchise to Saudi Arabia and building the largest and q WE LIVE UP TO OUR PROMISE OF BRINGING THE BEST MEDICAL CARE IN THE WORLD TO FAMILIES AND COMMUNITIES ANYWHERE, ANYTIME” first-of-its-kind female gym in the world. He holds an MBA from London Business School and an honorary doctorate from the United Nations for Arts Middle East and Africa, which he was awarded in recognition of his continu- ous efforts to promote women empowerment. He is part of the Arab version of the US-based real- ity TV show Shark Tank, as one of its panellists. The show features Saudi entrepreneurs who pitch their businesses, products, or services to prospective investors. He is also the youngest member and one of the few Arab members of the prestig- ious Bretton Woods Commit- tee in Washington, DC. The committee comprises international business lead- ers who champion global efforts to spur economic growth, alleviate poverty, and improve financial stability. He was also chosen as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum (WEF) in Davos in 2008. 11 The number of hospitals under the Saudi German Health portfolioReach out to us today to learn more Ben McGladdery | Client Relationship Manager benjamin.mcgladdery@itp.com | +971 52 108 1187 Created to offer a full range of services and expertise to clients, offering a one stop solution for short and long term social media projects. BESPOKE DESIGN FOOD STYLING TRANSLATION STRATEGY PLANNING CAMPAIGN MANAGEMENT PHOTO AND VIDEO SHOOTS26 Vol. 22/03S, March 2021 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 H.E. Marwan Bin Jassim Al Sarkal Executive chairman, Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) INVESTMENT MARWAN BIN JASSIM AL Sarkal is the executive chairman of Sharjah Investment and Devel- opment Authority (Shurooq). Al Sarkal was appointed as CEO of Shurooq in 2009 at the time of its establishment as per the Emiri Decree no.2 of 2009, issued by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Al Sarkal played an integral role in transforming Shar- jah’s economic infrastruc- ture, diversifying markets and facilitating new investments by leading projects and part- nerships across major sectors such as tourism, healthcare, environmental, logistics, real estate, retail and light manufacturing. Al Sarkal has spearheaded all major infrastructural projects and key partnerships at Shurooq, initiating the devel- opment of a portfolio with a total estimated value of more than Dh10 billion, and cover- ing Sharjah’s western, central and eastern regions. His creative, innovative thinking and ambitious drive, rooted in the emirate’s tradi- tions, has enabled Shurooq to adopt world-class standards in providing an array of services and infrastructural facilities to attract investors from the UAE, Middle East and beyond. In 2018, following nine years of exemplary leadership excel- lence, and an effective driver of change across Shurooq and Sharjah, Sheikh Dr Sultan issued the Emiri Decree Number 30 of 2018 promoting Al Sarkal to Executive Chair- man of Shurooq. Today, Al Sarkal is a key figure in Sharjah’s growth ambitions, as he continues the journey to lead, grow and diversify Shurooq’s achieve- ments, projects and initia- tives, as well as the develop- ment of major joint ventures across a spectrum of sectors in the emirate. Under his visionary guid- ance, Sharjah has upped its stakes in the leisure and entertainment category with the development of Al Qasba, a premier family-friendly desti- nation overlooking the tran- quil Sharjah lagoons. The dramatic transforma- tion of Al Majaz Waterfront has seen a steady rise in growth of the property and q WE ARE DEVELOPING AN INVESTMENT ENVIRONMENT OF THE FUTURE, WORKING IN HARMONY WITH STAKEHOLDERS ACROSS THE PUBLIC AND PRIVATE SECTORS” hospitality industry around this development while Al Noor Island opens to a world of wonder and here, art and culture embrace the natural environment. Other Shurooq destinations are Khorfakkan Beach, a first- of-its-kind large-scale redevel- opment project in the Eastern region; Al Montazah Parks, Sharjah’s first and biggest water theme park attraction; and The Flag Island, which is home to one of the largest flag- poles in the world. Al Sarkal has also been at the forefront of setting new standards in eco-tourism. The Mleiha Archaeologi- cal and Eco-tourism Project offers diverse adventure and educational programmes at the 130,000-year-old Stone Age settlement. For experiential travel and authentic connections with nature, the Kalba Eco-Tour- ism Project, set amidst a stun- ning serene mangrove, offers a unique experience in one of the most beautiful and tranquil areas of the country. Sharjah Collection, oper- ated and managed by Mysk by Shaza, reveals the essence of Sharjah’s unique identity and character, and feeds into the soul and senses of this emir- ate, blending adventure and heritage experiences. Heart of Sharjah, prin- ciples of conservation and sustainability are clearly the cultural catalysts underpin- ning the site – the region’s biggest heritage project to date. It is also raising the bar for luxury hotels in the UAE with The Chedi Al Bait, Shar- jah Hotel, the nation’s first five-star luxury hotel built on a restored 19th-century herit- age district.arabianbusiness.com 27 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 Mohamed Alabbar Managing director, Emaar/ Noon REAL ESTATE Mohamed Salah Footballer, Liverpool FC and Egypt SPORTS Majid Al Futtaim President, founder and owner, Majid Al Futtaim RETAIL Majid Jafar CEO, Crescent Petroleum ENERGY Mohamed Hadid Founder, Hadid Design and Development Group REAL ESTATE REAL ESTATE, E-COMMERCE, retail, hospitality, logistics – you name it, Alabbar has a hand in it. The prominent Emirati businessman is the founding chairman of Emaar EGYPTIAN FOOTBALLER SALAH is considered one of the best players in the world and is known for his finishing, dribbling and speed. He plays as a forward for Premier League club Liverpool, with whom he won the English Premier League in 2020 and the Champions League in 2019, and the Egypt national team. Salah debuted for his national team in 2011 in a 2–1 away defeat by Sierra Leone. A NATURAL RISK-TAKER, FOR 30 years Hadid – father of supermodels Bella and Gigi – has been one of the world’s most visionary developers, starting from his beginnings in Washington DC building unique office and residential developments and Ritz Carlton hotels in Washington, New York, Aspen and Houston before expanding his work to Beverly Hills. He’s currently working on the world’s largest residential building in Cairo. THE EMIRATI BUSINESSMAN founded the giant entertainment and retail company that bears his name in 1992. Over the years, the company changed the face of retail, entertainment and leisure across the entire Middle East and North Africa region, and now owns 12 hotels and 22 malls including Dubai’s famous Mall of the Emirates and the Mall of Egypt in Cairo, and the exclusive license to operate Carrefour supermarkets in the region. THE EMIRATI OF IRAQI ORIGIN is the CEO of Sharjah-based Crescent Petroleum, one of the region’s first private oil and gas companies, which has offices in the UK and internationally. But he is also the vice-chairman at his family’s Crescent Group of companies. If that is not impressive enough, Jafar juggles another position as the managing director of Dana Gas, the first regional, private sector integrated natural gas company in the Middle East. Jafar is also proud of the success of the Crescent-spon- sored Edraak Career Readi- ness programme, a soft skills course that has seen more than 270,000 young people in the MENA region register to learn English language, computer skills and general office skills. $8.87bn The revenues posted by Majid Al Futtaim in 2020 Mansour Bin Jabr COO, Bin Jabr Group DIVERSIFIED AFTER A STINT AT GOLDMAN Sachs in New York, Bin Jabr joined Bin Jabr Group in 2010, quickly rising through the ranks to become COO. He has a hand in the compa- ny’s vast portfolio of defence, military, oil, contracting, retail, real estate and hospitality, helping drive annual revenues to $1 billion. He also owns 51 percent of support service firm 4-Front Hospitality, through which he’s opened a number of successful concepts includ- ing Mr Miyagi’s, The Scene, Stars N Bars and Casa de Cuba. Properties, recently stepping down to assume the role of its managing director due to a regulatory rule barring combining the position of chairman and executives. He is also the chairman of real estate company Eagle Hills, as well as Kuwait-based food giant Americana Group. q LOOKING AHEAD TO 2021, WE SEE A WORLD OF OPPORTUNITIES — BOTH TRADITIONAL AND TECH-DRIVEN — THAT WILL HELP US GROW IN WAYS AND IN MARKETS THAT DIDN’T EXIST FIVE OR TEN YEARS AGO” 28 Vol. 22/03S, March 2021 THE AR AB POWER LIS T / 2021 Mazin Khoury CEO, American Express Middle East FINANCE WITH OVER THREE DECADES of experience gained in the financial services indus- try, Mazin Khoury brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the role of CEO of American Express Middle East. He is responsible for grow- ing the company’s existing corporate and consumer cards business across 18 markets in the MENA region, while maintaining the unparalleled levels of service, payment flexibil- ity and rewards associated with the American Express brand. Based at the compa- ny’s regional headquarters in Bahrain, he is also tasked with developing new reve- nue streams as the company seeks to maintain its strong growth in the MENA region. Khoury joined American Express Middle East in 1989. His experience over the years covers all aspects of the American Express card issu- ing and merchant acquiring businesses across all markets in the MENA region. He was previously CEO of American Express Saudi Arabia, where he was respon- sible for establishing and managing the Joint Venture for American Express. With over 30 years of stra- tegic business development, operations, technology, processing, marketing and general management expe- rience, he is a true leader in the financial services indus- try, with hands-on experi- ence in start-up compa- nies across a number of high growth markets in the MENA region. Educated in Bahrain and the US, Khoury holds a 1989 The year in which Mazin Khoury joined American Express Bachelor of Science in Busi- ness Administration and Economics and he also sits on the board of directors of the Bahrain International Circuit (BIC).For more information IF THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS IF ONLY there was a place that provided unparalleled access to the fast-growing Middle East, Africa and South Asia markets. IF ONLY there was a place with an internationally recognised legal and regulatory infrastructure. IF ONLY there was a place with an established ecosystem of over 24,000 professionals working across 2,200 top global companies. There is. DIFC. Set up your business in the region’s leading financial hub today. @difcdifc.aeNext >