< Previous50 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS DIVERSIFIED Al Masaood is a prominent gure in the realm of business and industry whose leadership spans a wide range of trading activities and industrial sectors. The group's extensive operations encompass diverse sectors, including construc- tion, automotive, real estate, insurance, power, and heavy engineering. His in uence goes beyond the private sector, as Al Masaood has also held senior public o ces, contrib- uting to both the governmental and business landscapes. His strategic direction has played a pivotal role in shaping the growth and initiatives of Al Masaood. He holds a bach- elor’s degree in Business Administration, underpinning his comprehensive understanding of business dynamics. His holistic approach to leadership continues to drive the Al Masaood Group's success, positioning it as a key player across various industries and sectors. About Al Masaood Group Based in Abu Dhabi, UAE, Al Masaood Group has grown from a humble trading business into a signi cant force in the region's integrated service, industrial, and commercial sectors. Estab- lished by the visionary Ahmed Al Masaood, the group has achieved several milestones, including the distinction of being the first to be registered by the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce in 1970. Notably, Al Masaood's collaboration with British company John Brown brought the rst gas turbine and the UAE's inaugural desalination plant through Weir Westgarth. Diversifying its in uence across 18 market segments, Al Masaood Group's reach extends from power and marine to automotive, real estate, and retail. With a longstanding part- nership spanning three decades, the automotive sector thrives, prominently featuring brands like Nissan (formerly Datsun). The group's portfolio expansion includes the introduction of renowned names such as Bridgestone, Fluor Corporation, and Volvo Penta to Abu Dhabi. In the realm of construction, Al Masaood Group's construction division o ers a spectrum of services, from design to turnkey solutions, coupled with mate- rial supply. Venturing into leisure, the group's involvement in the creation of the Gary Player designed golf course on Saadi- yat Island adds a touch of recreation to its extensive pro le. The legacy of Al Masaood's pioneering spirit continues to shape the UAE's business landscape, re ecting a journey that started with a small trading house and has now transformed into a major player in the region's economic growth. Strategic collaboration In August 2023, Al Masaood Group achieved a signi cant milestone by completing Phase 1 and Phase 2 of its bonded warehouse system in collaboration with the General Admin- istration of Customs in Abu Dhabi. This partnership, initi- ated in 2022, aims to enhance government-private sector synergies, leading to improved work e ciencies and cost savings. This achievement streamlines operations for imported and exported goods within Al Masaood Group’s Abu Dhabi premises. With these phases complete, the group will bene t from e cient Port-to-Warehouse operations for vehicles and spare parts, simplifying shipment clearance. 44. MASAOOD AHMED AL MASAOOD Chairman AL MASAOOD GROUParabianbusiness.com 51 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS INDUSTRY An accomplished industry veteran with a rich background in the cable manufacturing, aluminium, and metals sector, Almutawa joined Ducab in 2015 as their chief commercial o cer. Today at the helm of Ducab, a prominent UAE-based end-to-end energy solutions provider and cable manufacturer, he has spearheaded several transformational projects and decisions, continuously driving the group to new heights of success. Under Almutawa’s leadership, Ducab recorded substantial growth in both local and export markets, taking the total number of international markets where the group’s ‘Made in UAE’ prod- ucts are exported from 45 to 55 countries. He steered the development and implementation of ambi- tious strategic initiatives, successfully expanding the company’s reach to foreign markets, resulting in a notable 25 percent increase in the import of Ducab’s products in these markets. Almutawa has been instrumental in expanding Ducab’s geographical footprint with the establishment of their rst o ce in India and Southeast Asia. This expansion aligned with Ducab’s vision to become a leading global provider of high-quality inte- grated energy solutions and created an opportunity for the group to explore new prospects in the Indian industrial sector. Transforming the group from a cable manufacturer to full- edged energy solutions provider, his visionary leadership was evident in his dedication to digital transformation and the imple- mentation of smart factory project initiatives. By embracing Fourth Industrial Revolution technolo- gies, Ducab launched the revolutionary ‘Blade project’, an advanced Smart Factory of the Future Project which inte- grated Internet of Things (IoT), cloud computing, big data analytics, arti cial intelligence (AI), and machine learning technologies into the core of the group’s operations. Growth and expansion Almutawa reveals that with the UAE’s business environment strategically posi- tioned to overcome challenges, Ducab has been fortunate. He adds, “This positioning guarantees that businesses can maintain their operations e ectively, ensuring their success while also contributing to the broader objectives of the National Strategy for Industry and Advanced Technology.” A crucial element of this achievement stems from Ducab’s proactive adoption of tech- nology, innovation, and digital transformation which includes the incorporation of machine learning and arti cial intelligence (AI) into the fundamental workings of the group. He reveals that with Ducab’s ‘Blade Project’, an advanced Smart Factory of the Future Project, they can expect a projected 20 percent increase in output volumes over the next two years. Roadmap At Ducab Group, Almutawa’s approach is rooted in actively driving change rather than passively waiting for it. He says, “Our strategy revolves around a continuous process of inno- vation, constant evaluation, and a persistent willingness to embrace new work methodologies. As said, our commitment to digitising our operations stands as a pivotal element of our strategy, deeply interwoven with our vision for Ducab Group's forthcoming trajectory, marked by agility, e ectiveness, and data-driven insights. 2022 has been an exceptional year for Ducab Group, but alongside driving growth today, we have been focused on creating the foundations to drive the growth of tomorrow.” 45. MOHAMMED AL MUTAWA Group CEO DUCAB52 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS Al Jaber has been a driving force in the UAE's green initiative. As the special envoy since November 2020, a role he held from 2010 to 2016, he has championed the UAE's sustainable development vision. Serving two terms as the special envoy for climate change since 2010, he is committed to realising the UAE's Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 commitment after the 2015 Paris Agreement. With the UAE hosting COP28 from 30 November to 12 December 2023, Al Jaber will lead a global climate agenda, collaborating with international governments and stakeholders for practical solutions that offer socio-economic benefits on a global scale. Helming Masdar Al Jaber helped establish Masdar in 2006, the Abu Dhabi- based future energy company, which focuses on clean energy and sustainable development. His seven-year lead- ership as CEO saw the deployment of signi cant renewable energy projects worldwide, including the renowned Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. This low-carbon, low-waste urban devel- opment has garnered global recognition as a model for sustainable urban planning. In 2009, his efforts were instrumental in securing the headquarters of the Interna- tional Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) in Abu Dhabi, UAE, re ecting his in uence on the global stage. That same year, he was invited by UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon to join the UN Secretary general's advisory group on Energy and Climate Change (AGECC), playing a key role in shaping the Sustainable Energy for All (SE4ALL) programme advo- cating universal access to sustainable energy by 2030. In his current role as the chairman, his strategic acumen came to the fore in 2011 when Al Jaber steered an alliance between TAQA, Mubadala, and ADNOC. With an ambitious target of achieving at least 100GW of renewable energy capacity globally by 2030, Al Jaber's leadership ensures that Masdar remains at the forefront of the clean energy revolution. President-Designate for COP28 Al Jaber's signi cant role as president designate for COP28 stems from his active engagement in over 10 previous COPs, including the historic COP21 where the Paris Agreement was forged in 2015. Under the guidance of Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE and Ruler of Abu GOVERNMENT 46. DR. SULTAN AL JABER President-Designate COP28arabianbusiness.com 53 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS Dhabi, this appointment highlights Al Jaber's exceptional contributions to advancing ecological sustainability in both the UAE's public and private sectors. With a decade-long tenure as CEO of Mubadala's Energy platform, he has been a driving force behind the establishment of the UAE's green agenda. Working closely with UNFCCC’s executive secretary Simon Stiell and Egyptian COP27 President Sameh Shoukry, he's poised to shape the agenda for COP28. His accom- plished team includes Shamma Al Mazrui, the Youth Climate Champion, and Razan Al Mubarak, the UN Climate Change High-Level Champion, with the dedicated support of Mariam Almheiri, the UAE’s Minister of Climate Change and Environment. His visionary leadership sets the UAE at the forefront of crafting a collective roadmap that is designed to expedite global progress through a practical energy transition and a commitment to comprehensive climate action that ensures no one is left behind. Key leadership roles Al Jaber has dedicated his life to public service, taking on a more active role since his appointment to the UAE Federal Cabinet in 2013, where he served as the Minister of State until July 2020. Al Jaber used his extensive knowledge of working in the private and public sectors to oversee, develop and nurture partnerships with nations to further advance the UAE’s economic growth, before taking over as the Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology that same year. In his current ministerial role, Al Jaber is focusing his e orts on expanding the industrial development infra- structure of the UAE in a bid to promote economic growth by using technology as a key driver. To further position the UAE as a competitive force on a global scale, he is also fuel- ling economic diversi cation and integrating di erent sectors to help enhance the UAE’s industrial foundation. Steering ADNOC’s success As the group CEO of ADNOC since 2016, Al Jaber has orches- trated a comprehensive transformation. Under his leader- ship, ADNOC entered global capital markets, executed ground-breaking IPOs, and expanded carbon capture e orts. Notably, the Al Reyadah facility's CO2 capture will surge by over 500 percent by 2030. Collaboration with Emir- ates Water and Electricity Company furthers ADNOC's clean energy goals. He has also steered ADNOC's digital evolution with AI, Big Data, and Blockchain. Decarbonisation is para- mount, evident in a $15bn investment over ve years and the 'maximum energy, minimum emissions' approach. Moreo- ver, goals include a 25 percent carbon intensity reduction by 2030 and Net Zero by 2050, propelled by 100 percent zero-carbon grid power and o shore electri cation. ADNOC’s commitment to renewable energy ADNOC’s visionary strategy encompasses carbon capture and green hydrogen initiatives, underscoring their stead- fast dedication to renewable energy sources. This commit- ment is clearly demonstrated through their ambitious plans for extensive hydrogen fuel production. Al Jaber's foresight has effectively established ADNOC as a trailblazer in sustainable evolution, prominently highlighting innovation, decarbonisation, and clean energy as fundamental corner- stones. This strategic direction not only aligns with the UAE's emphasis on responsible energy practices but also reinforces ADNOC's pivotal role in shaping a more envi- ronmentally conscious tomorrow. The establishment of the Zayed Sustainability Prize Al Jaber's impact extended to the establishment of the Zayed Future Energy Prize in 2008, now known as the Zayed Sustain- ability Prize. This $3m award has become a catalyst for prac- tical ideas that bene t global populations. Over 370 million lives have been positively impacted through humanitarian outreach and sustainable development initiatives. Winners in health, food, energy, and water categories are awarded $600,000 each to amplify their sustainability solutions. The Global High Schools category further champions innovation, with up to $100,000 awarded to six winners representing diverse world regions. The Zayed Sustainability Prize stands as a testament to Al Jaber's visionary leadership, catalysing global transformation. COP28 President-Designate calls for climate action plan that puts the world on the right track to achieve the Paris Agreement’s goals 370M The number of people who have been positively impacted by the initiatives of Zayed Sustainability Prize 54 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS DIVERSIFIED Al Futtaim, with a net worth of $2.4bn as of 2023, serves as the driving force behind the multi- faceted conglomerate Al Futtaim Group. His son, Omar Al Futtaim, holds the reins as the company's vice chairman and CEO. Founded in the 1930s as a trading enterprise, the Al Futtaim Group subse- quently divided its business interests between Abdulla Al Futtaim and his cousin Majid, the founder of Majid Al Futtaim who has since passed away. Distinguished by its global pres- ence, Al Futtaim’s in uence extends across more than 20 countries, oper- ating within diverse sectors including automotive, real estate, retail, nancial services, and health. In 1955, the group attained the exclusive distributorship of Toyota within the UAE, a partnership that endures to this day. Additionally, Al Futtaim holds licenses for key brands like Hertz, Ikea, Toys (R) Us, and Marks and Spencer in the UAE. The group’s retail franchise brands comprise Ikea, Ace Hardware, Marks & Spencer, and ToysRUs, and its real estate developments encompass Dubai Festival City. Assets in Egypt encompass Cairo Festival City and Cairo Festival City Mall, alongside leading retail stores such as Ikea and Marks & Spencer. The group also retails Toyota and Honda cars, and provides nancial services through Orient Insurance. As a highly diversified entity, Al Futtaim boasts an impressive portfolio of over 200 companies and a dedicated workforce of 33,000 spanning across the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Egypt, and Lebanon. The group also has a presence in key African markets such as Kenya, Tanza- nia, and Uganda. In the Asia Paci c region, Al Futtaim oper- ates in Thailand, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Malaysia, the Philip- pines, as well as Singapore. Healthcare initiatives Al Futtaim has established three notable clinics in the UAE's healthcare landscape, including HealthHub, an innovative hub underpinned by integrated health management and driven by smart solutions within an insight-driven environ- ment. Another is Maison Lutétia Dubai, an extension of the Parisian aesthetics clinic that provides cosmetic surgery, aesthetic medicine, and advanced DHI hair restoration. And Total Care which extends accessible, quality healthcare services into industrial locations. Electric mobility endeavours At the forefront of the drive toward net-zero emissions is Al Futtaim Electric Mobility company, a dedicated green mobil- ity division that is introducing a diverse array of premium electric vehicle (EV) brands, pioneering innovations, and comprehensive solutions. At its core, the Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Company presents a selection of world-class EV brands, a ground-breaking charging station named Charge2Moov, and the recent introduction of the globally acclaimed BYD range, considered as the world’s premier new energy vehicle manufacturer. This initiative extends to nurturing a pool of highly skilled EV aftersales technicians. With a promise to facilitate new energy vehicles in 50 percent of car sales by 2030, the company is aiming to install 3,000 charging stations within the same timeframe. 47. ABDULLA AL FUTTAIM Chairman AL FUTTAIM GROUParabianbusiness.com 55 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS INDUSTRY Ahmad Bin Shafar has been at the helm of Empower since its inception in February 2004 and has led the company's transformation from a startup to the world’s largest district cooling services (DCS) provider, achieving exceptional e ciency and cooling capacity within a decade. He also serves as the chairman of the board of directors of Empower Logstor Insulated Pipe Systems (ELIPS), a leading manufacturer of pre-insulated pipes and ttings in the MENA region. Bin Shafar holds a special advisory role on district cool- ing for the global ‘District Energy in Cities’ initiative under the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). With more than 27 years of experience in senior manage- ment, including eight years in key leadership positions at Stand- ard Chartered Bank, Bin Shafar is the rst UAE national to be nominated to the board of directors of the International District Energy Association (IDEA) in June 2013. Expansions Having continued relentless expansions across a series of highly prestigious projects across Dubai in 2022, Empower demonstrated robust nancial performance with a signi cant increase in revenues reaching $760m, a 13.3 percent growth compared to 2021, and a net pro t of $272m, marking a 6.9 percent year-on-year growth. In a pivotal transformation, Empower shifted its corporate structure in 2022, transitioning to a PJSC following a decree from the Dubai government. This momentous evolution was succeeded by an immensely successful IPO, which witnessed an oversubscription rate of 47 times. “Empower was subsequently listed on the Dubai Financial Market, becoming the world’s largest public- ly-listed district cooling company,” Bin Shafar a rmed. In 2022, Empower successfully inte- grated and enhanced the e ciency of the district cooling assets of Nakheel, which the company had acquired as part of a series of acquisitions concluded by Empower in 2021 that also included the district cooling assets of Meydan and the right to operate the district cooling systems of Dubai International Airport. Robust operations “The operational performance of Empower was also remark- able in the past year, as its connected capacity increased and reached 1.41 million Refrigeration Tons, and the contracted capacity reached 1.53 million refrigeration tons. The number of buildings benefiting from Empower’s district cooling services witnessed a signi cant increase, reaching 1,463 build- ings across Dubai”, the CEO stated. Empower also commenced operations of the rst phase of its Za’abeel District Cooling plant last year. The plant, upon completion, is projected to have a total cooling capacity of 50,000 refrigeration tons (RT). “It will be interconnected with the company’s existing district cooling plant in DIFC to deliver a total cooling energy of 112,000 RT, to serve the existing and upcoming projects in the area,” he said. “The full-scale operations of the Business Bay 05 district cooling plant also commenced in 2022, marking Empower’s fourth plant in the Business Bay Development.” The total production capacity of the new plant has reached 50,000 RT in 2022, bringing the total capacity of the existing plants in the Business Bay area to more than 185,000 RT. 48. AHMAD BIN SHAFAR CEO EMIRATES CENTRAL COOLING SYSTEMS CORPORATION PJSC (EMPOWER)56 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS FINANCE At the forefront of Kuwait’s nan- cial arena, Al Ajmi is a young entrepreneur who has left an indelible mark in both local and broader Middle Eastern trading markets. Fuelled by unwavering passion, Al Ajmi’s journey began during his univer- sity years when he ventured into managing family businesses alongside relatives. This early exposure laid the foundation for his remarkable trajec- tory in the nancial world. Upon his return to Kuwait, Al Ajmi’s ambition led him to immerse himself in practical insights by working with an investment company. These formative years of experience propelled him closer to his goal, the establish- ment of VI Markets. Along this path, Al Ajmi embraced diverse roles, including that of a nancial broker, which proved instru- mental in shaping his entrepreneurial expedition. Transforming Kuwait’s investment landscape In 2010, Al Ajmi’s visionary outlook materialised into Version International Markets (VI Markets), an innovative powerhouse in Kuwait’s nancial sphere. Al Ajmi currently holds the posi- tions of CEO and board member at One Financial Markets, VI Markets’ primary partner. In collaboration with One Financial Markets, which was established in London in 2007 and is regulated by the UK’s Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), VI Markets extends tailored online trading services to Kuwaiti investors. The global reach of One Financial Markets, coupled with Al Ajmi’s strategic lead- ership, underscores his unwavering commitment to education and nancial empowerment. Harnessing the power of education Leveraging the potential of social media, Al Ajmi engaged and educated a burgeoning community of traders in Kuwait and the Middle East. Through daily trade insights and educational content, he established a robust connection with his audience, emerging as a beacon of guidance and expertise. Driven by an enduring belief in the transformative force of education, Al Ajmi identi ed the imperative to empower women across Kuwait and the wider Middle East. He revolutionised the trad- ing landscape by o ering workshops, seminars, and obtaining FCA licenses, thus fostering credibility and professionalism within the market. A platform for empowerment Within this context, Al Ajmi launched Yasmeen, an exclusive platform designed to empower women in the realms of busi- ness and nancial investment. Yasmeen o ers bespoke educa- tional services, personalised support, tailored training, and comprehensive trading solutions. This pioneering initiative champions gender empowerment while simultaneously paving the path for economic growth and educational pursuits. The launch of Development Holding Steered by a business philosophy underpinned by growth, integrity, and innovation, Al Ajmi has recently launched Devel- opment Holding (DH) which strives to be a catalyst for trans- formation across entertainment, crypto, health, retail, tech- nology, nance, AI, and more. Their collaborative company culture thrives on individuals passionate about diversifying investment portfolios and reach- ing new pinnacles of success. DH fosters an environment that encourages innovation, risk-taking, and creativity. Backed by a goal to lead the eld of architecture and interior design using AI technology for meaningful space creation, DH challenges the status quo and embraces cutting-edge technologies. 49. TALAL AL AJMI Founder and CEO VI MARKETSarabianbusiness.com 57 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS TECHNOLOGY In her position on the Emaar Development Board since December 2020, Bin Bishr is a global digital visionary known for her foundational role as the founding director general of Smart Dubai in the UAE. She is a prominent Emirati advocate for digitisation, championing the humanisation of technology to shape a more sophisticated and responsive urban smart future. Recognised as one of the world’s in uential women leaders in business and technology, Dr. Bin Bishr also holds the position of non-executive chairman of the board at Sha ra, a pioneer- ing Metaverse-as-a-Service (MaaS) company. Leveraging cutting-edge 3D technologies, Sha ra o ers a revolutionary avenue for organisations to engage with their customers and stakeholders. At the forefront of the Metaverse industry, Shaf- fra drives the transformation of customer interaction. Backed by diverse experience Bin Bishr’s career trajectory has encompassed instrumental roles. She served as the director general of the Smart Dubai Department between 2015 and 2020. This entity was entrusted with steering Dubai's city-wide smart digital transformation, overseen by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai. Her pioneering spirit also led to the creation of 'The Smart City Index,' a ground-breaking benchmark for global smart city implementation in collabo- ration with ITU and the United Nations. Globally acknowledged for her insights in digital transformation and Smart Cities, she represents Smart Dubai in the City Protocol Society, Smart City Expo World Congress, and GSMA. In her extensive responsibilities, Dr. Bin Bishr was a member of the Dubai Council under the Government Development Track until July 2020. She also chaired the Dubai Future Council for Blockchain, a signi cant initiative launched as part of the Dubai Future Councils under the guidance of Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. This initiative aimed to chart the course of key industry sectors in Dubai over the next ve decades. She has also chaired ‘The Council of Happy Cities,’ a vital component of the World Happiness Council and also leads the SDG 11 Global Council. Furthermore, she is a distinguished member of the World Economic Forum's Global Future Councils and The Fourth Industrial Revolution’s Smart Cities Readiness Index Team, which is also led by WEF. Her comprehensive engagement extends to her role as a board member at the Higher Colleges of Technology, UAE. She also served on Emaar's Board Committee until December 2020. Dr. Aisha's dedication to progress is further demon- strated by her role as a member of the UAE AI Council, the Computer System Advisory Board, the Leadership Team for Smart Services and Digital Infrastructure. Moreover, she holds advisory positions at institutions like the College of Computing and Informatics at the University of Sharjah, the University of Wollongong, and the World Happiness Council. She has also played a pivotal role in draft- ing the U4SSC's Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) for Smart Sustainable Cities (SSC), a pioneering benchmark for global smart city implementation. 50. DR AISHA BIN BISHR Vice chairwoman EMAAR DEVELOPMENT58 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS INDUSTRY Aseasoned entrepreneur, Al Kabeer stands as a foundational gure in the inception of multi- ple ground-breaking ventures. He holds the distinction of being a co-founder of Almarai, the largest vertically integrated dairy foods company globally. Furthermore, his visionary leadership played a pivotal role in the establishment of Zain Saudi Telecom, UAE's Dana Gas, and Bahrain's Al Salam Bank. His in uence extends as the chairman of esteemed entities such as Arabian Union for Cement Industries, Arabian Shield, Global Downstream Industries, and Global Chemical Indus- tries. Anchored in KSA, Almarai, under his strategic guidance, has attained unparalleled acclaim as the top Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) brand in the MENA region, asserting market leadership across the GCC. Al Kabeer’s entrepreneurial insight recognised the poten- tial to revolutionise KSA’s traditional dairy farming industry to align with the surging domestic market demands. In around 1977, he embarked on the journey of founding Almarai, initiat- ing operations with the processing of fresh milk as well as laban. Subsequently, the venture evolved to encompass advanced processing plants and contemporary dairy farms as the company expanded. A period of reorganisation A pivotal phase of reorganisation and reinvestment during the early 1990s reshaped Almarai's trajectory, transitioning from a decentralised structure to a cohesive, centralised framework. By the close of 2005, the group witnessed remark- able milestones, including the inauguration of an expansive central processing plant featuring a state-of-the-art cheese facility and two innovative super-farms. This period also marked Almarai's transformation from a privately owned entity to a publicly listed corporation. After over four decades of steadfast growth, Almarai's diverse product portfolio, encompassing juices, bakery items, and poultry, stands as a testament to its enduring success. The brand names Almarai, L'usine, 7DAYS, Albashayer, and Alyoum have become synon- ymous with quality and innovation, solidifying Al Kabeer's legacy as a visionary business magnate. CSR initiatives Aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, one of Almarai’s key CSR endeavours is the Institute of Food Industries, a pivotal compo- nent of the National Centre for Strategic Partnerships. This innovative collaboration between the private sector and the government sector, represented by the Technical and Voca- tional Training Corporation, is supported by the Human Resources Fund. Established in 2011, the institute is dedicated to equipping young individuals with practical skills through specialised diploma programmes cater to the employment needs of the dynamic food industry. Almarai’s commitment to fostering local talent is further exemplified by the Graduate Professional Trainee (GPT) programme. This initiative facilitates the employment of numerous fresh, local graduates across various divisions of the company. The programme serves as a platform for young talents to kickstart their careers within a supportive and dynamic environment. 51. SULTAN BIN MOHAMMED BIN SAUD AL KABEER Co-founder ALMARAIarabianbusiness.com 59 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 52. SIMA VED 53. RANDA SADIK Founder and vice chairperson APPAREL GROUP CEO ARAB BANK In 1996, Ved and her husband Nilesh Ved recognised the absence of international brands in the market and founded the Apparel Group. Introducing global labels to the region, the company has evolved from its inception, driven by an evolving vision that extends beyond mere commerce. And today, the multi-billion-dollar company is home to more than 75 brands with over 1850 retail stores in 14 countries with over 16,500 employees. Fuelled by this dynamic vision, the Apparel Group has crafted a motto that encapsulates its essence ‘Exceed Expectations Every- In February 2022, Sadik was appointed to her current role, a culmina- tion of her career trajectory that began over three decades ago in the banking realm. Notably, she had spent more than a decade as the deputy CEO at Arab Bank, Jordan's largest nan- cial institution, as well as 24 years in diverse leadership capacities. Her journey featured a prominent stint as the group general manager of the International Banking Group at the National Bank of Kuwait. Sadik's strategic guidance has been a driving force behind Arab Bank's expansion and growth trajectories. She also serves as a board member of Oman day.’ Their mission goes beyond transactional exchanges but rather aims to create immersive and memorable shopping expe- riences that transcend the mere act of buying. Their recent achievement of launching F5 Global, a sustainable brand, stands as a testament to their commit- ment, especially since it was inaugurated by her daugh- ter. This dedication to inno- vation manifests in initia- tives like the 6thstreet Phygital store, which is set to redefine retail, while their brands like Beverly Hills Polo Club continue to mark mile- stones. As the company's expertise deepens, their pursuits span multiple industries spanning fashion, beauty, and footwear, to entertainment and food and beverage. Ved emphasises the significance of omni-channel experiences, where seamlessly combining online and offline facets becomes paramount. Their partnership with Nykaa exemplifies this commit- ment, aiming to establish an omni-channel beauty retail platform in the GCC. Arab Bank, chairs the board of Arab Tunisian Bank, leads the management committee of Al-Arabi Investment Group, and holds the vice chairman position at Arab Bank Australia Ltd. Sadik's leadership and key accomplishments have signi cantly contributed to Arab Bank's local and regional prominence. A holder of an MBA degree from the American Univer- sity of Beirut, her commit- ment extends beyond nan- cial endeavours. Notably, Arab Bank, under her lead- ership, has partnered with 'Dar Abu Abdullah' in the Women's Economic Empow- erment project. This initia- tive empowers women by facilitating their enrolment in programmes that offer income stability and elevate their living standards. In August 2023, Arab Bank launched ‘Arabi SMEs’, a comprehensive suite of integrated banking solutions tailored to address the distinctive demands of SMEs. This strategic launch reiterates the bank's unwa- vering commitment to bolstering SMEs. RETAILBANKINGNext >