< Previous100 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Ghandour, the vision- ary behind Aramex, plays a key role in the MENA region’s thriving start-up scene. Under his leadership, Aramex trans- formed into a leading logis- tics rm in emerging markets with 250 o ces in 90 coun- tries. Ghandour achieved the milestone of taking the company public twice, rst on Nasdaq, marking a rst for the Arab world, and then the Dubai Financial Market and later sold his remaining 10 percent shareholding to Boson Ventures Corporation. He remains engaged on the Aramex board. A seasoned entrepre- neur, Ghandour is involved in Following his graduation in Business Adminis- tration from the University of London, UK, Lootah pursued the Corpo- rate Advance Programme at IMD, a global business school in Switzerland. Commencing his career with the Security Department of Dubai Port Authority, he has been a part of Dubai World since 1991. In 2005, he assumed the role of director of Human Resources and General Administration within the organisation. He is actively engaged as a participant in the Dubai Leaders Programme, an internationally recognised leadership development initi- ative launched by Dubai World FADI GHANDOUR JAMAL LOOTAH Executive Chairman Wamda Capital President MEFMA founding, investing, and launching numerous compa- nies and non-profits. His diverse ventures span digital tech, hospitality, fitness & wellness, and security. Besides founding Aramex, he established Wamda Capital, a venture capital firm with a $75m growth fund that invests, nurtures, and builds entrepreneurship eco-sys- tems across the Middle East and North Africa. He is also a founding partner of Maktoob.com; the world’s largest Arab On-Line community now acquired by Yahoo!; is a member of the Board of Abraaj Capital, a founding board member of Endeavor Jordan; and serves on the Advisory Board of the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut. A dedicated philanthro- pist, Ghandour founded Ruwwad Al-Tanmeya, uplift- ing displaced communities in Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt. He co-founded and supports Al-Riyadi, a sports club in Jordan. His global commitment is evident through his roles on various boards of companies, educa- tional institutions and entities. in collaboration with the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania. Since 2007, Lootah had served as the CEO of Imdaad, an inte- grated FM service provider. Following a successful 16-year career as CEO and GCEO of Imdaad Group, the leading provider of Integrated Facility Management services in the region, he stepped down from his role in October 2023 and will be considered to serve as an advisor to the board of directors and executive management team at Imdaad. Established in 2009 and based in Dubai, MEFMA is a profes- sional membership organisa- tion with the goal of uniting the facility management industry and advancing the FM sector in the Middle East. Dedicated to fostering facility management best practices and professional standards in the region, MEFMA o ers membership packages with unique bene- ts, educational opportuni- ties through professional training programmes and certifications, reports, research studies, and regional events serving as knowledge-sharing plat- forms. 5152 INVESTMENT FACILITIES MANAGEMENTarabianbusiness.com 101 SHAMSHEER VAYALIL Founder and Chairman Burjeel Holdings HEALTHCARE 53 Atrained radiologist who aspired to work on develop- ing medical facilities and enhancing the quality of healthcare in the Middle East, Vayalil launched VPS Healthcare in 2007 backed by a vision to deliver a ordable, accessible healthcare services to individuals in need. In just over a decade, VPS Healthcare has transformed into an inte- grated healthcare network with a presence in the GCC region, India, as well as in Europe with 22 operational hospi- tals, around 13,000 employees, and over 125 medical centres. In May 2022, VPS Healthcare consolidated its GCC assets under a new holding company, Burjeel Holdings, to operate around 60 assets across a range of brands. This makes it one of the largest integrated health networks in the region and will cater to all brackets across diverse levels of socio-eco- nomic segments across a range of brands, just some of which include Tajmeel, Medeor Hospital, Burjeel Hospitals, Life- care Hospital, and LLH Hospital. Vayalil contributes to the healthcare community as a member of the UAE Medical Council and an advisory committee member of the University of Sharjah College of Medicine. His commitment to philanthropy stems from the values instilled by his parents, where charity was ingrained in the family’s ethos. He aspires to create a signi cant impact on global public health through his philanthropic endeav- ours and hopes to inspire young entrepreneurs to engage in similar initiatives. In Q4 2023, Amanat Holdings, the healthcare and educa- tion listed investment company, announced the appointment of Vayalil as its new chairman of the board of directors. Vayalil, who is Amanat’s largest individual shareholder, is set to bring to Amanat his experience as a healthcare visionary and entrepreneur in the region. He will replace Hamad Abdulla Alshamsi as the chairman as announced following a Board of Directors meeting on 28 December 2023. About Burjeel Holdings Burjeel Holdings, with a legacy spanning nearly two decades, has been at the forefront of pioneering healthcare excellence. Originating as a single hospital established by Vayalil in Abu Dhabi in 2007, the organisation has evolved into a hub of state-of-the-art technology and a magnet for globally acclaimed medical professionals. Burjeel Holdings is dedi- cated to delivering high-quality, intricate care to individuals in the UAE and the broader region. Focusing on key areas such as oncology, nuclear medicine, orthopaedics and spine, women’s care, foetal medicine, paediatric specialties, organ transplant, and bone marrow transplant, the group enhances its expertise and capabilities in complex care through ag- ship facilities like Burjeel Medical City. Expanding strategically across key markets, including a recent entry into KSA, Burjeel Holdings has established a network of advanced physiotherapy, rehabilitation, and wellness centres. Today, Burjeel Holdings stands as a premier private healthcare services provider in the UAE, o ering an unparalleled patient experience and managing a diverse portfolio of 16 hospitals and 24 medical centres across the UAE and Oman. 102 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 HAIDER ALI KHAN CEO Bayut and Dubizzle Group MENA PROPTECH 54 The tech visionary leading Bayut-Dubizzle into the future, Khan studied electrical engi- neering at the University of Texas at Austin, US. A natural business leader with several patents to his name, his professional journey began in the year 2000 as a programming analyst at Goldman Sachs. This was followed by a role in product management at National Instruments, where he spent six years. When he transitioned to Sili- con Laboratories in the role of the broadcast division’s systems engineering that he began connecting with tech giants like Apple, Nokia, and Bose, collaborating on integrat- ing Silicon Labs solutions. From 2007 to 2014, his tenure as a section manager at National Instruments saw him leading a global team of 20 managers and over 100 employees across the US, Europe, China, and India. About Dubizzle Group MENA Dubizzle Group is the largest classi eds player in emerging markets with several brands under its umbrella, including dubizzle, Bayut, OLX, and Zameen.com. Steered by the Khan brothers, Haider, Imran, and Zeeshan, who recognised the untapped potential in the real estate sector, Dubizzle emerged as a classi ed’s platform in 2006 followed by Bayut in 2008. Later, Zameen.com was established in 2012, cater- ing to Pakistan’s real estate market. Dubizzle Group’s portals are known for being the go-to classi eds platforms in their markets, which means the amount of tra c they receive is most often second to none. The 123 million monthly visits across their portals are testament to their users’ trust and a source of value to advertisers. With a team of 4,100 people across 10 countries, Dubizzle Group is a diverse group of cultures and competencies brought together to create the best classi eds experience in the world. In May 2023, classifieds unicorn EMPG revealed its rebranding as Dubizzle Group, re ecting the widespread popularity of the dubizzle brand across its markets. While the corporate structure remains unchanged, each brand within the group has maintained its regular services, empha- sising the organisation’s commitment to enhancing classi- fieds experiences. Founded in 2015, the group attained unicorn status in 2020, operating in 10 countries with over 5,500 employees and garnering over 167 million monthly visits across its bespoke classi eds’ portals. Since Bayut’s inception, they have rapidly cemented their position as pioneers in the UAE’s real estate domain. With their users’ needs taking precedence, Bayut has streamlined and enriched their property exploration journey with a website that boasts innovative tools like 2D and 3D Floor Plans, Map View, and authentication features like Checked and TruCheck™. Also, BayutGPT is being heralded as the world’s rst AI-powered property search assistant that leverages the latest artificial intelligence technology to redefine the home-hunting and real estate investment experience. With the primary goal of enhancing convenience for home-seek- ers, BayutGPT is designed to facilitate property searches on Bayut in a conversational manner, presenting users with data-enriched recommendations. arabianbusiness.com 103 Aglobal magnate, philanthropist, and entrepreneur in the UAE, following a brief stint in media, Aboud began his business as a modest trading company 30 years back. Today, the Ghassan Aboud Group operates as a global entity with involvement in various sectors such as automotive, retail, FMCG, media, hospitality, logistics, healthcare, catering, and digital marketplaces. The company, headquartered in the UAE, maintains o ces in Egypt, Jordan, Australia, Belgium, Turkey, and Dubai. Aboud is committed to philanthropic endeavours and among these altruistic Prior to assuming his current position, Johnston engaged in consultancy work with regu- lators and policy makers across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His involvement included signi cant projects funded by reputable institu- tions such as the World Bank and the European Bank of Reconstruction and Develop- ment. Notably, he previously held the position of DFSA’s chief executive from 2012 to 2018 and this reappointment positioned him for his new role, e ective from 1 Septem- ber 2022. Additionally, since January 2022, Johnston has been an active contributor to the DFSA’s Legislative GHASSAN ABOUD IAN JOHNSTON Founder and Chairman Ghassan Aboud Group (GAG) CEO DFSA initiatives is Orient for Human Relief, an organisa- tion dedicated to delivering a comprehensive spectrum of support services to marginalised communities, encompassing education, medical aid, relief undertak- ings, and vocational training to empower individuals with a brighter future. The Ghassan Aboud Group oversees several well-established businesses, including the food and grocery retail chain Grandi- ose, Olive Country, Gallega Logistics, Galean Healthcare, and the eB2B platforms; BuyGro and BuyParts 24. Also, the group is the proprietor and operator of the Crystal- brook Collection of hotels and resorts in Australia. Its auto- motive business spans across more than 100 countries, offering a comprehensive range of auto products. The group has engaged in two significant public-private partnerships with Abu Dhabi Ports Group to establish lead- ing hubs in the food sector (Abu Dhabi Food Hub-KEZAD) and the automotive sector (Global Auto Hub). These are being developed over a total area of 7 sq km in KEZAD. Committee. His earlier tenure with the DFSA saw him in the capacity of manag- ing director, leading the in uential Policy and Legal Services Division. Previously, he extended his expertise to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, serving as the executive director of Financial Services Regulation. This was followed by his role as a special advisor with the Hong Kong Securi- ties and Futures Commission (HKSFC), solidifying his global involvement in regu- latory matters. On 13 February 2023, John- ston achieved a remarkable milestone by being appointed as the vice chair of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC). This designation automatically inducts him as a board member of the International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a glob- ally recognised institution responsible for setting the highest standards in securities regulation. This stands as a testament to the accomplish- ments of the DFSA and under- scores its integral role in shap- ing the future of regional and global nancial markets. DIVERSIFIEDFINANCE 5556104 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 PRATEEK SURI Chairman and CEO Maser Group IT 57 Maser, founded to make consumer electronics a ordable and high-qual- ity in Africa, has rapidly evolved. Starting in Africa, under Suri’s leadership, Maser achieved unicorn status, marking a signi cant milestone for the company. After successful metaverse launch there marked a signif- icant leap into immersive experiences. Under Suri’s leadership, Maser ended 2023 strongly, yielding 60 times returns for shareholders, with revenue of $500m and a valuation of $1.9bn. Maser is focusing on strengthening its existing businesses and exploring AI, IoT, robot- ics, and the metaverse, committed to innovative solutions for emerging challenges. Maser is resolute in its commitment to climate change miti- gation through the utilisation of exponential technologies. While celebrating achievements this year, they remain steadfast in focus on driving growth within Africa. The expansion at Maser Group includes regional partnerships that align with the mission to be the global leader in cutting-edge consumer electronics. Post-Covid-19, Suri has become one of the global thought leaders in consumer electronics, ntech, arti cial intelligence, and venture funding. About Maser Group MDR Investments, the investment arm of Maser Group, unfurled in 2023, set sail to acquire large-cap ventures in Africa, UK, and Middle East, navigating into the realms of shipping, AI, and mining of natural resources. Beyond boardrooms, Suri’s in uence extends to social impact through the African Financial Federation (AFF), a plat- form he founded to empower African entrepreneurs. His lead- ership reflects a commitment to creating lasting positive change beyond nancial investments. AFF is dedicated to recognizing and promoting startup founders and supporting the technology ecosystem across Africa, the Middle East, India, and the United Kingdom. As the group charts their course into 2024, their sights are set on expansive investments and ventures, steering the course towards a future of lucrative opportunities and strategic growth. MDR Investments aims to bring innovative practices to the tradi- tionally conservative mining industry. This move not only re ects their con dence in the sector’s potential but also underscores our commitment to reshaping industries through progressive and sustainable business practices. As Maser advances into the future, the company is devoted to bridging crucial technological gaps, ranging from the introduction of cutting-edge wearables to the development of technolo- gy-driven solutions for climate change mitigation. “Our ambition is to establish ourselves as the cornerstone of exciting and enrich- ing global entertainment experiences, particularly in revolution- ising the future of television across various platforms,” he says. He adds, “While many start-ups focus on achieving high valuations through substantial cash burn, the philosophy at Maser is centred around creating a sustainable, pro t-generating environment and ecosystem, and we are committed to maintaining this approach.” As Maser navigates the complex dynamics of the investment landscape in 2024, Suri expresses con dence in leveraging their recent growth milestones as a foundation for achieving new hori- zons of success and pro tability. By combining innovative solutions with sustainable business practices, Maser is not only positioning itself as a leader in the tech world but also as a catalyst for positive change and development within the global technology ecosystem.arabianbusiness.com 105 TOM HARVEY General Manager Spinneys RETAIL 58 Boasting a rich background in the supermarket indus- try in the UK, in 2017, Harvey made a career move to the UAE, joining the commercial team at Spinneys. Over the course of his tenure with the company, he has played a pivotal role in shaping Spinneys’ strategic initia- tives. One of his notable contributions is the establishment of the Spinneys Local Business Incubator Programme in 2020 which directly supports the UAE’s vision of becoming an attractive incubator for entrepreneurs as part of its ‘We the UAE 2031’ strategy. The primary objectives include identifying and support- ing entrepreneurial ambitions, o ering entrepreneurs a fast track to market, and providing various bene ts to facilitate their growth. The programme also contributes to support- ing local food production, thus stimulating economic growth in the sector. In its previous three editions, 30 brands have successfully launched in Spinneys stores. A number of these have since expanded to international markets, bolstering the credentials of the UAE’s entrepreneurial landscape. Heading a team spread across four continents, Harvey oversees the sourcing of products for Spinneys stores in the UAE, Oman, and KSA. His role involves steering the overall commercial functions for the Spinneys Group and his lead- ership has been instrumental in ensuring the availability of quality products across Spinneys stores. He also actively engages in sharing his insights and expertise and frequently appears as a guest speaker on Dubai One TV and DubaiEye radio, discussing various issues related to the food industries. The Spinneys Local Business Incubator With the backing of governmental aid and forward-thinking leadership in the UAE, Spinneys actively contributes to the growth of the entre- preneurial community, playing a key role in promoting business success. Spinneys has unveiled the winners of its fourth Spin- neys Local Business Incubator, a programme initiated in 2020 to support the UAE’s ‘We the UAE 2031’ vision by nurturing entrepreneurial talent. Over its four editions, 30 brands have debuted in Spinneys, with some expanding internationally, enhancing the UAE’s entrepreneurial reputation. For instance, Naksha Collections now o ers gourmet meal kits in prestigious UK stores like Selfridges and Harrods, and BRW Society has penetrated the Saudi market, featuring in Panda and Carrefour, and partnering with top regional hotels. This initiative has helped previous winners gain international exposure, notably in the UK and KSA, leveraging their presence in 69 Spinneys and Waitrose stores across the UAE, providing a signi cant opportunity for increased consumer visibility. Furthermore, Spinneys commits to providing sustained support, visibility in the market, as well as strategic advice to nurture the winners’ brands. Supporting the nation’s thriving startup ecosystem, Spinneys actively promotes entrepreneurial growth by waiving shelf placement fees, o ering preferential payment terms to aid cash ow, and helps in providing tailored coaching, marketplace access, in addition to featured placement opportunities to maximise commercial success.106 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 PATRICK CHALHOUB Group President Chalhoub Group RETAIL 59 In his role at Chalhoub Group, a luxury retail distribution company that traces its roots to 1955, Chalhoub has been instru- mental in the growth and expansion of the business. The company’s journey began in Syria but later relocated to Beirut, Lebanon followed by a final move to the UAE in 1990. Chalhoub helped to develop a regional distribu- tion platform within the Jebel Ali Free Zone and by 2001, was appointed as co-CEO alongside his brother. In addition to overseeing multiple luxury brands in the region, Chalhoub has steered the development of home- grown luxury brands. He contributed to the turnaround of the Christofle brand, which is currently under the ownership of the group. Under his guidance, the group has exclusively collaborated with several key brands, including Sephora and Dior Couture, as well as fully owned concept stores such as the Level Shoe District, Dubai Mall. Pivotal in shaping the group’s sustainability strategy through Chalhoub Impact, Chalhoub is a staunch advocate of servant leadership, reverse mentorship, and supporting start-ups in their scaling-up journey. He serves as a board member of the UN Global Compact and the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry and is a council member of the UAE’s Circular Economy. Recent awards and recognitions Chalhoub Group received the Parent-friendly Label (PFL) from the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority (ECA) for its exemplary parent-friendly policies. The ceremony, held at Qasr Al Shati in Abu Dhabi, was attended by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, and Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Chairman of the ECA, recog- nising the honoured institutions. This recognition identi es Chalhoub Group as an organ- isation supportive of its workforce, emphasising the compa- ny’s dedication to ensuring the health, safety, and wellbeing of its employees. The group has established comprehensive parental leave policies, providing 90 days of paid maternity leave and 14 days of paid paternity leave. To facilitate a balance between professional and personal life, the group has implemented exible working schedules, including the option for two days of exible working per week and up to four weeks of remote working per year. Retail consultants are also accommodated with two days o per week. In addition, Chalhoub Group has introduced an Employee Assistance Programme o ering con dential mental health support, counselling, and therapy from psychologists. A Wellbeing Academy has been established to provide access to resources and training on mental, physical, nancial, social, and professional wellbeing. The group also encourages a culture of collaboration through ’Culture Labs,’ designed to promote dialogue between employees and management to improve policies, proce- dures, and operational practices.arabianbusiness.com 107 Dr. Laiju embarked on her professional journey in 1994, venturing into dentistry before transitioning into hospital administration. Over the course of her career, she has climbed the ranks across diverse roles, including clinic supervisor, operations manager, and group chief operating o cer. With over 18 years of experience, she has shaped the internal culture of the group by inspiring teams and enhancing their perfor- mance through a people-fo- cused approach to hospital administration. Inculcating a hands-on approach to leadership, stra- tegic decisions, and nancial For more than three decades, Jagtiani has been helming Land- mark Group’s corporate strategy, and in doing so, has propelled the group to emerge as the foremost omnichannel retailer of trusted, locally established brands in the MENA region. At the core of the group’s journey, her influence played a crucial role in the founding of the high-street fashion brand Splash in 1993. Her visionary leader- ship facilitated the group’s seamless entry into the realm of e-commerce over a decade ago. In her present role, she is concentrated on nurtur- SHANILA LAIJU RENUKA JAGTIANI Group CEO Medcare Hospitals & Medical Centres CEO Landmark Group discipline, Laiju has spear- headed multiple initiatives, including organisational planning, multimillion-dollar capital projects, contract negotiations, and team devel- opment. Simultaneously, she has been instrumental in elevating the brand’s visibility and fostering growth. Her commitment to making a tangible impact is evident in her role as a mentor in the Women Lead- ership Programme at Aster DM Healthcare. As a long- standing member of the Aster DM Group’s Senior Manage- ment Committee, she has played a significant role in the rapid expansion of the healthcare sector in the UAE. Amon g her career accomplishments is the establishment of Medcare’s Centres of Excellence, nota- bly the 65-bed Medcare Orthopaedics & Spine Hospital and the 88-bedded Medcare Women & Children Hospital. Laiju’s leadership is characterised by her commitment to sustainabil- ity and has led green initia- tives at Medcare, incorpo- rating mindful practices in electricity and water consumption. ing the group’s vision, shap- ing its strategy, and explor- ing emerging business opportunities. Jagtiani closely collaborates with leadership teams, contrib- uting her insights to shape strategic decisions that guide the group’s direction. Her commitment and stra- tegic expertise have not only been the foundation of Landmark Group’s success but also symbolised its dedication to innovation and expansion. About Landmark Group Landmark Group has reshaped Dubai’s retail landscape, embarking on an extraordinary journey from a single store selling baby products in Bahrain in 1973, established by her husband, Micky Jagtiani. T his journe y has evolved into an extensive network of over 2,200 retail establishments across 21 countries, covering more than 2.7 million sq m. Her visionary approach led the group to explore ecom- merce and invest in the MENA region’s largest privately-owned logistics and distribution hub. HEALTHCARERETAIL 6061108 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 YASSER ABDUL MALAK Chairman and CEO Nestlé MENA INDUSTRY 62 Assuming his current position on 1 January 2022, Abdul Malak brings over two decades of experience at Nestlé, having held various senior leadership roles across significant regions. Previ- ously, he has served as the CEO in Nestlé Turkey from April 2021 to January 2022 where he achieved robust results and helmed expansion projects that contributed to the company’s growth in the country. Abdul Malak’s leadership journey at Nestlé includes roles such as CEO for Nestlé’s Northeast Africa region based in Egypt, leading to his appointment as Dairy Category Head Zone Europe Middle East & North Africa in 2018 at the Nestlé headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. Abdul Malak initiated his career with Nestlé in KSA in 1999. Following his initial role, he transitioned to the regional head office, where he led the MAGGI business as the senior brand manager until mid-2003. Subsequently, he served as the global marketing advisor for the food business in Switzerland. In 2005, he was promoted to lead the food business in the Southeast Africa region. Three years later, he returned to the Middle East as the business executive officer for food before taking on the role of country manager. About Nestlé MENA Nestlé is a Swiss company boasting a heritage of more than 150 years with a presence in the MENA region that goes back over 100 years with the sale of the rst infant cereals in Egypt. Today, Nestlé operates 24 food & beverage factories across the 19 countries in the MENA region, providing direct employment to over 15,000 people. Their portfolio in the region currently exceeds 60 innovative product brands in a wide range of categories, ranging from dairy and infant nutrition to co ee and creamers, confectionery, bottled water, breakfast cereals, pet food, and more. Nestlé’s regional o ce for the MENA region is based in Dubai South, and operates across the UAE with o ces in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah. Nestlé works with more than 850 customers in the UAE and over 1,700 retail outlets in the country, including supermar- kets and pharmacies. The company locally produces confec- tionary, dairy, culinary, and co ee, at two food and beverages factories in Dubai and operates two water manufacturing sites, one in Dubai and one in Abu Dhabi. Nestlé Middle East has made substantial strides in its commitment to sustainability, achieving a 52 percent reduc- tion in greenhouse gas emissions and a 35 percent decrease in energy consumption. These achievements span across 24 of its manufacturing sites dedicated to food, beverage, and water production in the MENA region since the year 2010. In 2022, Nestlé’s Al Maha Factory in the UAE achieved a signi cant milestone by operating exclusively on 100 percent renewable energy. Furthermore, Nestlé is making substan- tial strides in embracing renewable energy on a broader scale, with 25 percent of its MENA sites now being powered by renewable sources. arabianbusiness.com 109 ROBIN UBAGHS Co-founder and CEO Propchain and The Welfare Group PROPTECH 63 In the world of real estate, 27-year-old Ubaghs is leading a transformative charge. His ventures go beyond the realm of just businesses, but rather, signify a revolution in the way we approach real estate. His career trajectory was sparked by a fervent entrepreneurial spirit which was evident from a young age when he owned shares in a London-based asset management company at the young age of just 17. His ventures took him across the globe, but fast forward seven years ago when his relocation to Dubai set the stage for Propchain’s inception. Captivated by Dubai’s culture and entrepreneurial environment, Ubaghs discov- ered the quintessential space to realise his ambitious goals. Under Ubaghs’ leadership, Propchain focuses on prop- tech and tokenisation solutions to democratise access to, and the management of Dubai’s real estate. Overcoming challenges of a newcomer, Propchain successfully intro- duced revolutionary concepts which includes a fractional- ised real estate platform, a home ownership accelerator, as well as several innovative approaches to real estate data and nance management. At the core of Propchain’s success is their innovative use of blockchain, tokenising real estate assets to solve core challenges like liquidity and high-entry barriers. This extends to creating a comprehensive ecosystem involving investors, property owners, lenders, government bodies, and administrative companies. Leveraging his extensive wealth of experience, Ubaghs proceeded to co-launch the Welfare Group, an incu- bating entity that serves as the driving force behind the innovative Propchain. The Welfare Group’s in uence extends across the entire real estate supply chain, exhibiting remarkable growth through involvement in projects on a global scale. Shaping the future of real estate, Ubaghs is rede ning the future of real estate and is creating a legacy of innovation and transformation in an industry poised for ground-break- ing change. Looking forward, Ubaghs envisions expanding Propchain’s footprint, introducing the home-ownership accelerator in the UAE, and scaling its fractionalised invest- ment platform. His valuable advice for entrepreneurs emphasises staying focused, identifying true market oppor- tunities, as well as building strong partnerships. About Propchain With over 1,200 product users, $20.6m market cap and over 6,000 holders, Propchain is a blockchain ecosystem for real- world asset and proptech solutions. With Propchain, real estate meets blockchain and unravels the possibilities for home ownership and investment solutions to craft lasting legacies. Propchain stands as a leader in the blockchain-powered Real-World Assets (RWA) and PropTech space. Leveraging a proprietary technology infrastructure, they have carefully developed customised blockchain solutions that align with the unique demands of RWA and PropTech. However, their vision goes beyond technology alone; human expertise and capital strategies are integrated into their ecosystem.Next >