< Previous110 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Considered as Dubai’s trailblazer in educa- tion, Varkey has spearheaded the establish- ment of a worldwide educa- tional group. Under his lead- ership, GEMS Education Group has expanded to own and manage over 60 schools in the MENA region alone. Currently, the group holds the distinction of being the largest non-governmental operator of private K-12 schools globally, catering to approximately 140,000 students from over 150 countries with 400k successful alumni placed throughout the world. Born in Kerala, India, Varkey’s family shifted base A business leader and philanthropist, Adatia is an accomplished entrepreneur with businesses in 10 African countries, employing over 4000 employ- ees. Vision Exports was incor- porated in 2007 as a rapidly developing trading network that aspires to establish long lasting relationships between buyers and suppliers world- wide. The company’s head o ce is based in Dubai with branch o ces in Yiwu, China as well as Nairobi, Kenya. Originally from Porbandar, a small town in India, he heads RAF Global, a private, non-pro t organisation that works to enhance the quality of life in DR Congo, Mozam- SUNNY VARKEY RIZWAN ADATIA Founder and Executive Chairman GEMS Education Group Chairman COGEF Group and RAF Global to Dubai in 1959 and after going abroad to attend a boarding school, he returned to Dubai in 1970. By then, his parents had already inaugu- rated the Our Own English High School in Dubai. Varkey took over the helm in 1980 and throughout his career trajectory, has witnessed advancement within the realms of education in the region. Notably, he estab- lished the Varkey Founda- tion, a key force behind the prestigious $1m Global Teacher Prize, an accolade widely acknowledged as the paramount recognition in the education sector. T he GEMS gr oup currently operates in various international locations, including Singapore, Kenya, Uganda, Egypt, Libya, Jordan, the US, and Switzer- land. In addition to his role in the corporate sector, he is the founder of the charitable Varkey Foundation. Demon- strating his philanthropic spirit, he has taken the meaningful step of becom- ing a signatory to The Giving Pledge, committing a substantial portion of his wealth towards noble and charitable endeavours. bique, Swaziland, and Mada- gascar. With a passion for community development, Adatia works at the grass roots for uplifting lives among the rural communities across Africa and India. The NGO’s impact extends to more than one million individuals through both long-term initi- atives and emergency programmes. Originating from a modest start as a personal philanthropic endeavour of Adatia, RAF Global has evolved into a force in sustainable international development. He steers a team that works tirelessly to build a multi-sector approach through customised solutions, responding to needs of marginalised communities with innovative, practical solutions with public involve- ment to bring skills, health- care, education, financial deepening, and self-reliance. Since the onset, community work has touched upon the lives of over 600,000 poor households through an array of programmes in healthcare, nutrition, water and sanita- tion, education, economic integration for women and youth, and interventions in humanitarian response. EDUCATIONDIVERSIFIED 6465arabianbusiness.com 111 JS ANAND Founder and CEO Leva Hotels and Resorts HOSPITALITY 66 Establishing LEVA Hotels in 2019, Anand has steered the brand to span eight hotels, spanning both domestic and international markets, including Dubai, Jeddah, Africa, and beyond, boasting a portfolio of 894 keys. Additionally, LEVA Hotels manages Resivation, a co-living property nestled in Dubai’s Al Furjan neighbourhood. With an impressive career spanning 25 years, Anand’s expertise has been honed through senior roles at key establishments including the Louvre Hotel, Marriott International, and Hilton. About LEVA Hotels LEVA Hotels caters to the discerning tastes of tech-savvy guests and o ers a contemporary experience that caters to both busi- ness and leisure travellers. Positioned as a lifestyle hotel, LEVA Hotels is now setting its sights on an expansion strategy that extends into untapped markets across the Middle East and Africa. Among the strategic targets for this expansion are coun- tries such as Morocco, Egypt, Sri Lanka, KSA, and Qatar. LEVA Hotels has rmly established its presence in KSA through two strategic hotel management agreements, namely, EKONO by Leva Al Shati and EKONO by Leva Jeddah Airport Hotel. Located within an hour’s drive from Mecca, these prop- erties o er ideal accommodations for Umrah (pilgrimage) travellers seeking convenience and comfort. In Nigeria, LEVA Hotels assumes responsibility for overseeing the transforma- tion and management of Reiz Continental Hotel by Leva. In partnership with Kostarget Projects LTD and under the ownership of REIZ Continental Hotels LTD, this project is poised to evolve into an upscale ve-star luxury lifestyle hotel. Uganda marks another signi cant milestone in LEVA Hotels’ expansion journey, with the management takeover of Kampala’s premier boutique hotel, Emin Pasha Leva Hotel. Currently undergoing extensive renovation and infused with LEVA’s signature design aesthetics, this property aspires to become the preferred choice for both vacationers and business trav- ellers. Ethiopia is also a prominent destination on LEVA Hotels’ expansion map, characterised by two strategic part- nerships. LEVA Afrotsion Semera Resort and the Harsade Harbour Resort by LEVA introduce hospitality experiences to the forefront. LEVA Hotels has unveiled two forward-thinking projects in Zimbabwe as part of its expansion strategy that is slated for completion within two years, as a collaborative venture with Troika Design Workshop (TDW), a leading consulting rm specialising in architecture, quantity surveying, and engineering, and Turnbury Property Developers (TPD), a real estate development company dedicated to community shap- ing. While TDW and TPD lead the property development e orts, LEVA will oversee the management of the 120-unit residential complex, LEVA Hotel Residences, and a four-star LEVA hotel featuring 180 rooms in the Mount Pleasant suburb. This strategic partnership with Troika Design Workshop (TDW) and Turnbury Property Developers perfectly aligns with LEVA’s long-term vision of promoting growth and supporting local businesses and talents within the region. Marked by shared values, a commitment to excellence, and a uni ed vision for sustainable development, this collaboration serves as the foundation for LEVA Hotels’ involvement in these innovative green eld projects.112 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 As one of the few women holding a C-suite role in regional advertising, Choucair boasts a 17-year tenure within the group where she has consistently driven transformative projects spanning technology, automation, predictive modelling, and e-commerce. Her professional journey commenced in senior account positions at OMD, progress- ing to a leadership role at PHD where she was instrumental in propelling PHD to seven- fold growth, establishing it as a prominent player in the regional landscape. In 2016, she took on the role of CEO at PHD MENA and later assumed the position of COO of the The mastermind behind one of the largest proptech platforms in the region, Lahyani began his career with PwC in Geneva, Swit- zerland. Identifying a gap in the property advertising space in Dubai, he pioneered the Middle East’s inaugural real estate classi eds, both online and in print. In 2007, Australia’s REA Group acquired a 51 percent stake in propertyfinder.ae, but Lahyani later repurchased REA Group’s share, now o wnin g the compan y entirely. In 2015, a Swedish tech investor injected $20m into the company, propelling its value to $200m. Subse- ELDA CHOUCAIR MICHAEL LAHYANI CEO OMG MENA CEO and founder Property nder.ae Holding Group, ultimately leading to her current role. She actively engages in vari- ous industry groups, holding the vice-chair position at the Advertising Business Group (ABG), as a board member for the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) GCC, the Inter- national Advertising Associa- tion (IAA) UAE Chapter, and acting as a founding board member of the Unstereotype Alliance. In her current leadership role, Choucair’s visionary approach challenges industry norms and embraces novel strategies, as demonstrated by her key role in expanding the group’s presence into new Middle Eastern markets. Recently, Omnicom Media Group has introduced Momentum, its Environmen- tal, Social, and Governance (ESG) solution for the MENA region. This consultancy employs tools like the global ESG toolkit and a carbon calculator to help clients align media investments with ESG priorities. The group has partnered with ClimatePart- ner, offering access to a global carbon calculator for estimating emissions in media plans by channel. quently, General Atlantic invested $120m in November 2018. Following this, the company acquired JRD Group, a UAE-based real estate technology provider and owner of Justproperty. com and Propspace. Beyond his proptech venture, Lahy- ani is an active investor in startup technology compa- nies, co-founding Merro, his own investment platform. Property Finder has expanded its presence across six territories in the region, operating in the UAE, Qatar, Egypt, Bahrain, KSA, and Turkey. It has transformed into a reliable platform for developers, real estate brokers, and property seek- ers, providing valuable infor- mation to make informed decisions in the real estate sector. In 2023, the company launched the ‘AAA Manifesto’ which outlined the require- ment that all listings on the Property Finder portal must be accurate, authorised, and available. Also, Property Finder organised its inaugural industry-enabling event, Property Finder Connect, in the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, and Bahrain. MEDIA AND MARKETING PROPTECH 6768arabianbusiness.com 113 ATIF RAHMAN Founder and Chairman ORO24 Developments REAL ESTATE 69 Widely recognised as an expert and thought leader in the real estate and construction industry, Rahman is a sought-after authority in sustainable development and innovative nancial engineering within the sector. He is credited with instigating a renaissance in property development as he cham- pions unique modular strategies aimed at providing real estate solutions for all. During his leadership, previous ventures achieved rapid success as evidenced by the development of numerous residential, commercial, and hotel projects over the past two decades. Rahman’s innovative nancing strategies and strategic partnerships with major investors have signi cantly scaled up his ventures. With a proven track record spanning two decades, he brings pioneering experience in successful real estate development across residential, commercial, and hotel and serviced apartment sectors. Known for an unblem- ished record, Rahman has established a brand name for himself and fostered robust relationships with key stake- holders, including government entities, high-net-worth individuals, and nancial markets. His commitment to on-time delivery and high-quality construction standards has earned him a reputation as a trusted partner in the industry. Leveraging robust experience and expertise in land procurement, world-class project design, successful sale, and marketing campaigns, and, most impor- tantly, timely delivery with quality construction, Rahman oper- ates the property development business comprehensively. His proven ability to conceive, oversee, and successfully market projects positions him as a trusted partner in the industry. In addition to his forward-thinking approach, he is committed to pioneering initiatives that elevate the real estate market’s dynamism, fostering innovation and sustainable growth. Under his vision- ary leadership, Rahman endeavours to introduce strategic measures that enhance the sector’s resilience while contributing to the overall sustainability of the real estate landscape in the UAE. About ORO24 Real Estate Developments Based in Dubai and boasting a leadership legacy of over two decades, ORO24 Real Estate Developments is on a mission to rede ne Dubai’s skyline and embody the visionary spirit of the UAE. With a focus on luxury living, the company seam- lessly integrates modern architecture, sustainable practices, and premium amenities into its creations. ORO24’s extensive portfolio includes residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, ranging from luxurious residences to cutting- edge o ce spaces and lively retail hubs. The company’s multidisciplinary team, comprising of architects, engineers, and marketing specialists, collabo- rates seamlessly to bring visionary projects to fruition. With an array of projects in the pipeline, ORO24 is poised to intro- duce more iconic developments aligned with the aspirations of today’s discerning consumers. Customer satisfaction is at the forefront of ORO24’s achievements. The company prioritises a comprehensive approach to customer service, ensuring clear communication, transparent processes, and timely delivery. Going beyond commercial pursuits, ORO24 is actively involved in corporate social responsibility initia- tives, contributing to education, healthcare, and environ- mental conservation. The company is committed to making a positive impact on society and leaving an enduring legacy for future generations.114 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Since May 2021, Osman boasts over two decades of healthcare expertise to her current role. Leading Saudi German Health (SGH), she has rmly established the organisation in Dubai’s grow- ing healthcare industry and the thriving medical tourism market in the Middle East. A medical graduate from Tishreen University of Medi- cine in Syria, she holds a Master’s Degree in business administration and a Master’s Degree in Ophthalmology and eye surgery from Wollongong University in Sydney, Australia, as well as a certi - cate in management health- care delivery from Harvard Business School. Kelly was promoted from executive vice pr esident and managing director of Atlan- tis Dubai to president of the Atlantis, Kerzner Interna- tional in October 2023. With a tenure of six years at Dubai’s Atlantis, The Palm, he led the successful launch of Atlantis The Royal in 2023. He has steered multiple achievements including the expansion of Atlantis Aqua- venture to the stellar o er- ings in food and beverage across both properties as well as the implementation of multiple award-winning sustainability projects, including the Atlantis Atlas Project. The highly antici- DR. REEM OSMAN TIMOTHY KELLY CEO Saudi German Hospital UAE President Atlantis Global Osman has spearheaded the expansion, transforma- tion, and accreditation of the Saudi German Hospitals Group UAE, achieving numer- ous milestones and awards. She has been instrumental in supporting charitable and humanitarian initiatives such as the Zayed Giving Initiative, the Arab Women Foundation, and the Feigenbaum Leader- ship Award. She has also crafted and executed e ective business strategies, attraction plans, and business develop- ment initiatives, elevating the pro tability, competitiveness, and reputation of the group. She shares a common vision to deliver high-quality and compassionate healthcare to the communities they serve. Founded by the Batterjee family, SGH has 18 facilities spread across KSA, UAE, Egypt, Yemen, Morocco, and Pakistan. As one of the larg- est hospitals groups in the MENA region, SGH Dubai o ers a spectrum of medical services at the international level, including critical care, all types of specialties, as well as sub-specialties, as well as one of the largest emergency departments in the private sector. pated Grand Reveal of Atlan- tis The Royal in quarter 1 2023 set the stage for a series of accolades, culminating in the recent announcement that the newly inaugurated property secured a place on The World’s 50 Best Hotels list, making it the sole Middle East hotel to achieve this recognition. In his new role, Kelly will assume the responsibility of leading and representing the entire Atlantis brand on a global scale, expanding his leadership to include the team at Atlantis Sanya in China. Furthermore, he will formally join the executive team at Kerzner Interna- tional, playing an instru- mental role in implementing the organisation’s strategy across its portfolio. He is also responsible for the seamless execution of resort operations, design planning, brand alignment, sales and marketing, and people initi- atives across all Atlantis properties to the highest standards. He will represent Kerzner International while providing mentorship to all general managers and exec- utive leaders within the Atlantis brand. HEALTHCARE HOSPITALITY 7071arabianbusiness.com 115 FARAH ZAFAR Co-founder and CEO Lyvely TECHNOLOGY 72 Having witnessed her family’s immigration to the UK in the 1950s, Zafar observed her parents’ relentless e orts to establish a comfortable life. Upon completing her studies, she sought a train- ing contract to become a registered lawyer in the UK. Despite facing rejection 532 times, she persevered and shortly after nishing her training, she landed her dream job at a law rm in Mayfair. Several years down the line, she received a call notifying her of her selection for the position of sole legal counsel in Dubai, and since then, has been on an upward career trajectory. With a career spanning over two decades, Zafar has played a pivotal role in establishing billion-dollar corpora- tions, paving the way for her current leadership at Lyvely. Having signi cantly contributed to the growth of key devel- opment companies such as Omniyat and Al Mazaya Holdings in the Middle East, she has held in uential positions work- ing alongside visionaries and leaders in the region. Zafar is renowned for her expertise in structuring and growing billion-dollar development entities. As an award-winning chief legal o cer, Zafar excels in leading robust teams and providing focused legal, develop- ment, corporate, and investment support across various industry sectors. Beyond her professional achievements, she is passionate about female empowerment and actively mentors the younger generation of female executives. Zafar is proud of the commendable progress made by the UAE and, more recently, KSA, in supporting and recruiting women across all sectors, including various levels of government and quasi-gov- ernment entities. Over the past two decades, she has seen Arab women rise to become in uential leaders, ministers, Olympians, lm- makers, and entrepreneurs. She takes immense pride in witnessing their growth and dominance. Zafar is also the CEO and co-founder of Lyvely. A ground-breaking integrated content and communication platform, Lyvely rede nes the user experience by combining the features of a professional website, social media plat- forms, e-commerce, and video and live streaming apps. Positioned for a web3 future, Lyvely introduces its own digi- tal currency, LVLY, empowering users for investment, purchases, or incentivising fellow creators. About Phoenix Group Zafar has been in her current role since January 2023 with Phoenix Group, a global tech, blockchain and crypto mining conglomerate, based in the UAE, and listed on the Abu Dhabi Stock Exchange. Established in 2016, the Phoenix Group oversees a total capacity of 725MW across global mining facil- ities, with a footprint extending across Canada, North Amer- ica, CIS, and the UAE. Boasting a robust international pres- ence, the group operates in diverse locations and boasts a workforce of over 177 professionals representing 16 di erent nationalities. The range of services o ered includes mining, hosting, and cooling, coupled with investments in web3 tech- nologies and regulated digital asset exchanges. 116 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 ARMAND ARTON Founder and CEO Arton Capital IMMIGRATION SERVICES 73 Armand Arton is a visionary entrepreneur, an expert in immigration policy, and a trailblazer in social impact. Steered by the vision of enabling the global mobility of over a billion people by 2035, Arton estab- lished Arton Capital in 2006. The residency and investment advisory firm now operates in 17 countries and boasts the largest immigration services office in the UAE. The firm advises governments and empowers high net worth individuals worldwide with the freedom that comes with enhanced mobility. Arton has advised international organisations such as Concordia, the World Economic Forum (WEF), as well as over 12 governments on mobility and migration, and continues to share his expertise widely as a member of the Young Presidents’ Organisation. Signi cant social and economic impact has been generated by his oversight of multi-billion-dollar deals internationally. As a special economic envoy to Antigua and Barbuda, he heads the islands’ rst-ever Economic O ce in the UAE, and has been central to facilitating investment between the two nations. Portugal, Bulgaria, Hungary and Montenegro amongst many other countries in Europe have also bene tted from Arton’s talent to inspire foreign direct investment. In 2017, the UAE set an ambitious goal of holding one of the world’s most powerful passports. As founder of The Pass- port Index, the world’s rst interactive barometer of pass- port power, Arton was approached by the Ministry of Foreign A airs to help them achieve this objective by developing the country’s bilateral relations. Thanks to his commitment, the UAE’s passport became the world’s most powerful within a year, a status it has held since 2018. His work and philanthropy has led many to refer to Arton as the ‘Robinhood of passports’. The non-pro t Global Citizen Forum, initiated by Arton over a decade ago, has been crucial in advancing his mission. The 2023 edition, held in Ras Al Khaimah, was instrumental in enhancing the Nature Emirate’s reputation as a vibrant tourism destination. Evolving into a focal point for investment, hospitality, and philanthropy, the Forum has played a pivotal role in attracting in uential gures and celebrities to the UAE. e Global Citizen magazine, published for over 13 years, continues to captivate the world’s most powerful individuals. Arton remains at the forefront of reshaping and promoting global mobility, unwa- vering in his commitment to creating a world where borders and passports no longer pose barriers to success. About Arton Capital Arton Capital facilitates Global Citizenship through strategic investments in global residency and citizenship programmes, ensuring a smooth experience and lasting relationships. As a leading nancial advisory rm specialising in impactful resi- dence and citizenship initiatives, Arton empowers govern- ments, consultants, and nancial professionals to achieve goals e ciently and responsibly. With a global presence in 17 loca- tions, Arton’s operations have attracted over $4bn in foreign direct investment to various countries in the past ve years. arabianbusiness.com 117 AJAY BHALLA President Cyber and Intelligence Solutions Mastercard TECHNOLOGY 74 In addition to his current leadership position, Bhalla plays a signi cant role as a vital member of Mastercard’s global management committee, contributing to the company’s strategic direction. With an impressive career trajectory, he previously served as the president of Mastercard’s Digital Payment Services, navigating the dynamic landscape of digital payments. Bhalla’s leadership skills were evident during his tenure as the president of Mastercard for South Asia and South- east Asia, where he played a crucial role in enhancing the compa- ny’s presence in these key regions. Before joining Mastercard, he held in uential roles at HSBC and Xerox, contributing signif- icantly to the nancial and technology sectors. Beyond his corporate roles, Bhalla actively shapes various industries. He serves as a board member of PVH Corp, provid- ing strategic insights, and as a senior fellow at The Fletcher School at Tufts University, emphasising his commitment to academic excellence and thought leadership. His in uence extends to science and technology, holding the position of science fellow at MIT. As an executive in resi- dence at Oxford University, he facilitates collaborative approaches to address complex challenges. In the realm of global governance and cybersecurity, he serves as a strategic advisor to the World Economic Forum and plays leadership roles in the Executive Steering Committee for Digital Trust and the Global Council on Cybersecurity. Mastercard cyber solutions Over the last ve years, Mastercard has invested over $7bn in strengthen- ing its cybersecurity capabilities, alongside multiple acquisitions. The company has acquired seven rms in this space, facilitating the develop- ment and acceleration of various solutions. Additionally, Mastercard has played a role in launching more than 20 cybersecurity startups. The recent integration of Ba n Bay, a European-based AI security rm, has allowed Mastercard to merge existing data and AI capabilities, resulting in the creation of an AI cyber shield solution to prevent customer breaches. Mastercard implements a robust multi-layered security strategy with four layers, ensuring identi cation, detection, and prevention of cybercrime. The incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, including generative AI, enhances security, enabling seamless and secure shopping experiences for consumers. Mastercard innovatively uses generative AI for fraud prevention, anti-money laundering reports, and customer service solutions. Mastercard launched Crypto Secure, facilitating secure crypto trading capabilities for banks across a vast ecosystem. Mastercard’s commitment to a secure ecosystem includes biometrics trusted by billions. Security has always been a priority for Mastercard, even predating today’s cyber threats. The challenge with older security methods involved consum- ers creating complex passwords, leading to inconvenience and a sense of insecurity. Mastercard’s goal is to unite convenience and security, with biometrics playing a crucial role in making payments simple, safe, and intuitive. Behavioural biometrics, including typing styles and phone-holding patterns, are now part of Mastercard’s innovative approach, distinguishing between genuine users and bots.118 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 GREG KARPINSKI COO KEO International Consultants CONSTRUCTION 75 In steering the company towards continued success, Karpinski brings to the table over 22 years of rich experience in leadership, management, and investment expertise across a spectrum of industries. His role at KEO International Consultants encompasses a range of responsibilities, including as the overseer of nancial management, operational performance, strategic initiatives, and diverse business process improvement programmes. Under his leadership, KEO has experienced a 47 percent increase in sta and seen its business in KSA grow by 5 times. He has been responsible for driving several ground-break- ing initiatives such as the founding of KEO’s Digital Advisory Services group, Black Mule Real Estate Investment & Advi- sory and the KEO Academy. He has spearheaded e orts to further digitise and enhance KEO’s operations resulting in robust performance across its business units. Prior to joining the KEO International Consultants, Karpin- ski served as the chief operating o cer at Isabella Wren, a startup specialising in custom clothing. Here, his tenure was marked by successful e orts to secure new investments and forge valuable business partnerships for the company. His career trajectory also includes a decade-long journey with Standard Chartered Bank and its a liates, culminating in his appointment as manag- ing director with Standard Chartered Private Equity (SCPE). In this role, he navigated executive responsibilities and served as a board member of SCPE investee companies. His strategic contri- butions were instrumental in facilitating over $1 billion in equity investments, spanning diverse sectors such as Asian and African power, transportation, shipping, telecommunications, water, and environmental services. The entrepreneurial spirit within Karpinski extends beyond the nancial realm, as evidenced by his role as a co-founder of Arizona Heart International. He also spent ve years at InterGen, a global power generation company, serving in the nance, asset management, development, and commercial management teams. He started his professional career as a nancial analyst British Petroleum, rounding out his comprehensive background in prominent organisations. About KEO International Consultants Globally recognised and operating across seven countries, KEO International Consultants leverages the expertise of profes- sionals from over 60 nations, bringing together experiences from every major market worldwide. With a history spanning over 57 years, the organisation has consistently been a leader, shaping the landscape of numerous ambitious projects, iconic locations, memorable experiences, and thriving communities. Well positioned within the GCC and MENA region, KEO International Consultants has a footprint in 20 countries and 8 o ces. In their rst 50 years, they’ve steered signi cant archi- tectural achievements of their time. At KEO, architectural design is the practice of managing competing interests: nding balance between programme and cost, performance and appearance, feasibility and schedule, ambition, and pragma- tism. Functioning as an interdisciplinary AEP rm, KEO Inter- national Consultants provides comprehensive planning and development solutions through collaboration with allied specialist rms. InSite specialises in inspired planning, urban design, and landscape architecture, while C-Quest excels in quantity surveying.arabianbusiness.com 119 Under Al Ghurair’s leadership, CAFU has evolved from a eet of 20 trucks in 2018 to the plat- form for all vehicle services with a vast network of main- tenance and service partners through over 300 vehicles. He serves as a board member for the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy, focusing on navi- gating the shift to a digital economy for Dubai’s global competitiveness in startups. Actively involved in Al Ghurair Investment as a board member, he drives the group’s interests in its commodity businesses, Al Ghurair Resources, Al Ghurair Foods, and the development of the compa- Boasting nearly three decades of expertise, Sheikh’s background includes a career as a restau- rateur and hotelier, with extensive roles in London and Dubai. For over nine years, he helmed the Zuma team, holding positions from operations director for the Middle East and Turkey to global managing director and chief operating o cer. In early 2019, he was appointed as the CEO at The Arts Club Dubai, expanding his leadership to the group across both clubs in 2023. Before joining Zuma, Sheikh played an instru- mental role at The Lanes- borough, a historic London RASHID AL GHURAIR AJAZ SHEIKH Founder and CEO Cafu Group CEO The Arts Club ny’s real estate portfolio. Through CAFU, he champi- ons environmental causes, including the Ghaf Tree Seed Project, which utilises tech- nology to plant 1 million seeds through custom-built drone technology, with a long-term goal of combating climate change. He is a member of the board of trustees for the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, one of the largest privately funded philan- thropic education initiatives globally. CAFU is broadening its scope by venturing into the buying and selling of pre-owned vehicles through its digital platform. Initially available in the UAE, this service, along with its on-demand car washing, may potentially extend to new markets in the future. In April 2023, CAFU introduced Canada’s inaugural mobile EV charging solution, demonstrating its dedica- tion to sustainable innova- tion, and meeting unique market needs. This cutting- edge, smart, and mobile service enables electric vehicle owners to conven- iently charge their cars with just a simple tap. hotel, as the executive assis- tant manager and director of Food & Beverage from 2005 to 2008. His experience also includes signi cant Food & Beverage positions at pres- tigious establishments like the Conrad, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, and Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts in London since 1999. In his current position, Sheikh oversees the expand- ing executive team, respon- sible for brand, food & beverage, and operations at both clubs, reporting directly to the principal shareholders in London. As a visionary leader, he is committed to innovating and shaping a unique members’ club experience in the region, aiming for enduring success and inspired by the legacy of the Mayfair club. Spanning four oors and 6,038 sq m, The Arts Club Dubai features three restau- rants, including the interna- tionally renowned Brasserie from London and two origi- nal concepts, R hen and Alveare, and a stunning rooftop terrace, private lounges and meeting spaces, o ering an unparalleled club experience. 7677 ENERGY HOSPITALITYNext >