< Previous130 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 MILA SMART SEMESHKINA Founder and CEO Lectera.com EDUCATION 89 Backed by a remarkable career trajectory, from marketing and public relations to becoming a thought leader in edtech and women’s empowerment, a key turning point for Semeshkina was seeing the gaps in the current educational system, particu- larly in how it addresses the needs of modern learners which inspired her to venture into EdTech. Lectera.com was born out of a vision to make learning fast, practical, and directly applicable to career and personal growth. Another critical moment was acknowledging the challenges faced by women in the professional world, a realisation that led to the founding of the Women’s Empowerment Council (WEC). The aim was to create a plat- form and a community that not only supports women in their career journeys but also educates and advocates for greater opportunities. Technology as a tool for empowerment Throughout this journey, embracing technology as a tool for empowerment has been a consistent theme, whether it’s through Lectera.com’s innovative approach to online learning or leveraging digital platforms for advocacy, tech- nology has been central to Semeshkina’s mission of making education more inclusive and impactful. Her venture into investing in high-tech brands was not just about nancial investment but also about investing in her vision of a future where technology plays a pivotal role in education and empowerment. At the forefront of educational innovation Adapting to evolving educational landscapes is a priority for Lectera.com, especially in the face of technological advance- ments and changing learning preferences. Just some of the ways they stay at the forefront of educational innovation is that they constantly update and develop new courses to stay relevant and address emerging trends. Their agile approach allows them to respond quickly to changes in the job market and technology. They understand that each learner is unique and employ personalised learning algorithms to recommend courses and content tailored to individual needs and preferences. The platform is accessible across devices, making it easy for learners to access courses whenever and wherever they prefer. Using data analytics to gain insights into learner arabianbusiness.com 131 behaviour and course e ectiveness helps them re ne their o erings and make data-driven decisions to enhance the learning journey. Women in leadership Through Semeshkina’s own experiences as a woman in lead- ership, facing and overcoming many challenges, she witnessed the barriers that women often come up against. This understanding, along with her professional knowledge of these issues, led her to set up the Women’s Empowerment Council (WEC). WEC is making a real di erence in empow- ering women by providing them with educational opportu- nities, mentorship, role models and chances to lead. More than just about helping women achieve personal success, this project is about building a community where women support and learn from each other. WEC is working towards having more women in every level of the professional world as they believe that when women are empowered, it helps everyone, contributing to the overall growth and development of society. Looking forward to 2024, the WE Convention Dubai, now scheduled for 20-21 April, promises bigger speakers, covering more topics on how to earn more and career paths. Lectera.com o ers courses on women’s empowerment, including a range of courses on leadership skills, negotiation and entrepreneurship speci cally designed to empower women in their careers. WEC, on the other hand, focuses on creating a supportive community for women in leadership. There are also joint courses with women leaders on Lectera. Moreover, both Lectera.com and WEC actively collaborate with organisations and initiatives that promote diversity and women’s leadership. About Lectera.com With a global reach of over 3 million students from 60 coun- tries, Lectera.com o ers courses in multiple languages, Lectera.com offers a range of courses including on leadership skills, entrepreneurship, self-development, and women’s empowerment including English, German, Spanish, Hindi, and Russian. According to Semeshkina, going multilingual has been a game-changer and a huge part of their success in becom- ing a leading global educational platform. This is about making education accessible and comfortable for a diverse audience. More than that, o ering courses in di erent languages re ects a deep respect for cultural diversity. It’s not just translating words; it’s about adapting the content to t into unique cultural contexts. Lectera.com ensure that everyone’s on the same page, regardless of their time zone or language via video calls, frequent updates, and using tools that help bridge any language barriers. Semeshkina says they have put in e ort into understand- ing the unique needs and many of the courses are localised. “In short, it’s about being exible, open to learning, and always keeping the lines of communication open,” she says. “And, of course, having a fantastic team that’s as committed to our vision as I am makes all the di erence.” The future for Lectera.com and WEC The WE Convention in April 2024 is set to be even more exciting and impactful, says Semeshkina. They are aiming to bring in a diverse line-up of speakers which already includes the chairperson of the Board of Directors of the Sheikh Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan Cultural and Educational Institutions, HH Sheikha Dr. Shamma bint Mohammed bin Khalid Al Nahyan; HH Sheikha Mozah bint Marwan Al Maktoum who serves as a Captain pilot of the Dubai Police Airwing; HH Sayyida Basma Al Said, founder of rst private mental health clinic in Oman; and a tennis star and entrepreneur Maria Sharapova. Additionally, there will be panellists who will share their experiences and insights on women’s empowerment and success as well as sessions on leadership, entrepreneurship, work-life balance, and more, all designed to equip attendees with practical knowledge and inspiration. 132 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Belhasa, or most often referred to as ’Money Kicks,’ is an immensely popular and gl obally r ecognised YouTuber known for his ultra- luxurious life. Residing in a lavish mansion in the UAE, the son of Emirati construction tycoon and billionaire Saif Ahmed Belhasa, enjoys the unique privilege of having his very own private zoo, home to an impressive array of over 500 exotic animals. Thanks to this extravagant feature, Money Kicks has cultivated friendships with some of the world’s most famous social media influencers, respected footballers and Booth, an esteemed figure in the real estate domain, brings forth a wealth of experience that positions him as a distin- guished veteran in the indus- try. His notable achievements traverse the global landscape, encompassing the develop- ment, marketing, and successful culmination of significant projects across ve continents. Originating from Canada, his profes- sional journey commenced with the creation of Vancou- ver’s Concord Paci c Place, the country’s largest master- planned urban community, undertaken for the renowned Hong Kong magnate Li Ka-shing. Subsequently, RASHED BELHASA ROBERT BOOTH Influencer RSBELHASA Co-founder and Managing Director Ellington Properties sports stars, including American professional boxer Floyd Mayweather Jr. Showcasing his extravagant lifestyle on social media, he became famous and successful at a very young age with a large number of Instagram and YouTube fans. He launched his own YouTube channel in June 2013, and in 2015, began posting videos called ‘Money Kicks’ about his high-end lifestyle and legendary sneaker collec- tion, which helped him gain over 50,000 subscribers from around the world. The game changed for him when he posted a video with the famous rapper Young Thug on YouTube which surged his popularity. Today, Money Kicks boasts 2.3 million followers on Instagram and 3 million on YouTube and has been a part of music videos with Mo Vlogs, Dyler, and others. With a large sneakers collection valued at over $2m, he is actively followed for his posts about his expensive cars and pricey shoes, as well as current and relevant topics about social issues. Booth assumed the role of Director of Development at Concord Adex Developments Corporations, spearheading a monumental $2bn develop- ment initiative in Toronto. In 2001, Booth’s trajectory led him to Dubai, where he became an integral part of Emaar Properties. His impactful roles within the company included serving as the CEO of the North America region and subsequently as the CEO of the comprehen- sive Real Estate division. His in uence extended to shaping prominent developments such as Arabian Ranches, Emirates Living, Emirates Hills, The Greens, and The Dubai Marina, collectively contributing 40,000 residen- tial units to the market. The pinnacle of his accomplish- ments lies in his instrumental role in the agship Downtown Dubai project, where he over- saw various facets from engaging master planners to unveiling hotel, retail, and residential components, including the iconic Burj Khalifa. Recognized for estab- lishing international construction standards, he holds the position of an advi- sor to Emaar’s chairman. SOCIAL MEDIAREAL ESTATE 9091arabianbusiness.com 133 In addition to his current responsibilities, Jafar is the president at Crescent Petroleum, the private- ly -o wned petr o l eum company in the Middle East. He is the chairman of Gulftainer, the world’s largest privately-owned container port and logistics operator, and chairman of Pearl Petro- leum, a natural gas producer in Iraq’s Kurdistan region. He actively participates in humanitarian initiatives, philanthropy, corporate governance, and education. Badr’s commitment to humanitarian causes is re ected in his advisory role with the UN Secretary Gener- al’s High-Level Panel on Born in Kuwait and educated in India and Switzerland, Jashan- mal assumed the role of managing director of the group for its Kuwait opera- tions in 1973. During his tenure, he successfully insti- tuted new business ventures, spearheaded the reconstruc- tion of operations post the rst Gulf War, orchestrated the Group’s strategic expan- sion into India, and facili- tated various joint ventures. With a legacy dating back to 1919, Jashanmal is recognised as a trusted partner for inter- national enterprises entering the GCC region across the fashion, footwear, home appli- ances, travel gear, and BADR JAFAR TONY JASHANMAL CEO Crescent Enterprises Group President Jashanmal Group Humanitarian Financing, involvement with UNESCO’s International Commission on the Futures of Education, and contributions to organisations such as International Rescue Committee, International Peace Institute, and COP28. In 2010, Jafar initiated the Pearl Initiative to enhance transparency in the region; co-founded the Arab World Social Entrepreneurship Programme (ASEP); and plays a role in the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre and MIT Legatum Centre. He contributes to educational institutions as a member of the Cambridge Judge Busi- ness School Advisory Board; American University of Beirut; and Sharjah Business Advisory Council. He is a member of the Young Presi- dents’ Organisation. He co-founded the Global Gumbo Group with Quincy Jones to bridge cultural gaps through entertainment. His arts involvement with organ- isations includes the Middle East Institute’s Advisory Council, Guggenheim Middle Eastern Circle, The Old Vic Theatre Trust’s Artistic Direc- tor’s Circle, and the Kennedy Centre’s Centennial Circle. publishing sectors. Known for his innovative mindset, he is dedicated to fostering brand development in the GCC region through the group’s retail operations and distribu- tion and wholesale network. With a portfolio compris- ing approximately 110 brands, including 30 regional exclu- sives, the group’s retail foot- print extends across 150 stores in Kuwait, UAE, Bahrain, Oman, and India. Supported by a robust distribution network comprising over 1,000 points of sale, Jashanmal is headquartered in Dubai, with offices located in Abu Dhabi, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar, KSA, and India and is at the forefront of the UAE’s retail and distribution activities. The group serves as a franchise partner for inter- national brands such as Bally, Reiss, Brooks Brothers, Santoni, Porsche Design, MAX&Co., Replay, and group entities including Jade, Harmony, OCS, MINIML, and Trolka. The group holds equity partnerships and actively engages in joint ventures, operating a proprietary logis- tics network overseeing supply chains, freight-forwarding, and warehousing. ENERGYRETAIL 9293134 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 ABDALLAH ABU-SHEIKH Founder of Astra Tech and CEO of Botim Astra Tech FINTECH 94 Emirati entrepreneur Abu-Sheikh leads Astra Tech, which launched the ’Ultra-platform’ under Botim after a $500m investment in 2022. His goal is to simplify consumer lives in a tech-saturated market by addressing ’platform fatigue’ with an Ultra-App. Sheikh also founded RIZEK, a 2020-launched digi- tal marketplace for home services in the UAE, which is now integrated into Botim along with PayBy, its fintech arm. The Ultra-App today serves over 150 million users across 155 countries, combining communications, ecom- merce, multilingual GPT, and ntech capabilities. Rich experience within technology As a serial entrepreneur, Abu-Sheikh has made a signi cant impact in the technology sector, earning recognition as a leading tech entrepreneur in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region. His reputation is built on a successful history of entrepreneurship and his role as a global keynote speaker, where he imparts his insights and knowledge. Abu-Sheikh is renowned for pioneering innovations in three main areas: sustainability, mobility, and digitization. He has garnered acclaim for introducing major, well-funded advancements in the digital marketplace and the electric vehicle (EV) sector through his previous venture, Barq, driv- ing progress in these elds and paving the way for future technological developments. In addition to his technological endeavours, Abdallah demonstrates exceptional business acumen and a commit- ment to strong work ethics. He is driven by a passion to create a community of tech-enabled startups that are not just commercially successful but also have the potential to inspire and bring about positive change in the world. Abdal- lah believes in the power of technology to drive societal evolution and is dedicated to nurturing a new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators. Abu-Sheikh places a strong emphasis on nurturing a knowledgeable and active youth community. He understands the critical role of empowering the younger generation in crafting a digital future and dedicates himself to aiding their growth with his creative and non-traditional strategies. His ambition goes beyond just technological progress; it includes a wider objective of building a society that is more intercon- nected, well-informed, and adept with technology, prepar- ing them to tackle the various challenges and seize the opportunities presented in the digital age.arabianbusiness.com 135 About the world’s rst Ultra-App The Ultra-App is ful lling its aim to be an all-in-one app that’s three times faster than standard super apps, says Abu-Sheikh. It o ers international money transfers, govern- ment services, visa renewals, online shopping, and the region’s fully automated B Store, making Botim a top choice for consumers seeking seamless, convenient, and e cient everyday task management. “Many technical issues related to daily human problems are largely solvable,” he notes. Botim GPT is being developed to address these challenges. He adds. “The Botim Ultra-App boosts digital sovereignty, acces- sible to everyone regardless of age, gender, or nancial status.” Given the World Bank’s data showing 1.4 billion unbanked adults worldwide, the substantial population of Arabic, Hindi, and Tamil speakers in the UAE who are not adequately served by existing services and current LLMs, along with the increasing demand to streamline digital services and harmonise user experiences, it’s essential to develop glob- ally accessible yet customisable experiences. The largest tech ecosystem in the MENA region According to Abu-Sheikh, the use of artificial intelli- gence-driven solutions and Large Language Models has skyrocketed across industries around the globe. “With the launch of OpenAI’s ChatGPT in November 2022 has propelled the use of generative AI into the mainstream,” he says. “Much of the technological developments leveraging LLMs are focused on the English-speaking spheres of the world which leaves chunks of the world underserved by their cutting edge of technology.” This dilemma was at the core of the idea behind Botim’s repositioning as an ’Ultra-App’, as well as the development of Botim GPT, a paradigm-shifting take on an AI-powered chatbot that stands at the heart of the Botim app experience. Abu-Sheikh adds, “The major di erence between Botim GPT The Botim Ultra-App boosts digital sovereignty, accessible to everyone regardless of age, gender or nancial status, says Abu-Sheikh and other LLMs is the ability to work with Arabic speakers, not only in a conversational capacity, but also in an execu- tional way. The service is being integrated into all the services provided by the wider Botim app, from ecommerce to ntech solutions, as well as processes like routine govern- mental transactions and hospitality reservations.” Digital service adoption globally faces signi cant barri- ers, particularly in terms of access and ease of use. “Indi- viduals with low or unstable incomes often lack full access to financial services. This includes demographics like non-working women, individuals with poor credit history, those with language barriers, or individuals who are completely unbanked,” he says. Additionally, elderly individuals less acquainted with digital technology frequently struggle with routine tasks, ecommerce, telemedicine, or digital government services. “A conversational system that assists them daily is a signif- icant empowerment, reducing emotional strain for them and their younger family members.” The Botim Ultra-App additionally addresses a speci c need in remittance, especially relevant in the UAE and MENA region, where many remit funds to their home countries. Traditional remittance involves time-consuming processes like queuing, form- lling, document veri cation, and more. In 2023, Botim revolutionised this process by introducing instant global remittance services, which witnessed excep- tional success, processing 1.3 billion transactions and grow- ing by 41x in four months since its launch. Abu-Sheikh emphasises that AI is central to Botim’s goal of addressing various challenges and o ering users signif- icant value. Accordingly, Astra Tech is focusing on continu- ally evolving its team and services. He concludes, “By conducting AI workshops, partnering with sector experts, and creating training initiatives for roles like data scientists, AI engineers, and strategists, Astra Tech is committed to leading the way in AI adoption.”136 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Despite facing chal- lenging circum- stances in his upbringing, Merchant turned his dream into reality by launching his rst Pure Gold Jewellery store in 1989. Today, the brand has evolved into a leading integrated diamond and jewellery manufacturer and retailer in the MENA region and Asia. Pure Gold Jewellers operates as a multi- national company encom- passing Pure Gold Jewellers, La Moda Sunglasses, Pure Gold Properties, and real estate investments across several countries. Pure Gold Jewellers achieved ISO certi cation in 2002 and holds the distinc- Navigating a myriad of roles, Dr. Al Rostam- ani is also the chief operating o cer of the group, overseeing its corporate services and function, as well as the CEO of AWR Properties. In addition, she is a non-ex- ecutive board member at HSBC Bank Middle East Limited, at Al Jalila Founda- tion, at Sandooq Al Watan, Dubai Chambers, of Ajman University’s Board of Trus- tees; committee member of the UAE National Election Committee and advisory board member at Tharawat Family Business Forum. With degrees at both the Bachelor and Master levels, and a Ph.D. in Engineering from George FIROZ MERCHANT AMINA AL ROSTAMANI Founder and Chairman Pure Gold Group Board Member and Director AW Rostamani Group (AWR) tion of being the first and only jeweller to receive the World Diamond Mark. As a prominent jeweller in the Middle East and Asia, Pure Gold Jewellers exclusively retails gold and diamond jewellery at various duty- free outlets in the region, including Dubai Duty-Free, Abu Dhabi Duty-Free, Kuwait Duty-Free, and Jordan Duty-Free. Globally, the company has plans to launch more duty-free loca- tions in the near future. Be y ond business, Merchant actively engages in social initiatives, with Pure Gold Group supporting organisations including the UAE Genetic Diseases Asso- ciation, the UAE Ministry of Health, the UAE Red Cres- cent Society, Dar Al Ber Soci- ety, and Bait Al Khair Society, among others. In June 2023, Pure Gold Living, the group’s pr operty division, announced new residential project launches following the early completion of its first project, the $27m PG Upper House. The new projects, with a total invest- ment of $81.6m, include two residential developments in key Dubai locations. Washington University, Wash- ington D.C., Al Rostamani is a recognised expert on wireless technologies whose work has been published in several leading journals. About AWR Holding With 14 companies across seven distinct sectors, including multinational brands in travel and consul- tancy, automotive, logistics, retail, real estate, construc- tion, and information tech- nology, this family-owned business was launched in the 1950s in Dubai. Today, AWR Holding have become one of the region’s most innovative business groups, de ned by its core values, excellence, integrity, and commitment. They pride themselves on their role in the development and sustainability of the country and ambition to add to the UAE’s ambitious growth. In November 2023, Al Rostamani Group partnered with The International Centre for Biosaline Agricul- ture (ICBA) to enhance ICBA’s training and research facilities. The agreement includes the development of a specialised training centre and two research facilities. RETAILDIVERSIFIED 9596arabianbusiness.com 137 HEATHER MCGREGOR Provost and Vice Principal Heriot-Watt University Dubai EDUCATION 97 British entrepreneur, columnist, and entertainer, McGregor is a household name in the UK, known as the author of the Mrs. Moneypenny books, an experi- enced broadcaster, and a well-known columnist for the Financial Times in the UK. She has hosted the Channel 4 series ’SuperScrimpers: Waste Not Want Not’ and has performed her Mrs. Moneypenny show at various venues, including the Edin- burgh Fringe, o -Broadway, and the Hay Festival. McGregor’s diverse career journey began as a stockbro- ker and investment banker, followed by roles in nancial PR and investor relations. Joining ABN Amro as a sell-side analyst, she spent eight years working across major nancial hubs, including London, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Tokyo. Upon her return to the UK, she acquired Taylor Bennett, an executive search rm, where she had already devoted 17 years prior to her venture into higher education. Passionate about fostering diversity in the workplace, McGregor founded the Taylor Bennett Foundation, dedicated to promoting diversity in the communications industry. As a founding member of the steering committee of the 30 percent Club, she actively contributes to elevating women’s representation at senior levels in publicly listed companies. Additionally, she serves as a non-executive director for publicly listed companies in the USA. McGregor’s academic accomplishments include a PhD in Structured Finance from the University of Hong Kong and an MBA from the London Business School. A quali ed chartered manage- ment accountant (CGMA) and a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, she holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics & Marketing from Newcastle University, UK. The recipient of accolades Her outstanding contributions have been recognised with prestigious honours, including being bestowed the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) by King Charles III and is among the rst to be recog- nised with the title by King Charles III. In 2021, McGregor became one of the first two individuals at Heriot-Watt University to be named a Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy. She was awarded a CBE in the 2015 Queen’s Birthday Honours List for her exceptional services to business, particularly in championing diversity in the workplace. In the New Year’s Honours of 2023, McGregor was honoured as a Dame of the British Empire, receiving the title of Dame Commander of the Order of the British Empire (DBE) for her outstanding contributions to education, business, and heritage in Scotland. Joining Heriot-Watt in 2016 as the executive dean of Edinburgh Business School, McGregor revitalised Scotland’s oldest distance learning MBA programme, attracting tens of thousands of students worldwide. Her vision-to-completion of the Panmure House restoration in Edinburgh transformed it into a world-leading centre for thought leadership. Intro- ducing the Panmure House prize, she facilitated research into long-term capital, attracting submissions globally. Her continued dedication to charities supporting employment and minority ethnic careers has positively impacted the lives of young people, including many from across Scotland.138 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 SHAJI UL MULK Founder and Chairman Mulk International Group DIVERSIFIED 98 Founded in 1982, Mulk Interna- tional Group, spearheaded by Ul Mulk, stands as a global conglomerate with a diversi ed port- folio encompassing construction, renewable energy, plastics, and health- care. Boasting a net worth of $2.7bn, the group oversees 18 companies globally, with operational bases in the US, Europe, India, UAE, Oman, and Ghana. Led by Ul Mulk’s wealth of experi- ence, the company has achieved success through strategic global joint ventures, including partnerships with ALUPCO in KSA, Vallibel One Group in Sri Lanka, DACS Systems in India, and Al Hamed Group for Abu Dhabi, resulting in signi cant accomplishments in healthcare and interior fitouts under Sheikh Khalid Al Hamed and Sheikh Majid Al Nuaimi. He also steers the Mulk Foundation which o ers a range of support, including free medical clinics, libraries, assistance for disabled children, and an orphan marriage programme. Through these initiatives, the group underscores its commit- ment towards giving back to the community. About Mulk International Group The group’s agship brand ALUBOND has grown into the world’s largest metal composite brand with operations in 11 countries and market reach of 90 countries. Also, their A2 re-rated aluminium composite panel, ALUBOND A2, posi- tions it as the world’s largest manufacturer of such panels and has transformed the group to become the world’s larg- est manufacturer of aluminium composite panels, boasting an installed capacity of 25 m2 with installations spanning over 100 countries. The group’s $500m investment in Zim Cyber City signi- es its expansion into real estate in the USA and the UK, featuring projects like the ongoing Zim Cyber City in Zimba- bwe, a mixed-use development in Mount Hampden, New Harare. This 46K m2 landmark project is managed through the locally registered subsidiary, Zimbabwe Global Invest- ments (ZGI), operating under the Special Economic Zone (SEZ) programme approved by Emmerson Mnangagwa, President of Zimbabwe. Promising an a uent community and an unparalleled standard of living with duty free shop- ping amenities, Zim Cyber City emerges as one of Africa’s most promising real estate projects. In the healthcare sector, Mulk Med Healthcare, launched in 2010, provides physiotherapy, telemedicine, and diagnos- tic services, including the Mulk Med Healthcare Virtual Hospital. The group is also gaining recognition for introduc- ing the T10 cricket league, a global brand with leagues in the UAE, Africa, USA, Sri Lanka, Europe, and India, boasting a viewership of over one billion since its launch in 2017. In October 2023, Mulk International entered a joint venture with Ajman Holding, led by Sheikh Abdul Aziz Al Nuaimi. The alliance strategically positions both rms to leverage their combined expertise, networks, and resources. A central aspect of the collaboration involves the T10 Cricket League which is set to not only enhance the visibility of the sport, but also provide cricketing experiences to global audi- ences. Moreover, with the robust support of Ajman Holding, ALUBOND is poised for substantial growth, tapping into new markets and reinforcing its position as an industry leader in construction materials.arabianbusiness.com 139 Samuel Saba is Chairman and Founder of In nity Group, a family-owned investment company based out of Dubai, UAE, from where it is managing its operations in the Middle East and Africa region. He is currently CEO of Infinity Developments and In nity Capital. The group is primarily invested in real estate, and has expanded into the African real estate market, launching a five-star, $200m branded resort and residence project in the island of Zanzibar. The group is currently operating the following entities: In nity Capital, Infinity Develop- ments, Infinity Building Contracting, Infinity Strata With a portfolio spanning over 25 years, Killa focuses on crafting innovative, envi- ronmentally friendly struc- tures that challenge tradi- tional architectural norms, resulting in projects such as the Dubai Opera House, the Almas Tower, and the Bahrain World Trade Centre, an integration of wind turbines in a large-scale building. He has gained acclaim for his unique archi- tectural approach, empha- sising sustainability, and consistently exploring unconventional design. Established in 2015 in Dubai, Killa Design has actively contributed to several SAMUEL SABA SHAUN KILLA Founder and Chairman In nity Group Design Director and Founder Killa Design Management, In nity Design & Architecture, In nity Prop- erties, In nity Retail Group, and In nity Foundation. Saba is a driven busi- nessman and philanthropist, with family values at the core of the conglomerate which he has built along with his r elativ es. T he gr oup currently has over 600 employees around the world. Saba’s main hobbies include skiing, skydiving, and traveling with his family and friends. He also, along with his siblings Taylor and David spend a lot of time on their charitable initiatives, which are being undertaken in vari- ous parts of Africa, including Malawi and Zanzibar. Saba has been living in Dubai since 2001. He has a background in finance and law. Prior to founding Infinity Group, Samuel was working along- side his family in their various ventures around the world. Saba is fluent in four languages, and with an exten- sive background and a deep understanding of the intrica- cies of the property markets the group o ers end-to-end solutions for developers, investors, and its diverse range of clients. key projects that received recognition in the architec- tural realm. These include designs for the Museum of the Future, the Address Beach Resort, W Hotel Namaste, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club, Marsa Al Arab, Sheybarah Island, Aykon Twin Towers, and the O ce of the Future, the world’s first occupied 3D-printed buil din g. Currently, Killa Design is working on projects that include the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the Sheybarah Resort for the Red Sea Development in KSA, as well as the Palm Residence and the Cavalli Residential Towers. Killa also serves as a speaker at global conferences, inspiring architects, and developers to challenge the status quo and embrace sustainable practices. His focus centres on the impor- tance of sustainable buildings and masterplans, aiming to enhance the urban habitat, improve the lives of its inhab- itants, and significantly reduce carbon emissions from the built environment. His presence on the global stage helps in advocating for a more sustainable and envi- ronmentally conscious future. REAL ESTATE ARCHITECTURE 99100Next >