< Previous40 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Paul Gri ths – Dubai Airports, David R. Edmondson – Neom Green Hydrogen Company Sahar Cooper – Aldar Education BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR SHORTLISTEDarabianbusiness.com 41 Paul Gri ths – Dubai Airports BUSINESSPERSON OF THE YEAR WINNER Paul Gri ths has been at the helm of Dubai Airports since 2007, helping grow it into the world’s busiest airport for international passengers42 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD With McLoughlin at the helm, Dubai Duty Free has grown dramatically over the past 39 years during which the business grew from $20m in 1984 to $2.16bn in 2023 Industry legend McLoughlin received his Lifetime Achievement Award from ITP Media Group CEO Ali Akawiarabianbusiness.com 43 WINNER Colm McLoughlin Even though McLoughlin has been doing his job for nearly 40 years, his passion and vision as a strong as they were back in 1984LEADERSHIP 44 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Innovation, sustainability and empowering Saudi youth Hassan Sharbatly, CEO of Digitect and Al Nahla Hospitality, sits down with Arabian Business to reveal the secrets behind his success Hassan Sharbatly, a dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneur, plays a pivotal role in reshaping Saudi Arabia’s thriv- ing hospitality industry. As a key gure in one of the nation’s leading business dynasties, Sharbatly leads Golden Triangle and Elite Hospitality under the Al Nahla Group, driving innovation and revolutionising the kingdom’s economic landscape. Born into a distinguished lineage of entrepreneurs, Sharbatly’s leader- ship is marked by an astute under- standing of the market and an unwa- vering commitment to Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 agenda. In 2016, Shar- batly graduated from Royal Holloway, one of King’s College/University of London’s prestigious institutions, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Interna- tional Business. He further pursued a Master of Science degree, special- ising in International Management for the Middle East and North Africa, from the University of London in 2018, consistently ranked as one of the best schools for business and management in the UK and Europe. His journey began in 2018 in corpo- rate banking with Credit Suisse in Zurich, where he honed his skills in nance and strategic planning, later becoming the cornerstone of his success in the hospitality industry. Despite the global challenges posed by the pandemic in 2020, Sharbatly show- cased his inherent ability to identify growth opportunities. As the visionary founder of both Golden Triangle and Elite Hospitality, he aimed to transform the food and beverage and hospitality sectors, serving as the Chairman for these innovative ventures. As the CEO of Al Nahla Hospitality, Sharbatly aims to steer the company toward excellence in the ever-evolving hospitality landscape. The group’s focus includes creating distinctive experi- ences, optimising real estate assets, and actively participating in sustainable projects in alignment with Vision 2030 to enrich its portfolio, reflecting a commitment to diversification and informed decision-making across vari- ous ventures. LEADERSHIP Sharbatly aims to grow in Saudi Arabia's hospitality sector and draw visitors to Jeddah by securing franchise rights for international establishmentsarabianbusiness.com 45 LEADERSHIP By 2024, Sharbatly aspires to under- take strategic investments in the tourism sector, including upscale hotels acquired from the Accor Group, bringing in pres- tigious brands like Fairmont, SLS, SO, 25hours Hotel, and Porsche Design Tower & M-Gallary & SO hotel also vari- ous projects with IHG group such as Intercontinental Hotel , Six Senses hotel Reasorts and spa and Vocco. He played an instrumental role in transforming Jeddah Walk into an excep- tional urban hub, characterised by versa- tile developments, performance studios, art galleries, and notably, the kingdom’s rst-ever agship Ferrari showroom, as well as introducing prestigious restau- rant brands such as Amar Restaurant and the MOMA Group Café Lapérouse, Manko, Mimosa, Noto, and Boeuf Sur Le Toit. Acknowledged for his business prowess, Sharbatly strategically utilised his family’s investments in Jeddah Tower, destined to be the world’s tallest skyscraper, to procure multiple hospi- tality brands. This astute maneuver not only positioned them for prominence at this budding global landmark but also played a pivotal role in Sharbatly’s appointment by the Ministry of Invest- ment as a member of the o cial Saudi Investment delegation team. Sharbatly’s in uence transcends the realm of hospitality. As the Chair- man of Digitect, a cutting-edge 360° marketing solutions company, he played a pivotal role in its establish- ment and development, contributing to the creation of one of the largest and fastest-growing Saudi marketing & IT solutions companies. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Sharbatly, the founder of Nahla Group, has been instrumental in the establishment of Riyad Bank. Al-Nahla Group stands as the largest shareholder in Riyad Bank, the largest private bank in Saudi Arabia, underscoring its significant presence and in uence in the coun- try’s nancial landscape. Beyond his corporate roles, Sharbat- ly’s commitment to societal progress is evident through his involvement in the Hassan Abbas Sharbatly Foundation for Community Service, a non-profit humanitarian organisation established travel, an activity he approaches with great enthusiasm. When asked about his vision for the future, Sharbatly expresses his align- ment with Vision 2030, stating, “As an entrepreneur overseeing a multi-gen- erational legacy, my vision seamlessly aligns with Saudi Vision 2030. Rooted in a commitment to contribute to the nation’s growth, I focus on fostering innovation, embracing sustainability, and actively participating in economic diversi cation.” In conclusion, Sharbatly has an inspiring message for Saudi youth: “Aim high, embrace challenges as opportunities, and stay steadfast in pursuing your goals. Your dedication and innovation are key to shaping our nation’s future.” He has already aptly proved he can walk the walk through his exemplary leadership of Al Nahla Group, and it remains an exciting pros- pect to see what he does next. 100+ The number of experts from more than 10 nationalities who work for Digitect Digitect's efforts include prioritising digital innovation and skills development in media, advertising, and communications industries by his family. The Sharbatly family, recognised as one of the Top 10 family businesses by Forbes, has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s commercial history through ventures in Finance, Real Estate, Automotive, Trad- ing, and Investment via their holding company, Al Nahla Group. Outside the boardroom, Sharbatly engages in a variety of hobbies. His love for riding horses and playing polo is coupled with an avid interest in read- ing nancial literature, demonstrating his commitment to lifelong learning and staying abreast of world economic developments. Additionally, he nds joy in exploring new cultures through 46 Vol. 25/02, 16 – 31 January 2024 CO VER ST OR Y 46 Vol. 25/02, February 2024arabianbusiness.com 47 SADHGURU In this special issue, we present the biggest names in Dubai’s vibrant business community, and their plans to help the emirate continue its status as the leading hub of industry and entrepreneurship in this part of the world The men and women who make a di erence Dubai, a thriving global business hub, owes much of its success to visionary and dynamic business leaders who have played instrumental roles in shaping the emirate’s economic landscape. Renowned for their innovation, resilience, and strategic acumen, Dubai’s business leaders are synonymous with a forward-thinking approach that has transformed the city into a dynamic commercial powerhouse. These leaders have adeptly navigated through challenges, leveraging Dubai’s strategic location, pro-business policies, and world-class infrastructure to foster economic growth. The visionary leader- ship has not only attracted multinational corporations but has also incubated a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting the rise of startups and diverse business ventures. Dubai’s business leaders are character- ised by their commitment to excellence, fostering a culture of innovation and embracing emerging technologies. Their emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility aligns with global best practices, re ecting a holistic approach to business. Moreover, the collaborative spirit among Dubai’s business leaders has facil- itated public-private partnerships, driving large-scale developments and enhancing the city’s competitiveness. As Dubai continues to diversify its economy, these leaders remain pivotal in steering the course towards a knowledge-based and sustainable future, ensuring that the emir- ate remains a beacon of economic prosper- ity and opportunity on the global stage. arabianbusiness.com 4748 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Driven by the ambition to contribute to Dubai’s visionary pursuit of trans- forming into one of the most modern and advanced cities glob- ally, Alabbar laid the foundation of Emaar in Dubai in June 1997. Presently, the company stands as an eminent gure in the realm of integrated real estate development. Today, Alabbar is an integral part of Dubai’s growth in multiple industries such as hospitality, ecommerce, technology, and others. With an impressive portfolio of invest- ments and achievements in the region and globally and is also considered a driving force behind several key achievements including the Burj Khal- ifa and Dubai Mall, founded by his company Emaar Proper- ties. A graduate in Finance and Business Administration from the Seattle University, USA; Alabbar holds several honorary doctorates, including from Seattle University, the London School of Economics and Political Science, and from Sun Moon University in South Korea. About Emaar Properties Emaar Properties is a major real estate company in the Middle East, known for developing Dubai Downtown which is home to iconic landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall. With operations in Egypt, India, Pakistan, Turkey, and KSA, Emaar made a signi cant move in August 2022 by fully acquiring Dubai Creek Harbour from Dubai Holding for $2bn. This acquisition, involving a combination of cash and Emaar Properties shares, resulted in Dubai Holding becom- ing the second-largest shareholder in Emaar, holding a 7.5 percent stake. An encouraging sign of Emaar’s promising future, its revenue backlog surged to $17.1bn as of 30 June 2023. This backlog represents the forthcoming revenue generated from property sales, which will be gradually recognised over the upcoming years. This prudent approach to accumulating future revenue underscores Emaar’s commitment to sustainable growth and nancial resilience. Hospitality and F&B A testament to his indomitable spirit, Alabbar’s journey has also unfolded in the hospitality sphere through Emaar MOHAMED ALABBAR Founder and Chairman Emaar, noon REAL ESTATE / ECOMMERCE 1arabianbusiness.com 49 Hospitality Group which has aimed to establish homegrown brands that rival its international counterparts. Today, the group stands as a testament to his dedication, boasting key hospitality assets that include Address Hotels + Resorts, Armani Hotels and Resorts, Vida Hotels and Resorts, along with serviced residences, leisure clubs, and an array of restaurants and spas. Alabbar is also the chairman of Americana Restaurants, the largest restaurant operator in the MENA region and Kazakhstan in terms of number of restaurants in its coun- tries of operations. Americana Restaurants operates key global brands such as KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Krispy Kreme, TGI Fridays, and recently added Peet’s Co ee, along with proprietary brands such as Wimpy and Chicken Tikka across the MENA region and Kazakhstan for over 50 years. Alabbar’s fervour for real estate ventures extends to his other distinguished enterprises, namely Eagle Hills and Nshama. Since its inception in 2014, Nshama has been craft- ing elegantly master-planned neighbourhoods that embody technological advancement, sustainability, and profound community living. Beyond his pioneering role in real estate, Alabbar's ventures encompass retail businesses that span over 20 global markets, including F&B, ecommerce, venture capital, logistics, hospitality, and technology. Alabbar’s transform- ative vision extends to his ecommerce rm, Noon, which collaborates with government entities to provide an expan- sive platform for startups in Abu Dhabi and Ajman. He also established Noon Food, a venture poised to foster a sustain- able ecosystem for both businesses and consumers. Since its launch, noon Food is available throughout Dubai, expand- ing into Sharjah and Abu Dhabi. About Eagle Hills Eagle Hills was formed by Alabbar with the aim to develop and revitalise cities and communities, in line with innovative lifestyle solutions that meet the demands of modern living. As an Abu Dhabi-based private real estate investment and development company, Eagle Hills takes its nancial capa- bility, expertise, and extensive relationships to drive the creation of large-scale, master-planned communities, with a blend of facilities that will elevate local economies, support holistic living and working solutions, while catering to both tourists and residents. Eagle Hills develops projects both within the UAE as well as globally. The UAE-based projects include Maryam Island, Sharjah; Fujairah Beach; Address Residences Fujairah and the Kalba Waterfront. Eagle Hills International includes Serbia, Bahrain, Morocco, Oman, Jordan, Ethiopia, Egypt and Albania. Emaar’s recent projects In June 2023, Emaar unveiled a new luxury waterfront prop- erty development with a total investment of $20bn. The project, The Oasis by Emaar, is set to encompass 7,000 resi- dential units, comprising both mansions and villas. Of the ultra-luxury waterfront master community in Dubai with four- and ve-bedroom standalone villas accom- panied by a signi cant portion of the land, approximately one-quarter will be devoted to enhancing the natural surroundings. This includes the creation of lakes, water canals, expansive parks, jogging tracks, and lush green spaces. Moreover, the development will incorporate an array of opulent amenities to cater to a luxurious lifestyle. Also, AEON is nestled in a special district within Creek Beach with one-,two- and three-bedroom apartments starting at $465,000. AEON leverages raw, authentic mate- rials sourced locally and is located in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour. AEON’s amenities rede ne urban opulence, promising a lifestyle that’s both chic and convenient, setting a new benchmark in modern metropolitan living. Alabbar’s transformative vision extends to his ecommerce rm, Noon, which provide an expansive platform for startups in the UAENext >