< Previous50 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 In addition to his current role at Emirates Airline, Clark is also the chairman of the Emirates Airline Foundation. He joined the Emirates airline’s founding team in 1985 in the role of head of Airline Planning and went on to become its president in 2003. He has been instru- mental in the transformation of Emir- ates into the global giant it is today. Also, in June 2022, he was appointed to the board of DP World as an independ- ent non-executive director. An expert in aviation Prior to Emirates, Clark built his repu- tation as a talented route planner at Gulf Air, which had recruited him from Caledonian Airways. He previously has also held the position of managing direc- tor of Sri Lankan Airlines until 2008. In the 2014 Queen’s New Year’s Honours list, Clark was invested as a Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) for services to British prosperity and to the aviation industry. In November 2009, he was conferred an “O cier de la Legion d’Honneur” by the French government for services to trans- port and aviation, and he holds the 2009 Gold Award from the Royal Aeronautical Society for his contribution to civil aerospace. At the 2011 Airline Business and Flightglobal Achievement Awards, he was recognised as Leader of the Year, and in 2013, he received the Centre for Aviation (CAPA) Legends award and was inducted into the CAPA Hall of Fame. Clark holds a degree in Economics from London University, UK, and is a fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. He also holds an honorary doctorate from the University of Middle- sex and an honorary degree from the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, both in the UK. Robust nancial results As of November 2023, The Emirates Group announced its best-ever six-month nancial result. The group is reporting a 2023-24 half-year net pro t of $ 2.7bn, surpassing its record half-year pro t of $ 1.2bn last year by 138 percent. The group also reported an EBITDA of $ 5.6bn, a signi cant improve- ment from $4.2bn during the same period last year, illus- trating its strong operating pro tability. SIR TIM CLARK President Emirates Airline AVIATION 2arabianbusiness.com 51 Group revenue was at $18.3bn for the rst six months of 2023-24, up 20 percent from $15.3bn last year. This surge was driven by the strong demand for air transport across the world, which has been on an upward trajectory since Covid- 19 travel restrictions were lifted. The group closed the rst half year of 2023-24 with a solid cash position of $11.6bn on 30 September 2023, compared to $11.6bn on 31 March 2023. Delivery of new eet of Airbus A350 Emirates, the world’s biggest long-haul airline, is preparing to hire 5,000 cabin crew this year as it prepares to take the delivery of its new eet of Airbus A350 wide bodies this summer and Boeing 777X planes in 2025. The airline is seek- ing to hire new graduates with internships or part-time jobs on their CVs and those with about a year of hospitality or customer service experience. Last year, the airline hired 8,000 cabin crew and held recruitment events in 353 cities as it ramped up services to meet a boom in travel after the pandemic. In August 2023, the airline’s cabin crew numbers crossed the 20,000 mark. It now stands at 21,500, with the new recruits set to boost that gure by 25 percent. The airline also ordered 110 addi- tional Airbus and Boeing wide-body aircraft for a total value of $58bn at list prices during the Dubai Airshow in Novem- ber 2023, as part of its ongoing future growth plans. The Emirates Airline Foundation Improving the lives of children in need around the world, the Emirates Airline Foundation is a non-pro t charity organisation dedicated to improving the lives of children who need it the most. The foundation’s work is motivated by the belief that every child deserves access to a safe home, healthcare, and education. Since 2003, the Emirates Airline Foundation has supported over 50 projects and NGOs around the world, from Africa and Bangladesh to the UAE. Through the generous donations of Emirates customers, the foundation has helped to build schools, run medical programmes, provide better quality food, water, and housing, and send expert volunteers to where they are needed the most. Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, chairman and CEO, the projects, either existing charities or new initiatives, are located primarily at Emir- ates’ destinations where local Emirates sta volunteers can participate and oversee their management, along with any assistance local communities may provide. Just some of their key projects have included The Emirates Friendship Hospital which has provided vital medical care to over 700,000 people in isolated communities in Bangladesh. Also, the Safe Centre for Autism works with specialist service providers in the UK to create an inclusive facility in Dubai with specialised rooms and an improved therapy environment. And IIMPACT Girls Education Project provides life-changing primary education in 35 learning centres for more than 1,000 girls from disadvantaged communities in rural India. Little Prince Nursery and School for education to underprivileged children from the Kibera slum in Nairobi; Virlanie Foundation which provides protection, care and a brighter future to vulnerable chil- dren and young adults in children’s schools in the Philip- pines. Also, Externato São Francisco de Assis which provides a full-time education, three daily meals and extra-curricular activities at a school for underprivileged young children in Brazil. Emirates hired 8,000 cabin crew and held recruitment events in 353 cities last year as it ramped up services to meet a boom in travel52 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 McLoughlin’s journey began as an integral part of the consultancy team from Aer Rianta, the Irish Airport Authority, which the Dubai government commissioned in 1983 to establish a new duty-free oper- ation. His expertise and leadership were quickly recognised, and he remained in Dubai following the project's completion. There, McLough- lin took on the role of general manager for the nascent duty-free operation, demonstrating his capabilities in managing and expanding the business. His success in this role led to his promotion to managing director, where he continued to drive growth and innovation within the operation. In July 2011, McLoughlin’s career reached a signi cant milestone when he was appointed as the executive vice chairman and CEO of Dubai Duty Free. In this prestigious role, he not only oversaw the core duty-free operations but also had responsibility for its diverse subsidiary businesses. These included The Irish Village, which offers a unique dining and cultural experience; Studio One Hotel, known for its contemporary hospitality; The Century Village, a culi- nary haven; the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, a premier sports venue; and the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Under McLoughlin’s stewardship, Dubai Duty Free has ourished, gaining international recognition as one of the largest and most lucrative airport retail operators in the world. His strategic vision and leadership have been instru- mental in cementing Dubai Duty Free’s status as a global leader in the airport retail sector, setting benchmarks in size, revenue, and customer experience. The organisation’s success under his guidance is a testament to his expertise, dedication, and innovative approach to airport retail management. Operating over 40,000 sq m across Dubai International (DXB) and the more recent Dubai World Central (DWC), also known as Al Maktoum International, Dubai Duty Free matches up to Dubai's global status as a leading shopping destination. Beyond his corporate role, McLoughlin’s philanthropic e orts are signi cant. In 2004, he established the Dubai Duty Free Foundation, supporting 45 local and 56 overseas char- COLM MCLOUGHLIN Executive Vice Chairman and CEO Dubai Duty Free RETAIL 3arabianbusiness.com 53 ities, including Al Jalila Foundation, Hand in Hand for Haiti, The Moodie Report Great Travel Retail Educathlon, Smile Train, as well as the construction of 32 houses in the DDF GK Village in the Philippines. The growth of Dubai Duty Free Since its inception in 1999, the Dubai Duty Free mega ra e, known as the Millennium Millionaire, has become a hallmark of Dubai’s luxury and extravagance. This high-pro le ra e o ers participants the opportunity to win $1m. The allure of such a signi cant prize has drawn attention from around the globe, enhancing the emirate’s reputation as a destina- tion for luxury. In addition to its ra e, Dubai Duty Free plays a signif- icant role in promoting Dubai through its association with major sporting events. The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Cham- pionships is one such event, a tournament that attracts some of the world’s top tennis talent. This event not only highlights Dubai Duty Free’s commitment to global sports but also positions Dubai as a key destination for international sport- ing events. Founded in 1983, Dubai Duty Free recorded rst-year sales of $20m and has evolved into one of the biggest travel retail operators in the world. Under McLoughlin’s leader- ship, Dubai Duty Free has experienced robust growth over nearly four decades, with the business expanding from $20m in 1984 to $2.029bn in 2019. Fast forward to 2023, Dubai Duty Free achieved a record-breaking year with sales soaring by 24.4 percent to nearly $2.16bn, meeting its annual target. The company reported over 20 million sales transac- tions in 2023, averaging almost 55,000 daily, totalling approximately 55.2 million units of merchandise sold. December 2023 ended with record monthly sales of $221m, an 8.37 percent increase compared to 2022. These sales were boosted by Dubai Duty Free’s 40th-anniversary cele- brations during which the group offered a 25 percent discount, resulting in a 24-hour sales achievement worth $14.8m. The surge in sales is also credited to heightened passenger tra c at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest hub for international ights. The airport recorded 22.9 million passengers in Q3 2023, the highest quarterly tra c since 2019, contributing to a year-to-date total of 64.5 million passengers, up 39.3 percent compared to the same period in 2022. Plans for expansion With annual passenger tra c predicted to reach 93.8 million in 2025, Dubai Duty Free plans to enhance its retail opera- tions, including refurbishments in Concourse B, with reno- vations in arrival shops and Concourse A planned for 2024 and 2025, respectively. The top ve source markets for Dubai Duty Free were India, Russia, China, Saudi Arabia, and the UK. The company reported a total employee count of about 5,500 by the end of 2023, re ecting an 18 percent increase from the previous year's count of 4,663. In addition, Dubai Duty Free will proceed with maintain- ing its busy events and promotional agenda. Some of its events include the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships which will be held at the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium from 18 February to 2 March 2024. The recipient of accolades Dubai Duty Free has recently celebrated its victory at the 20th anniversary edition of the Global Traveller–GT Tested Reader Survey Awards held in December in Pasadena, Cali- fornia. The leading travel retailer has been named the Best Duty-Free Shopping in the World for the 17th consecutive year, and Best Duty-Free Shopping in the Middle East for the fth time. Dubai Duty Free emerged as the winner in the survey conducted by Global Traveller between December 2022 and August 2023, with more than 20,000 respondents. Dubai Duty Free reported over 20 million sales transactions in 2023, averaging almost 55,000 daily54 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 With a 46-year legacy, Baker’s leadership has propelled GMG into a transformative era, inspiring individuals, especially the youth, to excel in all aspects of life. GMG’s diverse portfolio spans across five key verticals, including GMG Sports, GMG Everyday Goods, GMG Health and Beauty, GMG Properties, and GMG Logistics. Under Baker’s creative vision, GMG has launched influential homegrown brands including Sun & Sand Sports, Basketbolista, Nu Athlete, as well as Drop- kick. In July 2023, GMG entered a transformative franchise agreement with Sajwani, a self-made Emirati entrepreneur, has become a signi - cant gure in Dubai's prop- erty market. His rapid rise highlights his substantial contributions within a concise yet impactful dura- tion. In the mid-1990s, his visionary foresight enabled him to anticipate the growing demand for accommoda- tions, re spondin g b y constructing distinguished hotels. This move positioned Dubai as a hub for global business travellers. In 2002, Sajwani went on to launch DAMAC Properties which has evolved into one of the largest property development companies in the Middle East. MOHAMMAD A. BAKER HUSSAIN SAJWANI Deputy Chairman and CEO GMG Founder and Chairman Damac Holding UK-based global sports retailer JD Sports, bringing its expertise to the Middle East. GMG partners with key sports brands such as Nike, Vans, and Columbia, and earlier this year, GMG launched nike.ae and nike.sa for regional customers. His strategic vision extends to GMG’s ‘farm-to- fork’ approach, aligning with the UAE’s National Food Security Strategy 2051. The group has state-of-the-art food manufacturing facili- ties, an expansive retail network, and distribution of international brands. Baker has facilitated GMG’s entry into the food retail industry by acquiring the Middle Eastern operations of Groupe Casino’s prestigious brands in April 2022. GMG’s pursuit of excel- lence includes the acquisi- tion of aswaaq, solidifying its position as one of the UAE’s largest community mall operators. The group has enriched its health portfolio with innovative concept stores, contributing to 40 percent retail footprint growth in the UAE in 2022, with plans to open 100 stores in Southeast Asia by 2025. Alongside his family, Sajwani advocates quality education through the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation. Also, the One Million Arab Coders initiative, a agship programme, aims to empower one million Arabs with essential coding skills for success in the digital era. DAMAC Properties has delivered over 43,700 homes and has projects in over 10 countries. Notably, DAMAC Towers Nine Elms in London and developments in Toronto and Miami showcase its international presence. DAMAC also manages hotels under its umbrella, collabo- rating with key brands like Radisson, Paramount, Rotana, and DAMAC Maison. The company is also develop- ing a resort in the Maldives in partnership with the Manda- rin Oriental Hotel Group. DAMAC is known for collaborative ventures, part- nering with luxury lifestyle brands like Versace Home, Fendi Casa, and Paramount Hotels & Resorts. These collaborations resulted in opulent living spaces that merge luxury and style, re ecting a commitment to elevating living standards. 45 RETAIL REAL ESTATEarabianbusiness.com 55 Adeeb Ahamed is a renowned entrepreneur and business leader based in Abu Dhabi. He currently heads up several major companies in the nancial services, retail and hospitality sectors. Ahamed holds an MBA in International Management from Royal Holloway, University of London. Adeeb started his entrepreneurial journey with the founding of Lulu Financial Holdings in 2009 which has since grown into a global nan- cial services conglomerate. LuLu Financial Holdings operates over 300 branches across 10 countries in the Middle East, Indian subconti- nent, and Asia Pacific regions, facilitating billions of dollars in annual transactions. In addition to his role as Managing Director of LuLu Financial, Ahamed also serves as Managing Director of Twenty14 Holdings, a $750m Abu Dhabi-based holding company with investments in luxury hotels worldwide. Some of Twenty14’s flagship properties include the iconic Great Scotland Yard Hotel in London, Pullman Downtown Dubai, Port Muziris in Kochi (India’s first Tribute Portfolio by Marriott hotel), and the Sheraton Oman Hotel in Muscat. Due to his extensive business experience and success in transforming companies into global giants, Ahamed holds advisory and board positions with numerous organ- izations. Some of these include the South Asia Regional Strategy Group of the World Economic Forum (WEF), UAE’s Foreign Exchange and Remittance Group, Chair for FICCI Middle East, World Tourism Forum and Kochi Biennale. Ahamed’s accomplishments have earned him a long list of prestigious awards over the years. Some recent honours include Leading Fintech Person- ality of the Year (GCC) at the Global Fintech Awards, ABLF Outstanding Business Achiever Award, Forbes Top Indian Business leaders in the Middle East, NDTV Gulf Indian Excellence Award, Qadat Al Tagheer Award and Financial Institution of the Year Award by Arabian Business. In addi- tion to his corporate responsibilities, Ahamed is deeply committed to social causes. He supports initiatives focused on girls’ education, healthcare for children and the elderly, and community development projects in India. Ahamed rmly believes that incredible progress is possi- ble when businesses emphasise human values such as responsibility, integrity and service to society. When not growing his companies or engaged in philanthropic work, Ahamed can be found splitting his time between the UAE and India. He maintains an o ce in Abu Dhabi from where he provides strategic vision and leadership to LuLu Financial Holdings and Twenty14 Holdings. Through his diverse busi- ness portfolio and passion for social welfare, Ahamed is making an impact on a global scale. ADEEB AHAMED Managing Director Lulu Financial Holdings FINANCE 656 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Katerina Giannouka o cially assumed her role as Chief Executive O cer of Jumei- rah Group in December 2022. She joins the company with over 20 years of experience in the interna- tional hospitality industry. Giannouka’s career has seen her excel in various leadership roles encompassing busi- ness management, operations, devel- opment, asset management, and strat- egy.Prior to Jumeirah Group, Giannouka spent the past ve years as President of Asia Paci c at Radisson Hotel Group. In this role, she successfully spearheaded the execution of a comprehensive ve-year business trans- formation strategy. This plan led to unprecedented growth for Radisson’s Asia Pacific portfolio. Before Radisson, Giannouka held key positions within Rosewood Hotels & Resorts’ Asia Paci c and China development teams. Coming on board during a period of strategic expansion, Giannouka will look to further strengthen Jumeirah Group’s presence internationally. The company recently acquired Le Richemond, a luxury hotel in Geneva, Switzerland scheduled for renovation and reopening in 2025. Under her leadership, Giannouka aims to accelerate the business' sustainable growth on a global scale. Giannouka’s appointment followed the depar- ture of previous CEO José Silva in September 2022 after ve successful years leading Jumeirah. Until Giannouka’s arrival in December, COO Thomas Meier capably served as interim CEO. Commenting on the selection, Dubai Holding Group CEO Amit Kaushal expressed confidence in Giannouka’s experience transforming businesses and cultivating inclusive cultures. For her part, Giannouka stated she feels honored to take on such an important role with an iconic brand. She looks forward to working alongside team Jumeirah to realise the vast potential of the company and further cement its position as the top Emirati luxury hospitality name worldwide. With over two decades of multi-faceted experience in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, Giannouka is well-equipped to spearhead Jumeirah into its next chapter of sustainable growth on the global stage. Jumeirah Group Jumeirah Group is recognised as a national champion in the UAE. As a member of global investment company Dubai Hold- ing, Jumeirah operates over 6,500 rooms across 26 luxury properties worldwide. Jumeirah Group’s portfolio includes some of the most iconic and captivating properties in the global luxury hospitality sector. Flagship locations such as the Burj Al Arab Jumeirah in Dubai, renowned for its distinctive sail-inspired design, and the luxurious Arabian palace complexes at Madinat Jumeirah have solidi ed Jumeirah’s reputation for luxurious and prestigious settings. Further destinations exemplify the company's ability to envision distinctive concepts for diverse cultures, including the Maldives’ Olhahali Island, an exclusive tropical island escape, and Jumeirah Bali’s all-villa retreat surrounded by natural beauty. Jumeirah also designs contemporary takes on cultural classics, such as The Carlton Tower Jumeirah in London, merging British heritage with modern luxury, in addition to state-of-the-art hotels like the futuristic Jumeirah Nanjing that showcase cutting-edge architecture. Across its varied portfolio, Jumeirah delivers unmatched guest experiences that capture the local essence of each destination. KATERINA GIANNOUKA CEO Jumeirah Group HOSPITALITY 7arabianbusiness.com 57 Areal estate trailblazer, hospitality and philan- thropic titan, Mulchandani is the storied entre- preneur behind the FIVE Hotels and Resorts including FIVE Palm Jumeirah; FIVE Jumeirah Village; Switzerland’s FIVE Zurich; and the soon-to-be- launched, FIVE LUXE. Guided by Mulchandani’s ‘Sustainable Indulgence’ ethos, *in 2023, FIVE delivered a robust EBITDA margin of 38 percent and attained world-class sustainability mile- stones, earning an ‘A’ rating for ESG by ISS. For 2023, FIVE witnessed impressive revenue totalling $547m, accompanied by an EBITDA of $210m. In 2023*, FIVE Palm Jumeirah and FIVE Jumeirah Village have consistently maintained an average occupancy rate of 92 percent, surpassing competitors by 27 percent, an Aver- age Daily Rate (ADR) of $304 and is currently performing 2.3 times higher than its comp-set in terms of TrevPAR at $702. Total revenue soared to $547m in 2023* from $123m in 2019, a growth of approximately 345 percent. With over 38,500 reviews, FIVE Jumeirah Village is the most reviewed hotel on Booking.com that also boasts a rating of 9.1/10. Mulchandani, a philanthropist and advocate for FIVE Cares, has led Project Udaan, providing life-saving operations for over 800 children in India. His contributions total nearly $2m across local and global partnerships, including a pledge of over $200,000 to a literacy and girls’ empowerment foundation. Sustainable Indulgence Mulchandani advocates for ‘Sustaina- ble Indulgence’, a concept combining innovation and transformation to o er guests superior experiences while adhering to top sustainability stand- ards. FIVE, created by acclaimed developers and pioneering hoteliers, rede nes luxury with a focus on sustainability, integrating it into every aspect of a guest's stay. Their hotels in Dubai and Zurich are LEED Platinum certi ed, with FIVE LUXE achieving the highest LEED v4 score worldwide for ve-star hotels. FIVE has emerged with the highest ESG rating in the world to date from Global Rating Agency ISS, as the only company to receive an ‘A’ grade across all sectors, surpass- ing global heavyweights like Melia Hotels, Apple, among others. According to Cornell University's benchmark, FIVE's carbon footprint per night is ve times lower than the aver- age UAE luxury resort. A night at FIVE is equivalent to ve nights at a similar UAE luxury hotel, according to a database of over 25,000 global hotels. FIVE completed a $329m acquisition of the legendary Pacha Group, comprising assets including the Pacha Nightclub, Destino Pacha Hotel, El Hotel Pacha, Toy Room Club, and WooMoon Storytellers (globally) and registered trademarks ‘Pacha’ (globally) and its ‘cherries’ logo design. The acquisition was funded through a Green Bond issuance and a Revolving Credit Facility (RCF). FIVE will utilise Pacha Group's success for global expansion, transforming Pacha's Destino Hotel into a FIVE brand and launching Lío at FIVE LUXE in 2025. (*2023 gures are estimated and represent proforma numbers for FIVE including Pacha) KABIR MULCHANDANI Founder and chairman FIVE Chairman The Pacha Group HOSPITALITY 858 Vol. 25/02, February 2024 Beshara began his tenure with the Mohammad & Obaid Al Mulla Group (M&O Group) in 2017 rst serving as the group general counsel. Within a short period, he became the group chief legal o cer followed by his appointment to the group CEO in late 2018. Beshara has been with the Amer- ican Hospital Dubai since 2018. With a background in law, Beshara’s previous work experience spans nance, avia- tion, and corporate elds, with a track record as the Head of Legal, Air Arabia, and legal counsel Barclays. Key responsibilities included advising CEOs and counselling on airline matters, major JV projects, and unin- sured litigations. About M&O Group M&O Group is a family-run business established in 1942, with a diversi ed portfolio in the healthcare, hospitality, real estate, and travel and tourism sectors. Steering multiple achievements at the group, Beshara has helped to streamline the group’s corporate governance structure to stimulate growth and expand its impact and role in UAE’s nation-build- ing. Other contributions include investments and expansion across the M&O Group in critical infrastructure, technology, healthcare security, innovation, and education. Also, Amer- ican Hospital Dubai has entered many collaborations and partnerships with key global healthcare leaders in areas such as IVF, imaging, robotics, and more. Key achievements Under Beshara’s visionary, American Hospital Dubai and Cerner, the global leader in healthcare technology, set a milestone with the arti cial intelligence (AI) research centre, a landmark healthcare initiative in the region. It is the only hospital in the Middle East to win the Excellence in Robotics Surgery award and has performed over 1,500 successful procedures. Also, expanding M&O Group’s Hospitality divi- sion into regional markets, Ishraq Hospitality, the group’s asset management division, is increasing the group’s foot- print across the region with new mid-priced hotels in collab- oration with IHG. About American Hospital Dubai According to Beshara, performance standards are measured by how well they meet the people’s expectations. He adds: “We ask ‘what is the purpose of our progress? To bene t people.’ This awareness de nes our performance.” The group integrates best practices into their perfor- mance, including constant reviews and feedback; ongoing training; integrated systems; quantity & quality measurables; SHERIF BESHARA Group CEO Mohammad & Obaid Al Mulla Group (M&O Group) DIVERSIFIED 9arabianbusiness.com 59 market intuition; and customer expectations. Their own performance is based on innovation & up-to-date treatments for people; advanced technology for people; the best of human expertise for people; and compassion and care. American Hospital Dubai is aligned with the UAE’s National AI Strategy 2031 and the UAE National Programme for Artificial Intelligence. They have been a pioneer in complex diseases, robotic surgeries, AI-led healthcare solu- tions, the medical tourism destination of choice, and global partnerships with leading medical pioneers to bring premium healthcare solutions to the region. By merging multi-dimensional initiatives with its clinical performance and state-of-the-art technology, the hospital is contributing to Dubai’s status as a leading healthcare hub. American Hospital Academic Institute American Hospital Academic Institute, their education arm, invests in empowerment through knowledge sharing with its training programmes and helps medical students receive clinical training and rst-hand knowledge of advanced treatments and procedures. Committed to bringing next-generation skills to the region’s surgeons, they have partnered with CMR Surgicals and UAE-based Robotics Surgical Systems (RSS) to establish a training centre for Versius® in Dubai. As the region’s rst robotic surgery train- ing hub and educational academy in the MEA region, they o er fellowships and hands-on experience in all Robotic Minimal Access Surgery (RMAS) areas for surgeons, surgical assistants, nurses, and coordinators in multiple specialities. Focus on technology With accelerated AI adoption, the UAE is predicted to add $182bn to its economy by 2035. UAE’s National AI Strategy aims to reduce the burden of chronic disease, improve social determinants of health, and promote healthier communi- ties. American Hospital Dubai is an active supporter of UAE’s AI goals. He says: “We established the AI-led Research Centre in collaboration with Cerner in 2020, the rst of its kind in the region.” The rst of their four AI data-led models analysed Covid- 19 deaths and ICU admissions to classify the population exposed to danger to provide appropriate care at the proper time. The hospital established a milestone in robotic spinal surgeries with a spinal fixation procedure using the Medtronic Mazor X Stealth™ Edition Robotic Guidance System and is the rst private healthcare entity in the region to employ this technology. They are the region's rst private healthcare entity to bring the 4th Generation da Vinci Robotic System for Surgeries. American Hospital Dubai’s training programme for 20 Emirati surgeons by 2024 is another milestone in their mentoring leadership. The programme comprises an online introduction, step-by-step training on modules, work on simulators and modules dry box, and hands-on and cadaver training by internationally renowned, certified robotic surgeon trainers. “It is Phase 1 of our initiative,” says Beshara, with Phase 2 of the robotic surgical training programme set to expand to the GCC region. With the UAE’s medical tourism industry expected to reach $53.5bn by 2028, American Hospital Dubai o ers infra- structure; international accreditations and partnerships; innovation and research; AI-led healthcare and robotic surgeries, and more. The hospital also owns their hospital- ity properties to accommodate medical tourists, which is an added advantage. Future roadmap Beshara explains that they will continue to expand their medical technologies; partner with the best medical pioneers globally; advance their education objectives; keep pace with innovations and AI; meet sustainability KPIs; as well as invest in pushing the horizons of medical excellence. American Hospital Dubai’s training programme for 20 Emirati surgeons by 2024 is another milestone in its mentoring leadershipNext >