< Previous50 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 With a company career spanning 40 year s, Amin Nasser has occupied various leadership roles at Saudi Aramco , a prominent integrated energy and chemicals company, and a significant global provider of crude oil. He currently serves as president and CEO, as well as a member of the company’s board of directors and senior vice president of Upstream, through which he led Aramco’s largest capital investment programme in its integrated oil and gas portfolio. Under his guidance, the company is augmenting its upstream prominence by expanding into the downstream and chemical sectors of the petroleum value chain. This expansion involves notable investments and joint-venture collaborations both within the kingdom and overseas markets. Industry veteran Nasser joined Aramco in 1982, after he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Petroleum Engineering from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM) in Dhahran, KSA. He held several assignments from November 1982 to February 1991 with the Drilling and Reservoir Management department and the Production Engineering department. From 1991 to 1997, he was responsible for multiple supervisory positions in the Engineering and Producing departments. In 1999, he completed the Saudi Aramco Management Development Seminar in Washington, DC; and later, completed the Saudi Aramco Global Business Programme in 2000, and in 2002, followed these with the Senior Executive Programme at Columbia University in 2002. Nasser actively promotes education and training as well as drives the company’s innovation and technology strategy. He particularly champions the advancement and development of Saudi youth and strongly supports the Young Leader’s Advisory Board, which facilitates a connection between Saudi Aramco leadership and the perspectives of young professionals. Supporting a sustainable future Simultaneously, Nasser spearheads Saudi Aramco’s robust initiatives towards advancing the development of cleaner energy sources and products. These endeavours entail substantial investments in cutting-edge technologies such as next-generation fuel-engine interfaces, innovative processes for converting crude oil into chemicals, renewable energy applications, and the strategic backing of emerging startups dedicated to offering sustainable energy solutions. His involvement extends to broader industry initiatives focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, notably his participation in the Oil and Gas Climate Initiative (OGCI). This under scores his commitment to addressing environmental concerns at a larger scale through collaborative efforts within the energy sector. Furthermore, Nasser champions the establishment of an efficient and easily accessible supply chain ecosystem designed to accommodate the evolving procurement needs of Saudi Aramco. Notably, his emphasis on inclusivity sees the active involvement of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), contributing to the growth and sustainability of the supply chain network. Amin Nasser President and CEO Saudi Aramco Energy 7 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 50ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5028/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 51 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 In 1985, Sir Tim Clark joined Emirates Airline’s founding team in the role of head of airline planning, working his up to president in 2003, a role he still serves to this day. He has been instrumental in the transformation of the Dubai carrier into the global giant it is today. Emirates is now the world’s biggest long-haul airline. As of March 2024, the airline posted a new record profit of $4.7bn, exceeding last year’s $2.9bn, with a profit margin of 14.2 percent, making it the best performance in its history. Its total passenger and cargo capacity also increased by 20 percent in 2023-24, recovering to near pre-pandemic levels. This surge was driven by the strong demand for air transport across the world since Covid-19 travel restrictions were lifted. Under Clark’s guidance, these record achievements are only set to continue. In August 2023, the airline’s cabin crew numbers crossed the 20,000 mark. It now stands at 22,000, with new recruits still being onboarded as it prepares to take delivery of its new fleet of Boeing 777X planes in 2025, following the arrival of its latest Airbus A350 wide bodies this summer. Charitable initiatives Outside of aviation, Clark has also been fundamental in the airline’s goal to improve the lives of children in need through non-profit char ity organisation Emirates Airline Foundation, motivated by the belief that every child deserves access to a safe home, healthcare, and education. Furthermore, in June 2022, he was appointed to the board of multinational logistics leader DP World as an independent non-executive director. Aviation’s finest Prior to Emirates, Clark built his reputation as a talented route planner at Bahrain’s Gulf Air, which had recruited him from Caledonian Airways. He also worked as managing director of Sri Lankan Airlines until 2008. This decades-long career has meant Clark has been rewarded with many prestigious accolades, underscoring his significant contributions to the global aviation industry. Perhaps one of his biggest achievements to date came in 2014, when he was included on the Queen’s New Year’s Honours list and invested as a Knight of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (KBE) for services to British prosperity and the aviation industry. In November 2009, he was also conferred an “Officier de la Legion d’Honneur” by the French government for services to transport 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 Middlesex and an honorary degree from the Newcastle Business School at Northumbria University, both in the UK. Sir Tim Clark President Emirates Airline Aviation 8 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 51ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5128/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0852 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Throughout his five-decade career, Jerr y Inzerillo has been globally recognised as a celebrated visionary leader in tourism and hospitality, and a champion for the people at the heart of these sectors. In recognition of his dedication to the hospitality industry, he was awarded the prestigious HOTELS magazine Corporate Hotelier of the World Award and the Tourism for Peace Award by WANGO. More recently, President Joe Biden awarded Inzerillo the Presidential Volunteer Service Award and is the recipient of the Nelson Mandela Children’s Fund Lifetime Achievement Award. Last year, he was also inducted into the Global Travel Hall of Fame. A legend of the industry Inzerillo started his career in 1967, when he worked for five years in the kitchen and as waitstaff for a catering hall in New York City. By 1972, he’d moved into management at a restaurant in Las Vegas, going on to become general manager of Four Seasons hotels and president of hospitality groups. In 2012, he became president and CEO of IMG Artists. Leadership is a role he’s perfected over the many decades since, across America, South Africa and now Saudi Arabia. In June 2018, Inzerillo was appointed by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud to be the founding CEO of the Ad Diriyah Gate Development Authority (now Diri- yah Company). The $63.2bn Diriyah giga-project aims to develop the 14 square kilometre area, encompassing world- class cultural, entertainment, retail, hospitality, educational, religious, office and residential assets, with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of At Turaif as its anchor. In this role, Inzerillo is tasked with developing and implementing the master plan to turn Diriyah into one of the world’s greatest gathering places, restoring and reima- gining the birthplace of the kingdom. Diriyah, The City of Earth, has always been a convergence point for culture, cele- brating its heritage through modern art exhibitions and showcasing local designers and talent. The mission is to celebrate the area’s culture and heritage as the foundation of the project’s identity. The first phase of the Diriyah masterplan, for example, is being built entirely in the tradi- tional Najdi architectural style, a defining part of Diriyah’s identity and culture. Sustainability is also at the heart of the project and the company has enrolled in Saudi Arabia’s own sustainability certification program, MOSTADAM, having been awarded the platinum-level USGBC LEED pre-certification, the first of its kind in the Middle East. Protecting the natural environ- ment and the way of life that has existed in the area for centu- ries is fundamental to the project’s mission – conserving, enhancing, and celebrating the community and environment. Inzerillo has previously revealed that he has always approached challenges in two ways: first, building an excel- lent team, and second, meticulous planning. This is exactly what he did when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud approached him for Diriyah. “Assess, action, manage, three words to live by when managing a project like this,” he said. 9 Jerard J. Inzerillo Group CEO Diriyah Gate Development Authority (DGDA) Tourism ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 52ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5228/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 53 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Founder and Chairman Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) Diversified International businessman and investor, Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud, who has been dubbed the “Arabian Warren Buffet”, has propelled his corporation, Kingdom Holding Company (KHC), into a prominent global value investment firm. Over 40 years, KHC has become revered on the world’s stage for its impressive portfolio that spans high-per- formance, renowned brands and strategically significant regional interests. Born in 1955, Prince Alwaleed is the grandson of King Abdulaziz Al Saud, the first ruler of Saudi Arabia, and Riad El Solh, Lebanon’s first Prime Minister. He laid the foundation of KHC in Riyadh, KSA, back in 1980, turning a gift of $30,000 from his father into the tens of billions KHC oversees today and setting the stage for an unparalleled journey of investment excellence. By 2007, KHC had evolved into a publicly traded entity, garner- ing recognition for its dynamic and diversified portfolio encompassing regional investments alongside its esteemed collection of global powerhouse brands. This positioning has not only solidified KHC’s stature as a trailblazer in the investment landscape but has also under- scored Pr ince Alwaleed’s unwaver ing commitment to driving growth and success on a global scale. Prince Alwaleed also chairs the diversified media company Rotana Group. Diversified investments KHC has ownership or interests in luxury hotels and hospitality management, including the Hotel George V in Paris and London’s Savoy Hotel, while global hotel and hospital- ity brands include Accor and Four Seasons. Some of KHC’s international investment segments include in finance with Citigroup and Banque Saudi Fransi; mobility solutions with Careem, Uber and Lyft; and digital technology and social media with JD.com, Deezer and X, formerly Twitter. In KSA, KHC has investments in petro- chemicals with Tasnee, while real estate interests include the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh, Jeddah Economic City, and Riyadh Land, as well as the Jeddah Tower, which aims to be the world’s tallest tower with a height exceeding one kilo- metre. KHC is also invested in healthcare with Kingdom Hospi- tals and Consulting Clinics, aviation with flynas and NasJet, and in education with Kingdom Schools Company. His investment firm led a $133m funding round for Nana, a grocery delivery app in KSA, considered one of the largest investment rounds for Saudi startups. In recognition of his many business and civic accom- plishments, Prince Alwaleed has received several honours and accolades from organisations, monarchs and heads of state, including 27 honorary doctorates from universities across the world. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Adminis- tration from Menlo College in California in 1979, followed by a Master’s in Social Sciences from Syracuse University in New York in 1985. Prince Alwaleed Bin Talal Al Saud 10 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 53ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5328/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0854 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Sheikha Bodour leads several Sharjah, U AE, reg ional, and global institutions and initiatives to foster socio-economic development, support cultural industries and heritage, and catalyse multi-stakeholder partnerships for sustainable development. With a career that spans public ser vice, b usiness, and community organisations, she bridges the interests of public, private, and non-profit stakeholders to address the most pressing challenges of today and build for the future. In January 2023, Sheikha Bodour was appointed Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President of American University of Sharjah to align the institution with Sharjah’s socio- economic, workforce, and innovation priorities. She is working to achieve excellence in teaching, research, and public service to develop global citizen graduates who become future leaders in their communities, the UAE, and the world. Sheikha Bodour is forging deeper university-industry R&D and commercialisation collaboration as Chairperson of the Board and President of the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park (SRTIP). She oversees SRTIP’s $150m push to position Sharjah as a global leader in emerging technology fields. As Chairperson of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority, Sheikha Bodour has mobilised more than $4bn in foreign direct investment, created more than 20,000 jobs and contributed to a 78 percent growth in Sharjah’s gross domestic product. Her work as Chairperson of Sharjah Entrepreneurship Centre (Sheraa) is accelerating the development of Sharjah’s entrepreneurship ecosystem and has supported over 180 startups that have raised $128m in investment and created over 1,900 jobs. Sharja’s emergence as a global publishing hub Sheikha Bodour was appointed Chairperson of Sharjah Book Authority in May 2023 to solidify Sharjah’s status as an emerging global publishing hub. Sharjah Book Authority manages the Sharjah International Book Fair, the world’s largest book fair, and operates Sharjah Publishing City, the world’s first free trade zone for publishing. Sheikha Bodour established the Emirates Publishers Association, UAE Board on Books for Young People and Knowledge Without Borders to boost the growth of the UAE’s $300m-plus publishing sector. She founded Kalimat Publishing Group, a global, multi-imprint publishing and edtech company with licensing and distribution in more than 15 countries. She also chaired the Sharjah World Book Capital 2019 Committee and led efforts to establish the Emirates Reprographic Rights Management Association. Sheikha Bodour served as the International Publishers Association’s second-ever female and first-ever Arab President since the influential global association’s founding in 1896. She also founded PublisHer, a 1,000+ member global community of female publishing leaders addressing publishing’s diversity and inclusion challenges. Sheikha Bodour is taking action on the world’s most pressing challenges through her involvement in international organisations. She has leveraged these global platforms to catalyse action on youth education and employment, female entrepreneurship, small and medium-size enterprise development, expanding funding for the cultural industries, and climate change. 11 Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi Chairperson of the Board of Trustees and President American University of Sharjah (AUS) Education/Culture and Arts ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 54ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5428/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 55 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 In 2018, Nadhmi Al Nasr took on the leadership of NEOM, marking a significant milestone in his already-illustrious career. His appointment to spearhead the visionary $500bn project, a pioneering initiative that aims to reshape and redefine the future of sustainable development on a global scale, highlights his strategic vision, foresight, and capacity to drive large-scale transformative projects. Al Nasr started out in his career at Saudi Aramco back in 1978, shortly after graduating from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals. During his tenure at the global petroleum and gas juggernaut, Al Nasr demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, gradually advancing through the ranks, and taking on increasingly key roles within the organisation. His robust experience in steering major projects and leading teams to success solidified his reputation as a proficient and strategic leader in the engineering field. Noteworthy among his accomplishments is his role in overseeing the successful execution of significant projects that played a crucial role in shaping the energy landscape of the kingdom. This included spearheading the monumental master gas system and assignments on the refinery programme, Southwest Refinery, and Ras Tanura Refinery. Al Nasr’s managerial prowess was evident in overseeing the Ghawar oil field capital programmes, including the successful completion of the Ghawar oil field crude expansion programme in 1993. His exceptional performance led to his promotion as manager of oil and gas pipeline projects at Saudi Aramco. He also led on the Shaybah Development Programme, completed a year ahead of schedule and below budget by 1998. This project, the Shaybah mega-project, stands as a testament to Al Nasr’s leadership and proficiency, is recognised as one of Saudi Aramco’s prime achievements. Leadership in action After his distinguished career at Saudi Aramco, Al Nasr held several senior roles at the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology, including that of interim president. In this role, Al Nasr showcased his ability to navigate complex academic environments, fostering innovation and excellence within the institution. His stint at KAUST further enriched his leadership acumen and honed his visionary approach towards driving progress and growth. Al Nasr was then appointed by Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, NEOM’s chairman, to lead the ground-breaking NEOM project. Supported by the Public Investment Fund (PIF), NEOM is an ambitious giga-project aimed at shaping the future of KSA’s economic landscape. Al Nasr’s strategic vision and proven track record position him as a key figure driving this transformative project towards success and global recognition. Al Nasr’s journey, from his humble beginnings post- graduation from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals to becoming a respected figure in the fields of engineering and leadership, is a testament to his unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and creating a lasting impact in every role he undertakes. His wealth of experience and expertise continue to position him as a trailblazer in the industry, driving change in engineering and development. Nadhmi Al Nasr CEO NEOM Real estate 12 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 55ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5528/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0856 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber has spent his career devoted to public service, helping to lay the groundwork for the UAE’s economic diversification and the country’s green agenda. In his capacity as the UAE’s Special Envoy for Climate Change and as the presi- dent-designate for COP28, Al Jaber has played a significant role in advancing the UAE’s green initiatives while emphasising the importance of energy transition to expedite economic growth and achieve environmental objectives. At COP28, Al Jaber played a central role in guiding a global climate agenda in alignment with the UAE’s dedica- tion to sustainable development. His responsibilities encom- passed collaborating with international governments, key stakeholders, and civil society to chart a roadmap that would facilitate practical solutions, bringing lasting socioeconomic advantages to the global sphere. In his other governmental roles, Al Jaber has worked with other nations to bolster the UAE’s economic growth since he was appointed to the UAE Federal Cabinet in 2013, where he held the position of Minister of State until July 2020. Subsequently, Al Jaber assumed the role of Minister of Indus- try and Advanced Technology. In his current ministerial capacity, Al Jaber is directing his efforts towards expanding the industrial development infrastructure of the UAE to drive economic growth through technological advancements. To elevate the UAE’s global competitiveness, he is actively promoting economic diversification and facilitating the inte- gration of diverse sectors to strengthen the country’s indus- trial framework. It was during his tenure as the CEO of the Energy platform at Mubadala, the Abu Dhabi government’s strategic investment arm, Al Jaber first laid the foundation for the UAE’s green agenda. In 2006, just two years into his role, he played a crucial role in establishing Masdar, an Abu Dhabi-based future energy company renowned for its emphasis on clean energy and sustainable development. His seven-year leadership as CEO saw the deployment of significant renewable energy projects worldwide, including the renowned Masdar City in Abu Dhabi. This low-carbon, low-waste urban development has garnered global recognition as a model for sustainable urban planning. A key aspect of Al Jaber’s environmental mission, during two separate terms as the Special Envoy for Climate Change since 2010, has been to fulfil the UAE’s pledge of achieving Net Zero carbon emissions by 2050 following the 2015 Paris Agreement. Notably, the UAE was the first Middle Eastern nation to take a substantial stride towards climate action in a global context. Adopting technology As the group managing director and CEO of ADNOC, Al Jaber has driven a strategic transformation that focuses on operational efficiency, innovation, and sustainability. By championing initiatives such as investing in cutting-edge technologies like artificial intelligence and blockchain, he is spearheading ADNOC’s evolution towards a more sustainable and technologically advanced energy company. His commitment to decarbonisation, including ambitious targets to reduce carbon intensity and achieve net zero emis- sions, demonstrates a forward-thinking approach that aligns with global efforts to combat climate change. 13 Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology; Group Managing Director and CEO Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) Government ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 56ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5628/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 57 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Founder and Chairman DAMAC Holding Real estate Self-made Emirati entrepreneur Hussain Sajwani has become a prominent character in Dubai’s property market. In the mid-1990s, his visionary foresight enabled him to anticipate the growing demand for accommodation, responding by constructing distinguished hotels and helping to forge Dubai’s reputation as a hub for global business travellers. In 2001, Sajwani spotted an opportunity in the real estate market when the Dubai government announced foreigners could own property and, in 2002, Sajwani launched DAMAC Properties. His strategy at the time was to sell off-plan and use the buyers’ downpayments to help fund construction. DAMAC Properties, for which he is founder and chairman, has since evolved into one of the largest development companies of its kind in the Middle East. Route to success Sajwani started his career in an entirely different field, however. After graduating from the University of Washington, he got a job in the finance department at Abu Dhabi Gas Industries. Two years later, however, he started his own catering business in the capital, scoring customers such as the US military and American construction behemoth Bechtel. This company still operates today as Global Logistics Services. In the 1980s, he also established DAMAC Group as his private investment vehicle, steered by the team’s experience in investments and financial services, thus giving his a solid track record of success in the global equity and capital markets. Today, DAMAC Group’s global footprint extends across five continents and the company focuses on building a diversified portfolio of new businesses in sectors such as luxury fashion, data centres, real estate, manufacturing, and more. DAMAC Properties, meanwhile, has delivered over 43,700 homes, with more than 30,000 in development, and has projects in over 10 countries, including cities such as London, Toronto, Miami and the Maldives. Notably, DAMAC’s international portfolio features remarkable projects like the 50-storey DAMAC Towers Nine Elms, a flagship development in central London, which bears the iconic branding of Italian fashion house Versace. DAMAC also manages hotels under its umbrella, collaborating with key brands like Radisson, Paramount, Rotana, and DAMAC Maison. The company is also developing a resort in the Maldives in partnership with the Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. DAMAC’s ambitions extend beyond real estate, with the establishment of its own hotel management company. Under its umbrella, the company oversees eight hotel properties, collaborating with renowned brands such as Radisson, Paramount, Rotana, and DAMAC Maison. These collaborations have resulted in opulent living spaces that merge luxury and style, reflecting a commitment to elevating living standards. Education and social progress are also close to Sajwani’s heart. Alongside his family, he champions quality education through the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Foundation. Notably, the One Million Arab Coders initiative, a flagship programme under the foundation, seeks to empower one million Arabs with essential coding skills, positioning them for success in the digital era. Hussain Sajwani 14 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 57ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5728/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:0858 100 Most Inspiring Leaders — September 2024 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is a distinguished Emirati business pioneer whose career track record is proof that he embodies the qualities of g reat leader ship , inno v ation and entrepreneurial prowess. In addition to his current role, Al Ghurair holds the directorship of the Abdullah Al Ghurair Group of Companies, a business legacy with a presence in over 20 countries and over 50 years of history. Before his role as the chairman of the board of directors at Mashreq Bank, he spent around three decades as the bank’s CEO. He is also on the board of directors of his family’s extensive Abdulla Al Ghurair Group, a venture that spans numerous countries, as well as the chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce. Al Ghurair, who holds an Honour s’ Degree in Industrial Engineering from the California Polytechnic State University, established Al Ghurair Investment in Dubai back in 1960 as a prominent diversified family business group in the UAE. The company spans seven distinct sectors, including foods, resources, properties, construction, energy, mobility, and ventures, with operations expanding across over 50 coun- tries and a workforce of nearly 30,000 individuals. AGI has been named a Top Employer in the country by the Top Employers Institute more than once. This recogni- tion reflects the group’s ongoing efforts to create a support- ive environment for learning and employee development, in alignment with Sustainable Development Goal 8 (SDG 8) – promoting decent work and economic growth. Fostering local talent Furthermore, Al Ghurair’s commitment to advancing Emirati talent through a robust Emiratisation programme underscores its dedication to fostering diversity and empow- ering local individuals within the organisation. Through internal initiatives and strategic partnerships with key enti- ties in the UAE, the group has created opportunities for Emiratis to thrive within the company. As part of this mission, Al Ghurair is also chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation, founded by his father in 2015 to empower Emirati and Arab youth to thrive and contribute to the sustainable development of the region through inno- vative educational solutions. It is one of the largest privately funded philanthropic foundations in the region and supports the provision of technology-based education opportunities and the development of relevant skills for a successful tran- sition into higher education and the labour market. Throughout his career, Al Ghurair has also held vital positions on the boards of entities like Mastercard, Visa International, Dubai Investments and Emaar. His leadership extended to co-chairing the Arab Business Council-World Economic Forum (WEF), showcasing his influence in global economics. He was also the speaker of the House of the Federal National Council in the UAE from 2007 to 2011. Al Ghurair’s commitment to advancing knowledge is also evident in his role as a board member of trustees at New York University, USA. Moreover, he has also contrib- uted to the Consultative GCC Council for the GCC Lead- ers and held the prestigious position of the president of The Knowledge Fund, solidifying his dedication to progress and growth. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Chairman Al Ghurair Investment Investment 15 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 58ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5828/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08arabianbusiness.com 59 100 Inspiring Leaders 2024 Paul Griffiths has been instrumental in transforming Dubai into an international aviation hub. Griffiths joined Dubai Airports as its first CEO in October 2007, a role he still fulfils today, with the respon- sibility for the operation and development of Dubai Inter- national (DXB) and Dubai World Central (DWC). He is now also in charge of overseeing the move to Dubai’s $35bn passenger terminal at Al Maktoum Interna- tional Airport, a transition that is expected to be completed in a decade. The airport, which will spread across 70 square kilometres, is expected to become one of the world’s biggest, with an annual capacity of over 250 million passengers once all phases are complete. One of Griffiths’ most notable achievements came just one year after he took on the role of CEO, as he launched Terminal 3 at DXB. In 2010, he also launched the emirate’s second airport, DWC, and achieved another milestone in Dubai’s aviation histor y in 2013 with the opening of Concourse A, the world’s first purpose-built A380 facility, followed by Concourse D in 2016. Two years later, he joined Dubai Airports chairman Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum in welcoming DXB’s billionth passenger. Under his leadership, Dubai Airports successfully managed the Covid-19 crisis and became one of the first airports to welcome back international tourists. He led the teams at DXB and DWC to support a repatriation operation in cooperation with diplomatic missions, UAE authorities, airlines and other service partners, which helped nearly half a million people get back home during the first global lockdown in 2020. Griffiths also played a crucial role in the recovery of DXB’s operations. This included helping pave travel corridor arrangements with several key markets, as well as lobbying the industry to push for standardised test- ing-based travel protocols. He was also able to achieve the airport’s return to 100 percent operational capacity by November 2021. Aviation hub DXB has since gone on to surpass pre-pandemic levels of traffic and is the world’s busiest airport by international passenger numbers. In the first six months of 2024, DXB handled 44.9 million passengers, which is 8 percent more than in the same period last year, and it is expecting 91.8 million by the end of the year. In H1 2024, direct traffic to Dubai accounted for 56 percent of airport users, with key markets including nearby nations such as India and Saudi Arabia. India remained DXB’s top destination country, with 6.1 million passengers. Before he came to Dubai, Griffiths was the managing director of London’s Gatwick Airport. Prior to joining airport operator BAA in 2004, he spent 14 years with the Virgin Group, working closely with Sir Richard Branson as a board director of the Virgin Travel Group. He has received many accolades for his esteemed career in aviation so far, including as Businessperson of the Year at the Arabian Business Achievement Awards in 2024. Paul Griffiths CEO Dubai Airports Aviation 16 ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 59ABE_100 Most Inspiring Leaders Supplement September 2024_44-69_entries 1-26_13359002.indd 5928/08/2024 12:0828/08/2024 12:08Next >