< Previous10 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 ABDULLAH ALBADER CEO Almarai Albader embarked on his tenure at Almarai in 2000, progress- ing to the role of CEO in March 2021. Through a career with Almarai of more than 20 years, he held several positions within the company across different sectors, including manufacturing, distribution, sales, marketing, and shared services. The most recent position was the exec- utive vice president of the Bakery Divi- sion. Albader holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from the University of Leicester in the UK. At the time of his leadership in 2022, the company boasted a workforce of 43,104 employees. Almarai reported a net profit of approx- imately $448m during the initial nine months of 2023, with total assets amounting to $9.6bn. In a strategic move in Febru- ary 2023, the group’s subsidiary, Almarai Investment Holding, successfully concluded the acquisition of PepsiCo’s 48 percent ownership in IDJ for $68m, thereby securing full ownership. About Almarai Almarai products are enjoyed by over 42 million consumers across the GCC, Egypt, and Jordan, with distribution to more than 110,000 retailers in 7 countries. A household brand name with a commitment to quality, Almarai conducts over 10,000 daily quality tests to ensure that consumers receive products they can trust. Notably, Almarai secured the third spot on the list of the most influential global and local brands in KSA for 2023, as per the Consumer Confidence Index released by Ipsos, a global research firm. Recognised as the world’s largest vertically integrated dairy company, Almarai was listed fourth among the top 20 compa- nies in KSA as well as the UAE for brand value in 2023, as reported by Kantar, a global research organisation. Presenting a diverse portfolio of 622 products under seven brands, Almarai serves over 100,000 customers with a commitment to consistent quality. The company set 25 sustainability goals to achieve by 2025 under the strategy ‘Doing better every day’. Goals include increasing clean energy usage to 20 percent across divisions and supporting the packaging economy trans- formation in KSA by 2025. With a significant presence in key markets, Almarai stands at the forefront of driving sustainability initiatives and contrib- uting to a more resilient and equitable future. The company demonstrates consistent dedication to achieving the 25 sustainability targets outlined in its ‘Doing better everyday’ strategy, aligning closely with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Upholding principles of transparency and responsibility, Almarai has recently released ESG policies and position state- ments, outlining its commitments in areas such as animal welfare, climate action, community engagement, energy conservation, sustainable packaging, ethical sourcing, envi- ronmental stewardship, human rights, responsible marketing, and water management. Almarai has outlined ambitious investment plans totalling $4.8bn until 2028. The company aims to enhance its current operations and venture into new market segments, with a signif- icant portion of the investment earmarked for strategic growth initiatives. Specifically, Almarai intends to allocate $1.8bn towards expanding its poultry sector and an additional $1.3bn to fortify key food categories including dairy, juice, and bakery. INDUSTRYarabianbusiness.com 11 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 INDUSTRY ABDULNASSER BIN KALBAN CEO Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) Backed with a wealth of experience, Bin Kalban is the dynamic leader at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA) boasting a robust leadership background. Prior to his current role, he served as an alternate board member at EGA as well as held a seat on the board of Guinea Alumina Corporation (GAC), EGA's bauxite mining subsidiary. Bin Kalban’s career trajectory in the industry began back in 1996 at DUBAL, where he excelled in Major Projects and the Power and Desalination Department. Bin Kalban’s strategic vision and operational acumen led to his transition to the role of CEO at Dubal Holding, a key position within EGA's shareholder structure. With a focus on continuous improvement and innovation, he has steered EGA’s ongoing operations and long-term business strategies with finesse, reporting directly to the managing director. Educationally, he holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engi- neering from Western Michigan University in the US, supple- mented by strategic management and leadership courses from Insead Business School in France as well as Harvard Business School. Bin Kalban’s contributions extend beyond EGA, as he actively holds board member positions in prominent organi- sations like the International Aluminium Institute, the Gulf Aluminium Council, and the Emirates Research and Devel- opment Council. In recognition of his expertise and leader- ship, he was appointed as a board member of the UAE International Investors Councils in 2023. With a passion for sustainable growth and industry excellence, Bin Kalban stands out as a respected leader in the global aluminium sector, committed to driving innovation, building strategic partner- ships, and shaping the future of the industry. About EGA EGA stands as the world’s largest producer of premium aluminium and is notably the most substantial industrial entity in the UAE beyond the realms of oil and gas. The company is owned by the Mubadala Invest- ment Company of Abu Dhabi and the Investment Corporation of Dubai, marking it as the largest enterprise jointly held by these prominent emirates. With a global workforce exceeding 7,000, EGA operates cohe- sively to pursue its purpose and attain its mission, adhering steadfastly to the organisation’s core values. The leadership team at EGA fosters a culture of innovation, accountability, and robust corporate governance, essential pillars for ensuring sustained success over the long term. Recognised as one of the most versatile metals globally, aluminium serves as a foundation for modern life, catering to diverse needs across industries. EGA’s aluminium products, a prominent export from the UAE following oil and gas, make a significant contribution to the global market, representing a notable portion of the world’s aluminium production. EGA’s output amounts to one out of every 25 tonnes of aluminium produced worldwide, equating to four percent of the global production and nearly half of the aluminium production within the Gulf region. As an integrated aluminium producer, EGA’s operations span from bauxite mining to the production of cast metal. 12 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 ABDULRAHMAN AL-FAGEEH CEO Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) In 2018, On 21 March 2023, Al Fageeh assumed his current role at SABIC, while also becoming an executive member of the board of directors. Concurrently, he holds the positions of chairman of SABIC Agri-Nutrients Company and NUSANED™ Investment company. With a career spanning over 35 years, Al Fageeh has solidified his repu- tation as a key figure in the global chem- ical industry. His tenure within SABIC has seen him excel in various senior executive positions, including project management, plant oper- ations, and corporate and business management. Prior to his current executive roles, he served as the executive vice presi- dent of Petrochemicals, Performance Chemicals, and Polymers strategic business units, demonstrating his strategic acumen across different segments of the organisation. His impressive track record also includes key positions such as vice president of the Polyethylene Business Unit and a significant six-year tenure as president of Yansab. Al Fageeh’s leadership contributions extended to chairing notable entities within SABIC such as Petrokemya, Sadaf, Ibn Sina, Shrouq, Yanpet, Kemya, SAMAC, SABIC SK Nexlene Company, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures, and SABIC Fujian. Moreover, he served as vice chairman of the board of Ibn Zahr and held directorial positions at Ar Razi and SABIC Capital B.V. In his external appointments, Al Fageeh’s influence extends beyond SABIC. He holds the prestigious position of chairman at both the Gulf Petrochemicals and Chemicals Association (GPCA) and the Saudi Petrochemical Manufac- turers Committee. Additionally, he brings his expertise to the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu as a board member and offers valuable insights as an independent board member at the General Authority of Foreign Trade. Furthermore, his commitment to global dialogue and collaboration is evidenced by his role as a member of the board of directors at the Boao Forum for Asia. About SABIC As one of the world’s leading petrochemical manufacturers, SABIC operates as a public entity headquartered in Riyadh, KSA. Saudi Aramco holds 70 percent ownership stake in the company, while the remaining 30 percent is publicly traded on the Saudi stock exchange. Over the years, SABIC’s phenomenal growth trajectory has been nothing short of extraordinary. Presently, the company maintains a global foot- print, spanning approximately 50 countries and boasting a workforce of over 31,000. SABIC’s primary corporate hubs and headquarters are located in Riyadh, complemented by significant industrial operations in Al Jubail on the Arabian Gulf and Yanbu along the Red Sea coastline. The company’s manufacturing, sales, technology, and innovation facilities are geographically dispersed to ensure a comprehensive global presence and seamless operations. Managed through four regional offices spanning the Middle East and Africa, Asia, the Americas, and Europe, SABIC main- tains a proactive approach towards shaping the future land- scape. Emphasising the paramount importance of Technology and Innovation (T&I), SABIC channels substantial invest- ments into pioneering research and development endeavours. ENERGYarabianbusiness.com 13 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 BANKING ABDULWAHAB IESA ALRUSHOOD Acting CEO Kuwait Finance House (KFH) With a career spanning more than three decades within the banking sector, which includes signif- icant experience in both conventional and Islamic banks, along with over eight years in executive leadership positions, Alrushood stands out as a seasoned and successful leader with a proven track record of achievement. His depth of knowledge and expertise extends across a diverse spectrum of treasury and financial institution manage- ment functions, showcasing proficiency in areas such as liquid- ity management, foreign exchange operations, capital markets activities, treasury sales strategies, country limit oversight, liability diversification tactics, funding arrangements, invest- ment strategies, risk mitigation techniques, and asset and liability management practices. His wealth of experience and demonstrated proficiency in a wide array of critical financial functions underscore his ability to drive strategic initiatives and deliver exceptional results in the banking industry. Throughout his career, he has held senior leadership posi- tions on various banking and non-banking boards and commit- tees, contributing insights and guidance across multiple realms such as credit & investment, audit, risk, governance, remuner- ation & nomination, and executive board committees within prominent banking and corporate entities. Demonstrating leadership by example, he brings a proactive, hands-on approach to problem-solving, with a proven track record of driving trans- formative initiatives and fostering strong market awareness and relationship management skills. Alrushood holds the position of acting group CEO at Kuwait Finance House Group since October 2020. During the challenging circumstances of the pandemic in 2020, he played an instrumental role in oversee- ing as well as managing the group’s liquidity and corporate banking operations across various locations. His strategic oversight ensured that clients, the bank, and the group’s subsidiaries maintained robust capitalisation and resilience amidst the crisis, bolstering the local economy from corporate to retail spheres. About Kuwait Finance House (KFH) KFH, established in 1977 as the first Islamic bank in Kuwait, has emerged as a global leader in Islamic finance. As a key financial institution, KFH has not only played a vital role in shaping the Islamic banking industry but has also made signif- icant strides in the broader banking sector, establishing itself as a key player in local and regional markets. Listed on the Kuwait Stock Exchange (KSE) and Bahrain Bourse, KFH offers a comprehensive range of Sharia-compli- ant products and services, spanning real estate, trade finance, investment portfolios, commercial, retail, and corporate bank- ing across multiple countries, including Kuwait, Bahrain, KSA, UAE, Turkey, Malaysia, Germany, UK, Egypt, Iraq, Oman, and Libya.14 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Widely recognised as a trail- blazer in the advance- ment of modern aviation, Ali has contributed to the air transport and tourism sector in the broader Arab world, particularly for his role in establishing Air Arabia in Octo- ber 2003, the first low-cost carrier (LCC) in the MENA region. As the visionary behind Air Arabia, Ali steered its growth to become the largest low-cost carrier in the MENA region. It also became the first publicly owned airline in the Arab world, holding the title of the region's largest by market value. Leveraging his extensive 28 years of experience with industry giants such as Gulf Air and British Airways, he guided Air Arabia to establish itself as one of the world’s best-run low-cost carriers, consistently achieving profitabil- ity consecutively. Ali’s leadership has strengthened Air Arabia's business model, facilitating the expansion of oper- ations, entry into new ventures, and diversification into addi- tional revenue streams. Presently, the group boasts a success- ful portfolio of businesses and projects, offering travel, tourism, and hospitality services globally. In addition to his present executive responsibilities, Ali assumes the distinguished role of chairman at various entities, including Sharjah Information Systems Associates, Alpha Sharjah Catering, Alpha Aviation Academy, and Cozmo Travel. Moreover, he brings his expertise to the board of Sharjah Avia- tion Services, where his strategic insights contribute to the growth and development of the aviation sector. Furthermore, Ali occupies board positions within Air Arabia subsidiaries, showcasing his commitment to diverse aviation ventures. He lends his guidance and leadership acumen to Air Arabia (Maroc) stationed at Casablanca's Mohamed V International Airport, and also plays an instru- mental role at Air Arabia (Egypt) located at Alexandria’s Burj Al Arab International Airport, ensuring operational excellence and driving strategic initiatives to enhance the aviation land- scape. These varied roles underscore Ali’s multifaceted contri- butions to the aviation and travel industry, positioning him as a key figure in shaping the future trajectory of these esteemed organisations. About Air Arabia In the year 2023, Air Arabia demonstrated its steadfast commitment to expansive growth by significantly extending its operations across all seven operational hubs and unveiling 26 additional routes within its extensive global network. This strategic move not only bolstered the airline’s operational capacity but also translated into a notable 31 percent upsurge in the total number of passengers transported across the group, culminating in an impressive figure of 16.7 million passengers. Amidst this period of expansion, the fourth quarter closing on 31 December 2023, saw Air Arabia achieving a net profit of $61m. While this figure indicated a 37 percent decrease compared to the previous year's record high profit of $97m, which was attributed to exceptional yield margins, the airline recorded a noteworthy turnover increase of 11 percent, amounting to $419m for the final quarter of 2023. AVIATION ADEL ALI CEO Air Arabiaarabianbusiness.com 15 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 INDUSTRY AHMAD BIN SHAFAR CEO Empower Since assuming leadership of Dubai’s Empower in 2004, Bin Shafar has played a vital role in driving the company's remarkable growth and transformation. With over 28 years of management experience, honed during his tenure at Standard Chartered Bank, he has lever- aged his leadership skills to elevate Empower into a global leader in district cooling, solidifying its position as the largest provider worldwide. Under his guidance, Empower has not only attained industry leadership but has also established new standards of excellence within the sector. Alongside his role at Empower, Bin Shafar serves as the chairman of Empower Logstor Insulated Pipe Systems and offers strategic advice to the UNEP’s District Energy in Cities initiative. He also leads several prominent organisations, show- casing his versatile leadership capabilities. His strategic acumen and in-depth industry expertise have been instrumental in Empower's evolution from a nascent entity to a prominent global player in the district cooling realm. In addition to his responsibilities at Empower, Bin Shafar holds influential positions including chairman of Empower Logstor Insulated Pipe Systems (ELIPS) and advisory roles with UNEP’s District Energy in Cities initiative. He is also actively engaged in leading organisations such as Dubai Sports Council, District Energy Association, Bin Shafar Holding, and Al Shafar National Contracting. His affiliation with key enti- ties such as IMD International and ASHRAE fur ther underscores his commitment to driving positive change and innovation within the industry. About Empower Established in 2003, Empower has firmly established itself as the leading global provider of district cooling services, playing a crucial role in Dubai's district cooling market. A significant milestone was achieved in November 2022 when Empower successfully completed its initial public offering, resulting in the company’s listing on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM). Notable shareholders following the IPO include DEWA and Emirates Power, holding substantial ownership interests of 56 percent and 24 percent respectively. Empower and its subsidiary entities specialise in delivering top-notch district cooling services, overseeing central cooling plants and the management of associated distribution networks. Additionally, the company is actively engaged in the production and trading of pre-insulated pipes and fittings. Guided by a vision to lead as the foremost global provider of district cooling services, Empower is committed to advancing sustainability and optimising the utilisation of energy resources. Through the provision of reliable, cost-effective, and environ- mentally friendly district cooling solutions that meet world-class standards, Empower is dedicated to achieving customer satis- faction and fostering enduring shareholder value. In April 2024, Empower announced the commencement of connecting Al Wasl Tower to its district cooling network, six years after signing a memorandum of understanding to provide services. The tower's connection will occur in two phases, with the first phase already in progress and the second slated to commence in the first half of 2024, delivering 3,900 refriger- ation tons of district cooling energy. 16 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 For more than three decades, Sheikh Ahmed has been a dr iving force of Dubai’s rapid economic develop- ment; particularly with successfully expanding the aviation sector which is a large facet of Dubai’s GDP. Moreo- ver, he has been at the forefront of formulating economic, investment and fiscal policies and strategies aligned with Dubai’s vision. He embarked on his career in the aviation industry when in 1985, he was appointed as president of the Dubai Department of Civil Aviation (DCA), the governing body that managed the activities of Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai Duty Free, among others. That same year witnessed the launch of Emirates Airline, and today, he is the chairman and CEO of Emirates Airline and Group, including DNATA and other aviation-related entities. Sheikh Ahmed also holds numerous government posi- tions and plays a key role in leading the emirate’s finance and energy sectors and has been the recipient of several accolades from various governments and multi-national organisations. Emirates has a global footprint across six continents and has been profitable for over 30 years under his leadership. From steering the success of Dubai Duty Free to become one of the world’s biggest single airport retail operations to the launch of Dubai World Central (DWC), all have contributed towards Dubai becoming the world’s most preferred aviation and logistics hub. Key roles and responsibilities As the chairman of Dubai Holding, Sheikh Ahmed has contributed to Dubai’s impressive economic growth and development journey. He holds key leadership roles includ- ing chairman of Emirates NBD, Dubai Airports, Emirates Airline, and Group, which encompasses DNATA. His stra- tegic direction and visionary leadership have been instru- mental in driving the success and growth of these prominent organisations within the aviation and financial sectors. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Sheikh Ahmed also holds significant government positions of influ- ence. He serves as the second vice chairman of the Executive AVIATION SHEIKH AHMED BIN SAEED AL MAKTOUM Chairman and CEO Emirates Airline and Grouparabianbusiness.com 17 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Council of Dubai, where he steers the formulation of policies and strategies for the city. He also serves as the chairman of Dubai’s Supreme Fiscal Committee and is a board member of the Investment Corporation of Dubai (ICD), further demonstrating his extensive involvement in guiding Dubai’s economic and strategic initiatives. The Emirates Airline Foundation Improving the lives of children in need around the world, the Emirates Airline Foundation is a non-profit charity organi- sation dedicated to improving the lives of children who need it the most. Since 2003, the Emirates Airline Foundation has supported over 50 projects and NGOs around the world, from Africa and Bangladesh to the UAE. Focusing particu- larly on children trapped in extreme poverty, the foundation, made up of volunteer employees and friends of the Emirates Group, strives to reduce illness and childhood mortality rates. Under the patronage of Sheikh Ahmed, the foundation provides humanitarian, philanthropic aid and services for children, with the minimum amount of administrative expense. Just some of their key projects have included The Emirates Friendship Hospital which has provided vital medi- cal care to over 700,000 people in isolated communities in Bangladesh. Also, the IIMPACT Girls Education Project which offers 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 which provides a holis- tic education to underprivileged children from the Kibera slum in Nairobi, Kenya; Virlanie Foundation which provides protection, care and a brighter future to vulnerable children and young adults at eight children’s homes in the Philip- pines. Also, Externato São Francisco de Assis which offers a full-time education, three daily meals and extra-curricu- Emirates Group posted $18.3bn in revenue for the first six months of 2023-2024 lar activities at a school for underprivileged young children in Brazil. Certified Autism Centre™ Designation Coinciding with World Autism Awareness Day on 2 April, in a significant advancement towards enhancing travel accessi- bility and inclusivity, Emirates has secured a Certified Autism Centre™ Designation for all its Dubai check-in facilities. These facilities include the Emirates City Check-in and Travel Store in DIFC, Emirates Cruise Check-In at Port Rashid and Dubai Harbour, Emirates City Check-In Ajman, alongside the dedicated hub located in Terminal 3 at Dubai International Airport (DXB). Awarded by the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), this certification signifies that all Emirates facilities in Dubai have taken proac- tive steps to create a more inclusive and accommodating envi- ronment for neurodiverse customers. By meeting specific criteria aimed at ensuring a comfortable and supported travel experience, Emirates is reinforcing its commitment to serving diverse passenger needs and preferences. As part of the designation process, employees across the various Emirates facilities underwent specialised training focused on autism and sensory awareness. This training equips them with the knowledge and skills necessary to effec- tively address the requirements of autistic travellers or those with sensory sensitivities, as well as their families. Thorough facilities audits were conducted at each location, analysing sensory elements in public spaces such as sound levels, light- ing, and potential sensory triggers, resulting in the develop- ment of sensory guides. These guides empower travellers to make informed decisions about their travel experience and choose environments that cater to their specific needs and comfort levels.18 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 AHMED ABDELAAL CEO Mashreq With a career spanning over three decades, Abdelaal has established an impressive track record as a seasoned banking professional, ascending through senior roles within international and regional banks across key global markets. His breadth of expertise encom- passes a diverse array of fields, showcas- ing his hands-on proficiency in both corporate and banking sectors, including areas such as trade finance, real estate finance, payment and cash management. Additionally, his skill set extends to investment banking, encompassing debt capital markets, equity capital markets, project finance, and advisory services. Notably, he also possesses in-depth knowledge in Islamic banking, retail banking, and portfolio management. Abdelaal's expertise further extends to global market products, structured trade, and supply chain solutions, highlighting his versatile skill set in navigating complex financial environments. Academically, Abdelaal is a distinguished alumnus of both London Business School and Harvard Business School. He holds an MBA from the University of London, UK, obtained from the London Business School. He is also a graduate of the Harvard AMP programme and holds a BA in Economics and Political Sciences with a major in Economics from the Faculty of Economics and Political Sciences at Cairo Univer- sity, Egypt. About Mashreq Mashreq is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into its operations with a focus on leveraging AI technologies for positive impact. One of the key initiatives involves the devel- opment of an AI-powered chatbot that will serve as a virtual assistant, providing valuable support to customers with a range of banking tasks, demonstrating the bank's commit- ment to enhancing customer experience through innovative technological solutions. In its digital transformation journey, Mashreq has achieved a significant milestone with the launch of Mashreq NEO, an all-encompassing digital bank tailored to the needs of the online generation. The NEO platform, equipped with a user- friendly app, offers a comprehensive range of banking services designed to enhance user experience and accessibility. Further- more, Mashreq has established a seamless digital account opening process for Non-Resident Indian (NRIs) customers in the UAE, in collaboration with Kotak Mahindra Bank, facil- itating access to both UAE and NRE accounts through the Mashreq NEO App. Expanding its digital offerings, Mashreq has introduced NEOBiz, a dedicated platform targeting start-ups and contrib- uting to the growth of the UAE's start-up ecosystem. The bank continues to explore partnerships with fintechs and technology platforms to ensure that its customers have access to cutting- edge services and solutions tailored to their needs. In line with its global expansion strategy, Mashreq is strategically focusing on key markets such as Pakistan and KSA to strengthen its digital banking presence and drive long-term growth and digi- talisation efforts in these high-potential markets. BANKINGarabianbusiness.com 19 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 GOVERNMENT AHMED AL QASEER CEO Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) A l Qaseer was appointed to his current role at Shurooq in February 2023 by royal decree. Prior to this, he began his career at Al Qasba Develop- ment Office in 2006 as the business development manager. Over the years, he demonstrated his strategic acumen and dedication to the growth of the organisation, leading to his appointment as the director of business devel- opment in 2008. During his tenure, Al Qaseer played a crucial role in the evolution of Al Qasba into a renowned leisure and tourism destination in the region. Building on his accomplishments at Al Qasba, Al Qaseer was instrumental in the establishment of the Sharjah Investment and Development Authority (Shurooq) in 2009. The following year, he assumed the position of director of property management at Shurooq, where he oversaw the management of properties, operations, sales, and leasing activities. In 2011, his responsibilities expanded as he was appointed as the chief operating officer, tasked with the oper- ational execution of Shurooq’s diverse portfolio of projects and destinations. Currently, Al Qaseer holds the responsibility of overseeing the management and operational execution of a variety of multi-sectoral projects within Shurooq's portfolio. This includes leading efforts in managing tourist attractions and heritage destinations across the emirate, showcasing his commitment to driving sustainable development and growth in the region. About Shurooq Shurooq, recognised as a key catalyst in the ongoing transformation and devel- opment of Sharjah, stands as an inde- pendent governmental entity dedicated to fostering partnerships, facilitating collaborations, and connecting corpo- rations, investors, and entrepreneurs with strategic opportunities. With a mission to drive sustainable economic growth and prosperity in the region, Shurooq plays a vital role in identi- fying, evaluating, and pursuing a diverse array of tourism, investment, and heritage-related infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on construction and development initiatives aimed at enhancing Sharjah’s socio-economic landscape. Embracing a holistic approach to advancing Sharjah’s vision of sustainable development, Shurooq has made strate- gic investments in various sectors essential for the region's growth trajectory. These include advanced manufacturing, Greentech, agri-food technology, culture and tourism, mobil- ity, and logistics, among others, underscoring the authority's commitment to fostering innovation, environmental sustain- ability, and economic diversification in Sharjah. In a significant milestone for Shurooq, the authority recently announced the successful completion of expansions at two flagship projects under the Sharjah Collection brand located in the UAE. The expansions at The Kingfisher Retreat and the Al Badayer Retreat, symbolise Shurooq’s dedication to enhancing tourism infrastructure and offerings in Sharjah. These developments, as highlighted in a press release, have been meticulously designed to increase capacity and elevate the overall guest experience at these destinations.Next >