< Previous20 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 AHMED ISMAIL CEO Majid Al Futtaim Holding In 2018, Ismail assumed the posi- tion of CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, heralding a trans- formative era for the group's diverse portfolio of hotels, project management operations, malls, and communities. Through his visionary leadership, he has propelled the organ- isation to reach new heights, imple- menting strategic initiatives that have revolutionised the land- scape of the sectors under his purview. His career trajectory is a testament to his dynamic expertise and leadership prowess, characterised by multiple achievements in various industries and geographies, where he left an indelible mark of excellence and innovation. Ismail’s professional journey commenced in Cairo, Egypt, and later spanned across continents to Frankfurt, Germany, where he honed his project management skills at Procter & Gamble as a project manager. His tenure at the multinational corporation equipped him with the acumen to navigate complex initiatives and cultivate a culture of innovation within the organisation, setting the stage for his future leadership endeavours. Transitioning to Dubai, Ismail embarked on an expansive role at Booz Allen Hamilton, where he delved into diverse sectors such as media, tourism, retail, and transportation. In this capacity, he spearheaded transformative programmes for both governmental and private clients, earning accolades for his strategic insights and adept leadership. In 2007, Ismail embarked on a key chapter with Majid Al Futtaim (MAF), taking the helm as CEO of MAF Ventures, the investment arm of MAF Holding. Leading a team of over 3,000 employees across eight countries within the MENA region, he orchestrated a decade-long tenure marked by unwa- vering dedication to innovation and growth. During his tenure, he steered significant enhancements to the MAF Ventures portfolio, introducing ground-breaking entities such as Ski Dubai, Najm Cards, and VOX Cinemas, which garnered acclaim and reshaped the entertainment landscape. Ismail’s knack for identifying opportunities and his stra- tegic foresight caught the eye of the global arena, earning him a prestigious invitation to join the board of Endeavor, a renowned non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering high-impact entrepreneurship on a global scale. About MAF Group The Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) Group disclosed a modest rise in its net profit to $735m in the fiscal year 2023, as compared to 2022. Notwithstanding the revenue constraints, the group achieved a consolidated revenue increase of one percent, reaching $9.4bn. Notably, the lifestyle segment experienced a notable upsurge of 29 percent, surpassing $272.48m in reve- nue for the first time. Notable achievements within the MAF Properties division contributed significantly to the overall performance of the company. The growth within MAF Properties was bolstered by an increase in footfall, enhanced occupancy rates, and the development progress of the Tilal Al Ghaf initiative. DIVERSIFIEDarabianbusiness.com 21 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 DIVERSIFIED AJLAN BIN ABDULAZIZ ALAJLAN Chairman Ajlan & Bros Considered an international pioneer in the manufac- turing of traditional men’s clothes, as well as textiles and readymade clothes in KSA and the Arab Gulf countries, Alajlan has steered the group on an upward trajectory of growth and expansion. Established originally as a textile business in 1979, a segment where it remains a key player in the Middle East region, Ajlan & Bros is also considered to be one of the biggest investment and commercial groups in the Kingdom. With its main office located in Riyadh, today, it employs over 15,000 people in 25 countries across 75 companies and is backed by a vision to be a leading global investment conglomerate that enriches the lives of people, prosperity of the Kingdom, and Vision 2030. Experience across multiple leadership roles With 40 years of work spanning across the commercial, indus- trial and investment fields, Ajlan also holds several positions/ memberships including the chairman of the Board of Directors of the Federation of GCC Chambers, chairman of the Feder- ation of Saudi Chambers, and chairman of the Riyadh Cham- ber of Commerce and Industry. He is also a member of the Council of Riyadh Region, member of the Board of Directors of King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology, member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Expor t Development Authority, as well as member of the Board of Directors of the Saudi Amer- ican Business Council. Other key lead- ership roles Alajlan holds include chair- man of the Economy and Development Committee in the Council of Riyadh Region, and chairman of Dispute Resolution Commission, in addition to the chairman of the Development Initiatives Committee at the Council of Saudi Chambers. A diversified portfolio Established to invest in a diversified portfolio of projects across Saudi Arabia’s key economic growth sectors and aligned with Vision 2030, Ajlan & Bros Holding Group has embarked on significant diversification both regionally and globally as reflected in the company's investments in real estate in Saudi Arabia, Europe, Asia, the US and China. One of the largest real estate owners in Saudi Arabia, Ajlan & Bros has launched several commercial, housing, and indus- trial projects throughout different cities of the Kingdom. The aspiring Vision 2030 launched by Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has brought about a remarkable transformation in relation to the economic reforms in the Kingdom 22 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Aworld leader in integrated energy and chemicals, Nasser joined Saudi Aramco in 1982 after he earned a 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 Februar y 1991 with the Drilling and Reservoir Management depar tment and the Production Engineering department. From March 1991 to May 1997, he was responsible for multiple super- visory positions in the Engineering and Producing departments. In 1999, he completed the Saudi Aramco Manage- ment Development Seminar in Washington, DC; and later, completed the Saudi Aramco Global Business Programme in 2000, and in 2002, followed these with the Senior Exec- utive Programme at Columbia University in 2002. Active in many organisations devoted to education, R&D, entrepre- neurship and technology development, Nasser leads the largest provider of crude oil to global markets. Backed a wealth of experience Nasser’s extensive tenure at Saudi Aramco spans four decades, during which he has assumed various key leadership roles within the organisation. Noteworthy among these posi- tions is his distinguished tenure as the senior vice president of upstream operations, where he orchestrated Saudi Aram- co’s most substantial capital investment programme in its integrated oil and gas portfolio. Operating under his guid- ance, the company has strategically advanced its position in upstream operations, marked by strategic investments and collaborative partnerships within the kingdom, thereby expanding its footprint in the downstream and chemicals segments of the petroleum value chain. Moreover, Nasser spearheads Saudi Aramco’s strategic endeavours towards fostering cleaner energy solutions and sustainable products. This strategic vision is underpinned by investments in cutting-edge technologies, including renewable energy appli- cations, next-generation fuel-engine interfaces, and pioneer- ing crude oil-to-chemicals processes. Furthermore, he cham- pions entrepreneurial ventures focused on delivering innovative solutions for cleaner energy. ENERGY AMIN NASSER President and CEO Saudi Aramcoarabianbusiness.com 23 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Championing for the future for Saudi youth Actively dedicated to fostering personal and professional g rowth through educational initiatives and training programmes, Nasser serves as an advocate for the develop- ment and empowerment of Saudi youth at Saudi Aramco. A staunch supporter of the company’s Young Leader’s Advisory Board (YLAB), a structured programme facilitating dialogue between Saudi Aramco’s leadership and its dynamic young professionals, he underscores the importance of nurturing talent within the organisation. In addition to his corporate responsibilities, Nasser holds key positions on various advisory boards and councils that shape strategic decision-making across diverse sectors. These influential roles include membership on the International Advisory Board of the King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, the Board of Trustees of the King Abdullah University of Science & Technology, the World Economic Forum's International Business Council (IBC), the Massa- chusetts Institute of Technology Presidential CEO Advisory Board, the JP Morgan International Council, and the Black- Rock Board of Directors. Driving the kingdom’s sustainability efforts 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 leadership extends to broader industry collaborations aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as evidenced by his active participation in the Oil and Gas Climate Initi- The projected completion date for the Fadhili gas plant expansion is set for November 2027 ative (OGCI), highlighting his unwavering commitment to addressing environmental challenges through collaborative industry actions. Nasser advocates for the establishment of a streamlined and accessible supply chain ecosystem tailored to meet the evolving procurement demands of Saudi Aramco. Central to this vision is the proactive engagement of small and medi- um-sized enterprises (SMEs), fostering inclusivity and enhanc- ing the sustainability of the supply chain network. Through his approach, Nasser ensures that procurement processes are optimised, responsive, and equipped to support Saudi Aram- co’s expanding needs while fostering a culture of collaboration and mutual benefit among diverse business entities. About Saudi Aramco As one of the world’s premier integrated energy and chemi- cals enterprises, Saudi Aramco recognises the indispensable role of sustainability in shaping its operations and ensuring continued success as a global industry leader. Embracing a sustainable approach is fundamental to positioning Aramco for long-term prosperity. Leveraging its operational expertise and diverse business portfolio, Saudi Aramco is actively contributing to the energy transition, guided by its aspiration to attain net-zero green- house gas emissions across all wholly owned operated assets by 2050 and advance the development of innovative, lower-carbon energy solutions. This commitment is closely aligned with the kingdom’s ambitious target of achieving net-zero emissions by the year 2060. In a significant development in April 2024, Aramco announced the awarding of engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracts with a total value of $7.7bn for a substantial expansion project at the Fadhili Gas Plant located in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia. 24 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Eraiqat embarked on his journey with ADCB in 2004, marking the initiation of a distinguished career trajectory within the banking sector. Over the years, he has ascended through the ranks, assuming his current role in February 2009. Leveraging his extensive experience and exper tise gained over nearly three decades as a banker, he has made signif- icant contributions to the growth and strategic direction of ADCB. With a rich professional history dating back to 1991, Eraiqat's tenure in the banking industry has been underscored by notable stints at prestigious financial institutions such as Citibank and Standard Chartered Bank. In addition to his prominent position as CEO, Eraiqat shoul- ders additional responsibilities that reflect his multifaceted leadership role within the organisation. He assumes the pres- tigious role of chairman of the Board of Directors of Al Hilal Bank, further exemplifying his commitment to driving strate- gic initiatives and overseeing the growth of affiliated entities. Furthermore, Eraiqat presides over a myriad of subsidiaries and committees within ADCB, including key entities such as Abu Dhabi Commercial Properties and Abu Dhabi Commer- cial Engineering Services. His leadership extends to chairing essential committees within the institution, such as the ADCB Management Executive Committee and the ADCB Manage- ment Credit Committee, where his vision and decision-making prowess help shape the bank’s operational framework. Beyond his responsibilities within ADCB, Eraiqat's influ- ence extends to the broader financial and business landscape in Abu Dhabi. As a board member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber, he plays a key role in guiding strategic initiatives that drive economic growth and development within the region. Addi- tionally, he serves as the chairman of the Abu Dhabi Chamber Audit & Compliance Committee and holds a board member- ship at Abu Dhabi National Hotels PJSC (ADNH), where his expertise contributes to the organisation's strategic direction and governance. About ADCB In its pursuit to enhance its brand value and global standing, ADCB witnessed a significant surge in its value over the last year, recording an impressive 8.7 percent increase to reach $2.86bn by the year 2024. This remarkable growth was under- scored by a recent report from Finance Brand, a leading global consultancy specialising in brand valuation. As a result of this upward trajectory, ADCB climbed four places to secure the 109th rank on the prestigious Finance 500 list of top banking brands globally. This recognition high- lights the bank’s unwavering commitment to fostering a sustainable business model and delivering value to all stake- holders, including investors, employees, and the wider society. Steered by Eraiqat’s leadership, the bank was acknowledged as one of the top 10 financial institutions in the world. Addi- tionally, ADCB’s Brand Strength Index (BSI) maintained a robust +AA rating, reflecting a solid performance driven by a focused strategy. Notably, the bank's rank surged in 2023, with scores increasing from 76 percent to an impressive 78 percent, outperforming competitors in the sector and ranking highest in the UAE concerning consideration and familiarity metrics. BANKING CEO Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) ALA’A MOHAMED ATTA KHALIL ERAIQATarabianbusiness.com 25 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 DIVERSIFIED PRINCE ALWALEED BIN TALAL AL SAUD Founder and Chairman Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) A n international businessman and astute global investor, Prince Alwaleed has orchestrated the transformation of Kingdom Holding Company (KHC) over the years into a prominent global value investment firm, revered on the international stage for its impressive portfolio that spans high-performance global brands and strategically significant regional interests. Embark- ing on this visionary endeavour, Prince Alwaleed laid the foun- dation of KHC in Riyadh, KSA, back in 1980, setting the stage for an unparalleled journey of investment excellence. By the milestone year of 2007, KHC had evolved into a publicly traded entity, garnering recognition for its dynamic and diversified portfolio encompassing high-performance regional investments alongside its esteemed collection of global powerhouse brands. This positioning has not only solid- ified KHC's stature as a trailblazer in the investment landscape but has also underscored Prince Alwaleed’s unwavering commitment to driving growth and success on a global scale. About KHC KHC has ownership or interests in luxury hotels and hospi- tality management, including the George V in Paris and London’s Savoy Hotel, while global hotel brands include Accor, Movenpick, the Fairmont, Raffles, and Swissotel. Some of KHC’s international investment segments include in finance with Citigroup and Saudi Fransi Bank; mobility solutions with Careem and Uber; digital technology and social media with JD.com and Twitter; and media and entertainment, including Time Warner, NewsCorp, 21st Century Fox, and Euro Disney. In KSA, KHC has investments in petrochemicals with Tasnee while real estate interests include the Kingdom Tower in Riyadh. KHC is also invested in healthcare with Kingdom Hospital, aviation with NAS Saudi Arabia, and in education with King- dom schools. 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. KHC is fully committed to playing its part in helping to make Vision 2030 a success from a commercial perspective and in bringing international best practice and investment opportunities to a wider cross-section of stakeholder interests. In October 2023, Red Sea Global (RSG) officially concluded a successful investment agreement with KHC. This $533m joint venture marks a strategic alliance between RSG and KHC, with both entities sharing an equal 50/50 partnership in the development and ownership of the Four Seasons Resort Red Sea in KSA. Slated to welcome guests in early 2025, this luxurious retreat will be nestled on Shura Island, the central hub within The Red Sea destination. Boasting 149 opulent rooms and suites, along with 31 resi- dential properties, the resort will showcase six distinctive dining venues, alongside versatile meeting spaces, a marine discovery centre, as well as a dedicated Kids For All Seasons area. The exquisite Shura Island will feature an exclusive 18-hole cham- pionship golf course, a 118-berth marina, and a captivating retail, dining, and entertainment precinct, promising an immer- sive and enriching experience for both visitors and residents.26 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Al Rostamani boasts a distin- guished portfolio as an executive board member, shareholder, and director at AW Rostamani Group, where she assumes the role of COO. In this capacity, she exercises strate- gic oversight over group corporate services and group strategy functions, while also spearheading the group properties division as the CEO of AWR Properties. Furthermore, Al Rostamani serves as a non-executive board member at HSBC Bank Middle East, Sandooq Al Watan, Al Jalila Foundation, Dubai Chambers, and Ajman University Board of Trustees, showcasing her multidimensional leadership capabilities across varied business domains. Her illustrious career trajectory includes a significant tenure as the Group CEO of TECOM Group, a member of Dubai Holding, renowned for its role as a key driver of Dubai’s economic ambitions through the creation of innovative business communities spanning diverse industry sectors. Previously, she held influential roles such as chairperson of the Dubai Design and Fashion Council, and non-executive board member at prestigious entities including the National Media Council, Dubai Media Incorporated, Dubai Healthcare City Authority (DHCA), Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (Empower), Noor Bank, and Committee Member at the National Election Committee – Federal National Coun- cil UAE, showcasing her broad expertise and strategic acumen. Her expertise in wireless technologies is widely acknowl- edged, with her research contributions featured in renowned publications and academic journals, further solidifying her reputation as a leading authority in the field. About AWR Group With 14 companies across several distinct sectors, including multinational brands in automotive, logistics, retail, real estate, travel and lighting solutions, this family-owned business was launched in the 1950s in Dubai. Today, AWR Group has become one of the region’s most innovative business groups, defined by its core values, excellence, integrity, and commitment. They pride themselves on their role in the development and sustainability of the country and ambition to add to the UAE’s ambitious growth. In February 2024, AWR forged a partnership with ZEEKR, a global pure electric premium vehicle subsidiary of Geely Hold- ing Group, as part of its unwavering commitment to driving technological innovation in the automotive sector. This collab- oration between AWR and ZEEKR signifies a significant leap forward in the local automotive industry, heralding the intro- duction of vehicles that seamlessly integrate cutting-edge tech- nology with distinctive and innovative design elements. The forthcoming introduction of ZEEKR 001 and ZEEKR X by AW Rostamani Group in the UAE in March 2024 heralds a new era of smarter driving experiences for customers. These vehicles are set to offer luxurious interior spaces, innovative safety features, and best-in-class EV perfor- mance, setting a new benchmark in automotive excellence. Through this collaboration, AWR Group and ZEEKR aim to redefine industry standards and establish ZEEKR as a leading premium electric vehicle brand, leveraging the rich legacy of customer-centricity and renowned service excellence of AW Rostamani Group. DIVERSIFIED AMINA AL ROSTAMANI Board Member and Director AW Rostamani Group (AWR)arabianbusiness.com 27 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 TELECOMS AZIZ FAKHROO Group Managing Director and CEO Ooredoo Since assuming the leadership role at Ooredoo Group in November 2020, Fakhroo has played a pivotal role in driving the company’s growth trajectory, leveraging his extensive experience as well as strategic vision. His tenure as a board member at Ooredoo Group, which commenced in 2011, reflects his longstanding commitment to the organisation’s success and direction. Prior to his current position, Fakhroo held the position of deputy undersecretary for Budget, Treasury, and Financial Affairs at the Ministry of Finance, where he honed his finan- cial acumen and leadership skills. Additionally, his role as a board member at Accor SA since 2015 underscores his broad expertise in diverse industries. With a distinguished background in mergers and acquisi- tions, Fakhroo’s tenure as the co-head of Mergers and Acqui- sitions at the Qatar Investment Authority further solidified his reputation as a leader with a keen eye for transformative busi- ness opportunities. His expertise and insight is demonstrated by his recent appointments to prominent boards, including the Board of Trustees of Qatar Museums and the board of KATARA Hospitality in March 2021. Furthermore, his appointment as a board member of commissioners at Indosat in December 2021 highlights his expanding international presence and strategic influence in the telecommunications sector. About Ooredoo With operations spanning 10 countries, Ooredoo Group is committed to enhanc- ing its network infrastructure to deliver seamless connectivity, addressing the evolving digital needs of consumers and businesses while empowering global customers to access the internet easily. Positioned as a true digital enabler, Ooredoo operates as a catalyst for simpli- fying lives and fostering enriching digital experiences across its diverse markets. Guided by a strategic vision spear- headed by Fakhroo, Ooredoo Group has orchestrated noteworthy deals, including the $750m telecom- munication tower agreement with Edge Point Indonesia and the $6bn merger with CKK Hutchinson in Indonesia, under- scoring the company’s commitment to growth and innovation. In a significant move in February 2024, Ooredoo Group pledged its dedication to fostering connectivity in the devel- oping markets where it operates, reaffirming its alignment with the objectives of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) and its relentless pursuit of leveraging technology and innovation for societal progress. With a substantial investment of $1.1bn earmarked for the period spanning 2024-2026, Ooredoo intends to bolster mobile coverage, elevate service quality, and spearhead digital transformation initiatives in regions including Algeria, Tunisia, Palestine, Iraq, and the Maldives, potentially benefiting over 109 million individuals within these areas. March 2024 marked an exciting milestone for Ooredoo Group with the introduction of its pioneering Over-The-Top (OTT) streaming venture through the launch of the Go Play Market platform. Developed in collaboration with MediaKind and supported by Microsoft, Go Play Market leverages Medi- aKind’s cutting-edge technology infrastructure on the Microsoft Azure platform to offer a diverse array of entertainment content, including live TV channels and video-on-demand services.28 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Al Kharafi joined the group’s board of directors in 2011, was appointed vice chairman in 2014, and became group CEO in 2017, where he oversees about 7,400 people. Appointed as vice chair- man of Zain KSA in October 2015, Al Kharafi’s jour ney within the Zain ecosystem has been characterised by a series of key positions that underscore his visionary leadership. Notably, he has served as vice chair- man of Zain Group, Kuwait since February 2014, and assumed the mantle of group CEO in March 2017, following his significant contribution as a member of the group's board of directors since April 2011. His influential presence extends to his role as a board member of Atheer Telecommunications Iraq (Zain Iraq) and as the managing director of Al Khatem Telecommunications Company, an Iraq-based joint-stock entity since September 2013. Moreover, Al Kharafi’s leadership extends to his role as the vice-chairman of Zain Sudan. On 4 March 2024, the Board of Directors of Gulf Bank unanimously elected Al Kharafi as the new chairman. With experience spanning over two decades in the financial and industrial sectors, Al Kharafi joined Gulf Bank’s Board in March 2012. Beyond his tenure at Zain, Al Kharafi’s expertise and lead- ership extend to a diverse portfolio of roles and responsibilities. As the chairman of the board of the executive committee and a member of the board of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee of the Kuwait Stock Exchange Company, he plays a crucial role in shaping the financial landscape in Kuwait. Additionally, his role as the vice chairman of Kuwait-based Gulf Cables & Electrical Industries and board membership at Gulf Bank Kuwait further solidify his standing as a strategic leader in the financial sector. Al Kharafi’s commitment to social development and youth empowerment is reflected in his role as the vice chairman of the Board of Injaz, Kuwait, a non-profit organisation dedicated to fostering the growth and development of youth in the region. Serving as the director of the group executive commit- tee at Mohammed Abdulmohsin Al Kharafi & Sons since 2003 and as the chairman of National Investments Company, Kuwait, his leadership extends beyond the telecommunica- tions sector, encompassing diverse industries and initiatives. About Zain In Q4 2023, Zain reported robust financial performance with a revenue of $1.6bn and a net profit of $140m. Key operations in Kuwait, KSA, Iraq, and Jordan played a significant role in driving impressive net profit growth for the company. Notably, Jordan emerged as the fourth Zain operation to introduce and offer 5G services, showcasing Zain’s commit- ment to technological innovation and enhancing connectivity for its customers. Zain’s digital services revenue witnessed a substantial 9 percent increase, with remarkable growth seen in its Fintech segment, which reported a customer growth of 40 percent and a revenue surge of 195 percent. Moreover, Zain maintained the region’s highest A- rating on the CDP Score Report–Climate Change 2023, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability and respon- sible business practices. TELECOMS BADER AL KHARAFI Vice Chairman and Group CEO Zain Grouparabianbusiness.com 29 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 ENERGY BADR JAFAR Managing Director Crescent Group CEO Crescent Enterprises Jafar, a prominent figure in the business and social entre- preneurship spheres of the UAE, helms Crescent Enterprises, a diverse business entity operating across nine sectors in 15 countries. Additionally, he holds the position of chairman at Gulftainer, the world’s largest private- ly-owned container port operator. In addition to his business endeavours, Jafar is actively involved in various humanitarian aid, international develop- ment, philanthropic, and entrepreneurial initiatives. He plays advisory roles in esteemed organisations such as the United Nations, UNESCO, the International Rescue Committee, and the International Peace Institute, among others. He also contributes his expertise to advisory committees focusing on climate change and sustainability, further emphasising his commitment to global issues. Noteworthy among his contributions is the founding of the Pearl Initiative, a non-profit organisation promoting trans- parency and accountability in the corporate sector in collab- oration with the United Nations. Jafar’s passion for social entrepreneurship in the MENA region is evident through his involvement in initiatives like the Arab World Social Entrepre- neurship Programme and the Synergos Arab World Social Innovators Board, aiming to drive positive change through entrepreneurship. Jafar’s dedication to education and entre- preneurship is evident in his participation on various advisory boards, such as the Cambridge Judge Business School and MIT Legatum Centre. His commitment to philan- thropy is highlighted through his roles as a founding patron of strategic philan- thropy centres and advisory boards focusing on impacting high-impact philanthropy efforts globally. An advocate for the ar ts, Jafar founded the Middle East Theatre Acad- emy and co-founded the Global Gumbo Group, emphasising cultural exchange through entertainment. His educational background boasts a Master of Engineering degree from the University of Cambridge, with additional leadership and governance roles focusing on new economy, society, and sustainability efforts at various global forums. His diverse contributions across business, philanthropy, education, and the arts underscore his commitment to driving positive change and innovation in diverse sectors. About Crescent Enterprises Today, Crescent Enterprises encompasses a diverse group of over 50 subsidiaries and operations in 15 countries, with 1,800 committed employees. The corporate structure now includes four platforms: CE-Operates, CE-Invests, CE-Ven- tures, and CE-Creates. Under CE-Operates, the focus is on smart infrastructure for economic development and growth, with key operating companies like Gulftainer leading the ports and logistics business across strategic locations globally, including the UAE, KSA, Iraq, and the US. CE-Invests serves as the strategic investment platform supporting late-stage businesses in the MENA region. Invest- ments include healthcare-focused fund TVM Capital and private equity firm Growthgate Capital, spanning sectors such as green building materials, environmental services, and advanced biometrics. Next >