< Previous50 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 XXXXXXXXXXX KHALIFA AL ZAFFIN Executive Chairman Dubai Aviation City Corporation and Dubai South Al Zaffin is the Executive Chair- man of Dubai Aviation City Cor poration (DACC), a government of Dubai entity formulated under the wise vision of Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to cement the emirate’s leading position as a logistics and aviation hub. The expansive scope of DACC includes the management and strategy of Dubai’s twin aviation hub: the Dubai International Airport and world’s largest airport in the making, the Al Maktoum International Airport. The far-reaching purview of DACC also includes Dubai South and Dubai Aviation Engineering Projects, the construction arm of the Dubai aviation sector dedicated to developing the infra- structure and enhancing the capacity of airports. Al Zaffin is a graduate of Arizona State University and holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering and outside his work, he has a broad range of academic, cultural and public service interests. At the forefront of Dubai’s dynamic aviation expansion, Al Zaffin is an eminent leader in the industry. Through close coordination with the aviation community of Dubai, he plays a key role in formulating economic, investment, fiscal policies and strategies in support of the emirate’s overarching aviation vision, with emphasis on planning, execution and building the region’s first master planned airport city, Dubai South. About Dubai South Striving towards achieving long-term growth and building a future-proof dynamic destination, Al Zaffin’s ingenuity is the key driver powering the strategy, execution, and operations of Dubai South. An integrated city that spans 145 sq km and built around the Al Maktoum International Airport, Dubai South, home to the Expo City Dubai, is integral to maintain- ing the emirate’s position among the top global centres for trade and transportation, and as a leading business hub. Dubai South, the prominent single-urban master devel- opment with a strategic focus on aviation, logistics, and real estate sectors, successfully concluded its most impressive year to date in 2023, marking a series of significant achievements across its multifaceted divisions. Durin last year, Dubai South achieved milestones that included the addition of new corpo- rate entities, the successful sell-out of various projects, and the establishment of notable collaborations and partnerships within the industry. A proud achievement last year was the delivery of phase 1 of the esteemed Pulse Villas project by Dubai South Prop- erties (DSP), boasting a total of 268 crafted units. The Pulse Villas, a pioneering venture within the Residential District, unveiled in 2021 with a collection of 2-, 3-, and 4-bedroom units across its phases. Moreover, the Logistics District at Dubai South solidified its position as a key player in the burgeoning logistics sector in the UAE by forging key part- nerships and agreements. Collaborative ventures with indus- try giants, including dnata, Beijing New Aerotropolis Hold- ings China, and Sinotrans, heralded Dubai South’s ascendancy as a hub for logistics excellence. GOVERNMENTarabianbusiness.com 51 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 GOVERNMENT HELAL AL MARRI A well-known figure in Dubai, Al Marri holds a key responsibility in enhancing Dubai's status as a sought-after destination for investment, business, and leisure, while concurrently bolstering the emir- ate's economic foundation. Alongside his position at the DET, he holds significant leadership roles. He stands as a distin- guished member of the Executive Council of Dubai and concurrently serves as the director general of the Dubai World Trade Centre Authority (DWTCA). Al Marri’s expansive portfolio encompasses both the leisure and business facets of Dubai’s value proposition. In this capacity, Al Marri plays a key role in orchestrating the planning, supervision, and execution of Dubai's visionary goals and ambitious targets within the sector. His influence extends to overseeing DWTCA, which houses the foremost event venue in the UAE and the largest event and exhibition centre across the region. Furthermore, Al Marri's impact resonates in his board memberships at esteemed institutions, including the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ICD, Taaleem PJSC, and Emaar Malls PJSC. A hallmark of Al Marri’s tenure has been his adept steering of numerous impactful global campaigns that have been consistently launched across tradi- tional, digital, and social media platforms and spotlight Dubai's multifaceted allure to international audiences. His professional background includes valuable experience gained at reputable consulting firms such as McKinsey and KPMG, further enhancing his expertise in driving strategic growth and innova- tion within the business landscape. About DET DET assumes the central authority for steering, overseeing, fostering, and promoting the growth of Dubai’s economic and tourism sectors. DET plays a pivotal role in marketing and advocating for the emirate's thriving commerce sector. Additionally, it bears the responsibility of licensing and categorising all economic and tourism services, encompassing key domains such as hotels, tour operators, and travel agents. DET’s comprehensive mandate spans the planning, supervi- sion, development, and strategic marketing efforts essential to propel Dubai’s economic and tourism landscape forward. In 2023, Dubai experienced a record-breaking year in tourism, welcoming 17.15 million international overnight visitors, a 19.4 percent increase from 2022. This growth aligns with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to solidify Dubai’s position as a premier global city for both busi- ness and leisure. Dubai’s international recognition as a premier destination has been further reinforced by prestigious awards and accolades, including being named the No.1 global desti- nation for the third consecutive year in the esteemed Tripad- visor Travellers’ Choice Awards. TOURISM Director General Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET)52 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Alrayes is spearheading the group towards its vision of emerging as the region’s lead- ing , diver sified financial group, offering an exceptional platform for delivering high-quality wealth management, commercial banking, and asset management services. Boasting over two decades of experience, he brings a wealth of expertise and banking acumen to the group, playing a key role in shaping and implementing regional and international investment strategy. Alrayes assumes the chairmanship and holds directorship positions in financial, industrial, and real estate firms, includ- ing Esterad Investment Company, Khaleeji Commercial Bank, GFH Capital, and Infracorp. Through his diverse engage- ments, he continues to drive innovation, growth, and strategic development across the financial and industrial sectors. About GFH GFH stands as a prominent and dynamic financial institution within the GCC region, renowned for its diversified portfolio and a legacy of pioneering achievements. With headquarters situated in Bahrain’s Financial Harbour, the company main- tain listings on four distinguished stock exchanges across the GCC, including the Bahrain Bourse, Boursa Kuwait, Dubai Financial Market (DFM), and the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), solidifying their position as one of the most actively traded and liquid stocks in the market. Having garnered global recognition for the group’s distin- guished Islamic investment banking services over the past two decades, GFH Financial Group has demonstrated a strategic and principled approach to identifying and lever- aging diverse investment opportunities within some of the world’s most competitive markets. GFH recently seized the opportunity to acquire a substantial majority stake in Big Sky Asset Management, a reputable US-based real estate asset management company. With a strategic focus on the resilient healthcare segment, this acquisition underscores GFH’s dedication to diversification and the pursuit of prom- ising investment avenues. On 15 April 2024, GFH Financial Group announced its strategic decision to acquire the financing and investment portfolios of Ithmaar Holding, as detailed in a disclosure on the stock exchange. GFH emphasised that negotiations are currently underway to finalise the transaction structure, contingent on regulatory approvals. The forthcoming acqui- sition is anticipated to have a significant positive impact on GFH’s financial standing and is projected to enhance the group's overall returns. In addition to its trading presence on the Dubai Financial Market (DFM), Ithmaar Holding is also listed on the Bahrain Bourse, while GFH maintains cross-listings on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), Bahrain Bourse, and Boursa Kuwait. During the 12-month period ending on the 31 December 2023, GFH witnessed a 7.69 percent year-on-year (YoY) increase in consolidated net profits, rising to $105.23m from $97.71m. FINANCE HISHAM ALRAYES Group CEO and Board Member Gulf Finance House (GFH)arabianbusiness.com 53 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 RETAIL HUDA KATTAN Founder and CEO Huda Beauty Renowned beauty industry pioneer Kattan recently announced her return as CEO at Huda Beauty, after a brief sabbatical in 2020 dedicated to enhancing the company's creative aspects. Besides launching new products, Huda Beauty is embarking on a rebranding journey to streamline its offerings and position itself as the beauty giant envisioned by Kattan. With an estimated net worth of $400m as of 1 June 2023, Kattan is poised to intro- duce a refreshed brand image later this year, featuring a new logo, packaging, and an exciting line-up of new products scheduled for 2024. Having revolutionised the realm of beauty influencers on social media since founding Huda Beauty in 2013, Kattan's transformative impact on the industry is indisputable. Her journey in the beauty sector began with a deep-rooted passion for makeup, leading her to undergo training at a prestigious makeup school in Los Angeles to refine her craft and cater to a discerning clientele. In 2010, driven by a strong desire to expand her beauty influence beyond traditional boundaries, Kattan launched HudaBeauty.com, an online platform to share her extensive beauty knowledge. The platform quickly gained immense popularity, emerging as a go-to destination for beauty enthu- siasts worldwide. This online success marked a watershed moment in her career, culminating in the launch of her signa- ture line of false eyelashes in February 2013 at Sephora in The Dubai Mall. By 2015, Kattan had established herself as a prominent figure in the digi- tal beauty sphere, propelling the brand to unprecedented growth. The opening of the first Huda Beauty office in part- nership with her husband and sister, Mona Kattan, further accelerated the brand's expansion, with its Lip Contour kits becoming available at Harrods department store in London, UK, by 2016. In her quest for innovation, she co-founded fragrance line Kayali in November 2018, with her sister, Mona, playing a crucial role. The launch of the debut Kayali collection, named Collection 01, featured four distinc- tive fragrances: VANILLA 28, CITRUS 08, MUSK 12, and ELIXIR 11. About HB Investments HB Investments, founded by the creators of Huda Beauty, stands as a formidable entity in brand development. Operating as a private investment firm, the company focuses on nurtur- ing and elevating businesses to transform them into impactful global brands. The ventures supported by HB Investments are Kitopi, an advanced managed cloud kitchen collaborating with restaurants to extend their delivery services; Uptime, a free app offering five-minute insights from top books, courses, and documentaries; Fresha, an online salon and spa booking plat- form streamlining small business management; Humantra, a global wellness brand dedicated to enhancing health and performance through supplement support; The Luxury Closet, a premier authenticated luxury consignment platform; Mane Addicts, a hair tools and accessories brand; Florawnow, the region’s pioneering online B2B floral marketplace; and Urbanic, an emerging fashion label from London with a pres- ence in India and Latin America.54 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Sajwani, an esteemed Emirati entrepreneur renowned for his entrepreneurial acumen, has achieved notable success in the competitive landscape of Dubai's real estate sector. Anticipating the escalating demand for accommodations in the mid-1990s, his forward-looking approach led him to spearhead the rapid development of distinguished hotels, strategically positioning Dubai as a preeminent destination for global busi- ness travellers. In 2002, he founded DAMAC Properties, which has since burgeoned into one of the preeminent property development entities in the Middle East. Beyond his professional endeavours, Sajwani and his family demonstrate a fervent commitment to fostering quality education through the Hussain Sajwani – DAMAC Founda- tion. Additionally, they actively champion the One Million Arab Coders initiative, aimed at equipping one million Arabs with essential coding skills to thrive in the digital era. About DAMAC Properties A well-known name in the market, DAMAC Properties has been at the forefront of the Middle East’s luxury real estate market since 2002, delivering luxury residential, commercial and leisure properties across the region. With 46,000 homes delivered; 33,000 in planning and progress; more than 100 homes delivered as of 30 June 2023, DAMAC Group is the private business conglomerate owned and managed by the Dubai-based businessman Sajwani. With beginnings in catering and logistics, the organisation has grown exponentially to an impressive and diverse portfolio in various industries including Property Development & Real Estate, Data Centres, Retail & Fashion, Hospitality, Capital Markets and Logistics. Today, DAMAC Group's global foot- print extends across Europe, North America, Asia, Middle East, and North Africa and is continuously seeking expansion opportunities into new markets. DAMAC Group is spearheading active projects across more than 10 nations, noteworthy among these developments are DAMAC Towers Nine Elms in London, as well as ventures in Toronto and Miami, emblematic of the company's global footprint. Furthermore, DAMAC manages upscale hotels under esteemed brands such as Radisson, Paramount, Rotana, and DAMAC Maison. Moreover, the company is currently engaged in developing a luxurious resort in the Maldives in collaboration with the esteemed Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. DAMAC's reputation for excellence is further augmented by its collaborative ventures with luxury lifestyle brands including Versace Home, Fendi Casa, and Paramount Hotels & Resorts. In April 2024, DAMAC Properties introduced Natura, a distinctive premium residential development nestled within the verdant environs of DAMAC Hills 2. Natura presents meticulously designed residences, spanning three floors, feature spacious interiors and functional floor plans tailored for comfort. Residents of Natura will enjoy privileged access to an array of exclusive amenities within the DAMAC Hills 2 community, including Malibu Beach, a paintball park, a wave pool, a lazy river, a Zen Garden, a petting zoo, a fishing lake, and outdoor cinemas. REAL ESTATE HUSSAIN SAJWANI Founder and Chairman DAMAC Grouparabianbusiness.com 55 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 AVIATION IBRAHIM KOSHY CEO SAUDIA Koshy was appointed to his current role at SAUDIA in 2020. Previously, he held the role of vice president of Safety, AVSEC, and Quality at SAUDIA. Addi- tionally, he served as the director general of the Aviation Investigation Bureau of KSA from 2012 to 2016. As an esteemed airline captain and a seasoned veteran boasting over three decades of experience in the aviation industry, Koshy stands at the forefront of SAUDIA's transformative journey. His leadership has been instrumental in orchestrating the airlines ongoing initiatives aimed at enhancing operational efficiencies as well as spearheading digital transformation efforts. With a keen eye on the future, he has been instrumental in charting SAUDIA’s course to align with the ambitious targets set forth in Saudi Vision 2030. Leveraging the airline’s recently launched terminal in Jeddah as its core operational hub, the national carrier is poised to expand its fleet and network, strategically positioning itself for growth and inno- vation in the ever-evolving aviation landscape. Koshy’s academic background includes graduating from the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) in Florida, USA, and Cranfield University in the UK. In addition to his role within the airline, he is actively engaged as a board member on several prominent aviation safety bodies, both regionally and internationally. Under his leadership, SAUDIA has garnered widespread recognition for its commitment to excellence. Notably, the airline has been honoured with the pres- tigious Five Star Global Airline accolade and has achieved a diamond rating in the APEX Health Safety category, reaf- firming its position as a trailblazer in the global aviation arena. About SAUDIA Established in 1945, SAUDIA is the national flag carrier of KSA. In March 2023, SAUDIA ordered 39 fuel-effi- cient Boeing 787s with options for 10 more airplanes. Backed by rapid expansion efforts, in April 2023, SAUDIA added 56 weekly flights to 14 global destinations. It flies to over 90 destinations and operates a fleet of 144 aircraft. Very recently, SAUDIA has launched its innovative digital platform, the Travel Companion (TC), powered by advanced artificial intelligence. This strategic move is part of a two-year plan to revolutionise the travel industry by embracing digital innovations. In collaboration with global professional services firm Accenture, SAUDIA’s Travel Companion is set to change how travellers interact with the airline and redefine the stand- ards of digital travel. The Travel Companion offers personal- ised and tailored solutions to meet individual preferences and needs, providing search results from trusted and authenticated sources and utilises image-supported responses. The platform is intended to be a comprehensive, one-stop solution that allows users to book concierge services such as hotels, transportation, restaurants, activities, and attractions, eliminating the need to switch between multiple platforms. Additionally, it establishes seamless connections with trans- portation platforms and various train companies, ensuring a smooth and uninterrupted journey. In the next stages moving forward, SAUDIA will introduce additional features, such as voice command and digital payment solutions, among others. 56 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 Al Sager joined NBK in 1978 and assumed his current role as the group CEO in 2014. He is also the chairman of the board of several NBK subsidiaries, including NBK (International), and a board member of Watani Wealth Management. Prior to his current role, Al Sager was the deputy group CEO since 2010. In 1978, he embarked upon his banking career at NBK, transitioning from a relationship officer in the Corporate Banking Group to rising the ranks in 1987 as the head of Domestic Credit and Marketing. In 1992, he was appointed as the general manager of Retail and Wholesale Banking Group and continued to climb the ranks to reach his current position. With over three decades of experience at NBK, he has helped lead the bank’s transformation to now include an international presence in 16 countries. Also, the chairman of NBK, Egypt, Al Sager is a board member of multiple NBK subsidiaries and serves on MasterCard’s Board of Directors. About NBK Kuwait’s first indigenous bank since its inception in 1952, and as the first shareholding company in the entire Gulf region, NBK has been known as ‘The Bank You Know and Trust’ and is bolstered by the vision to be the trusted bank of choice driven by their people, expertise, and core values. Offering a full spectrum of innovative financial and investment services and solutions to individual, corporate and institutional clients, NBK offers high asset quality, consistent profitability, and strong capitalisation as an advanced banking institution. Span- ning many of the world financial and business centres, NBK also boasts Kuwait’s largest overseas branch network. NBK reported a net profit of $476.8m in the first quarter of 2024, marking a 9.2 percent increase compared to $436.6m for the same period in 2023. As of the end of March 2024, total assets grew by 5.1 percent year-on-year to $124.7bn, while total loans and advances increased by 5.7 percent year- on-year to $72.8bn. Intellect Global Transaction Banking (iGTB), a special- ist in transaction banking under Intellect Design Arena Limited, has secured an extended mandate with NBK, a prominent bank ranked among the top 10 in the GCC region. The objective of this partnership is to achieve a comprehensive digital transformation by modernising exist- ing channels and introducing new digital capabilities in transaction banking. Through iGTB Digital Transaction Banking, NBK aims to revamp and enrich its online corporate banking platform, offering streamlined, secure, and user-friendly digital solu- tions. These enhancements are designed to attract and retain corporate customers and SMEs, providing them with an opti- mised omnichannel and mobile banking experience. This transformation represents a significant advancement for NBK in terms of scalability and transaction volumes. It serves as a pivotal driver in accelerating NBK’s growth aspi- rations in Kuwait as well as the wider Middle East region. BANKING ISAM AL SAGER Vice Chairman and Group CEO National Bank of Kuwait (NBK)arabianbusiness.com 57 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 TOURISM ISSAM KAZIM CEO Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM) In his current position at Dubai Corporation for Tourism and Commerce Marketing (DCTCM), established in December 2013 as a Dubai Tourism affiliate, Kazim oversees team development, global offices, and directs branding and promotion activities for Dubai. Leading nego- tiations for global partnerships, he fosters relationships with stakeholders, partners, and investors, contributing to overall city visitation growth. Also, as a key media spokesperson, he represents Dubai Tourism at events and engagements, having previously served as the director of DXB Live and Commer- cial at Dubai World Trade Centre. Kazim oversees marketing, branding, and partnerships and as a board member of the Dubai Media Council, he serves as a spokesperson for Dubai Tourism and engages with VIPs and government bodies. Dubai's revised tourism strat- egy adopts a dual focus, prioritising the revitalisation of its historic landmarks like Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi, and the Souq areas, while also dedicated to creating new attractions. About DCTCM The DCTCM aims to enhance global awareness of Dubai and serves as the primary authority overseeing the planning, devel- opment, and supervision of Dubai's tourism sector. DCTCM is responsible for licensing hotels, tour operators, and other tourism services, including the supervision of archaeological and heritage sites to promote sustaina- ble tourism. Additionally, the depart- ment conducts training programmes to ensure the industry’s development with skilled professionals. DCTCM has been instrumental in promoting Dubai’s economic contribu- tion through tourism since its inception. With a network of international offices, it engages diverse audiences, highlight- ing the city's tourism offerings, events, and business opportu- nities. Dubai welcomed a record-breaking number of tourists in 2023, with 17.15 million international overnight visitors, marking a 19.4 percent year-on-year growth compared to 2022 and surpassing the previous record set in 2019. This growth is in line with the objectives of the Dubai Economic Agenda D33, aimed at solidifying Dubai’s position as a top global destination for both business and leisure travel. The city’s achievements were further underscored by its recognition as the number one global destination for an unprecedented third consecutive year in the Tripadvisor Trav- ellers’ Choice Awards 2024, a testament to its world-class infrastructure, exceptional service, and collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors. Looking ahead, Dubai remains committed to strengthen- ing the tourism sector, enhancing infrastructure, and stimu- lating broader economic growth. From a regional perspective, Dubai continues to attract visitors from key traditional and emerging markets, solidifying its status as a trusted and favoured destination. The hospitality sector has outperformed pre-pandemic levels across all metrics, with high occupancy rates and milestone achievements in room inventory and occu- pied room nights.100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 58 May 2024 In April 2024, Khalil took on the role of executive vice president and division president, East Arabia, marking the next step in his career growth. This appointment as division pres- ident came after Khalil’s successful stint as the senior vice president and cluster general manager for MENA East from 2022 to 2024. Prior to that, Khalil demonstrated his leadership capabilities in the role of senior vice president and general manager for Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Levant from 2017 to 2022. Bringing to the table a wealth of exper ience spanning almost two decades, Khalil has traversed diverse industries, including technology, banking, consulting, and payments. His journey has been characterised by key senior leadership roles across multinational banks, renowned consulting firms, and burgeon- ing tech startups. Prior to joining Mastercard, Khalil served as a senior manager at Strategy& (formerly Booz & Company), where he held a principal position within the financial services practice, with a focus on wealth management, risk, and digital verticals. His tenure at Booz & Company commenced in 2012, following a series of positions at Barclays Bank, where his contributions ranged from strategy development to cross-asset derivatives sales. Academically, Khalil has an MBA with distinction from the University of Chicago (Booth) in the US and actively contributes to the academic community as the president of the GCC Alumni Club chapter. Complementing his business education, he holds a degree in Computer Systems & Networks Engineering from St. Joseph University in Beirut, Lebanon, reflecting his diverse skill set and interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving. About Mastercard Mastercard has been spearheading payment innovation and driving financial inclusion in the region for over 35 years. The global technology giant helps governments connect more people and businesses to the digital economy. This contributes to boosting economic activity and enhancing citizen welfare, leading to the development of sustainable communities and happier, smarter cities. In 2023, Mastercard marked a new milestone in govern- ment collaboration in the UAE. Building on its experience in Digital Country Partnerships on three continents, the company launched a unique Digital City Partnership with Dubai’s Department of Economy and Tourism. The initiative leverages Mastercard’s extensive payments network, which connects over 100 million merchants globally, to address key priorities of the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33). In the same year, Mastercard opened the Centre for Advanced AI and Cyber Technology in Dubai in partnership with the UAE Arti- ficial Intelligence Office. The project aims to enhance AI capa- bilities and readiness in the region and usher in a new era of transformative technology. Mastercard is also collaborating with the private sector to co-create innovative solutions and offer access to its network of partners, expertise, technologies, and markets. In March 2024, the company entered a long-term strategic partnership with First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) that aims to redefine the region’s payments landscape by developing unique and disrup- tive products and services that will revolutionise customer experience. TECHNOLOGY J.K. KHALIL EVP and Division President East Arabia Mastercardarabianbusiness.com 59 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 FACILITIES MANAGEMENT JAMAL LOOTAH Founder and President Middle East Facilities Management Association (MEFMA) After completing his studies in Business Administra- tion at the University of London, Lootah enrolled in the Corporate Advance Programme at IMD, a global business school in Switzerland. He began his career at the Security Department of Dubai Port Authority and has been associated with Dubai World since 1991. In 2005, he assumed the position of director of Human Resources and General Administration within the organisation. As an active participant in the Dubai Leaders Programme, an esteemed leadership development initiative launched by Dubai World in partnership with the Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, Lootah has been deeply involved since its inception in 2007. Serving as CEO of Imdaad, an integrated FM service provider, since 2007, he successfully led the company for 16 years until his departure in October 2023 and remains an advisor to the board of direc- tors and executive management team at Imdaad. About MEFMA Founded in 2009, Middle East Facilities Management Asso- ciation (MEFMA) is a professional membership-based body aimed to unify the facility management industry and help advance the FM sector in the Middle East. MEFMA focuses on developing and promoting facility management best prac- tices and professional standards in the region, through membership packages with unique benefits, educational opportunities via professional training programmes and certifications, reports and research studies on latest industry trends, and extensive regional events being a knowledge sharing platform, thereby adding value to its members and FM industry professionals. Headquartered in Dubai whilst operating around the GCC and Middle East region, MEFMA was established as a non-profit association and formed under The Dubai Associ- ation Centre (DAC), which has been established by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Dubai Business Events (part of Department for Tourism and Commerce Marketing) and the Dubai World Trade Centre. MEFMA is also a registered member of Global Facility Management Association (Global FM). The MEFMA is hosting the MEFMA Awards of Excel- lence in Facility Management 2024 to promote best practices and raise awareness in the sector. This event aligns with the region’s substantial projects and facility expansion, attracting investment opportunities. Various entities compete for acco- lades at this annual event, showcasing achievements and contributions to the region’s economic growth and govern- ments’ goals for smart, digital, and sustainable cities, ensuring a promising future. The MEFMA Awards Ceremony and Gala Dinner will be held on 8 May 2024 in Dubai, featuring a wide array of award categories. This year, MEFMA has introduced six new award categories for both entities and individuals, highlight- ing collaboration between facility management experts and clients. These include client best practice in government, private, and real estate sectors, FM implementation in megaprojects for entities, and visionary leader and FM Hero categories for individuals. Next >