H.E. MOHAMED ALI RASHED ALABBAR

CHAIRMAN

A global entrepreneur with active interests in high-value property development, retail, luxury hospitality, mining and commodities, Mohamed Alabbar is the founder and chairman of Emaar Properties PJSC.

Ranked second in the list of the ‘World’s 100 Most Powerful Arabs – Leaders’ 2014 by Arabian Business, the leading regional business magazine, Mr. Alabbar is well-known for his pioneering role in positioning Dubai as a world-class city. 

He spearheads the growth strategy of Emaar, which has a presence in over 18 countries, with a focus on developing prime real estate, shopping mall and hospitality and leisure assets. Mr. Alabbar heads Emaar’s joint venture with Giorgio Armani to set up the Armani-branded luxury hotel and resort chain in key international destinations.

He is also the Founder and Chairman of Africa Middle East Resources (AMER), which unlocks the value of natural resource opportunities in Africa and links them with large consumer markets in Asia. He is a board member of Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and real estate development company that funds and develops large-scale projects in high-growth international markets.

Mr. Alabbar is the Chairman of Tradewinds Corporation, a premier leisure and hospitality owner-operator in Malaysia, focused on developing world-class real estate developments in the country and Southeast Asia. He is also the founder and major shareholder of RSH, the leading Singapore-based pan-Asian marketer, distributor and retailer of some 60 international fashion and lifestyle brands through more than 70 outlets in over 20 countries.

Mr. Alabbar sits on the board of Noor Investment Group, an affiliate of Dubai Group, the leading diversified financial company of Dubai Holding. He is also a member of the Dubai World Expo 2020 Preparatory Committee. He was the founding Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), and served as a member of the Dubai Executive Council and Dubai Economic Council.

A graduate in Finance and Business Administration from the Seattle University in the US, Mr. Alabbar also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University, and serves on its Board of Trustees. A keen sportsman, Mr Alabbar is an active member of the UAE’s endurance horse racing community.

MR. AHMED BIN JAMAL BIN HASSAN JAWA

Director

Mr. Ahmed Jawa, a Saudi Arabian entrepreneur, fits the profile of a true international business magnate with business experience in a host of different countries including the US, Europe, the Middle East, North Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

Cutting his teeth in business on his own, Mr. Jawa was fresh from college when he established Starling Holding Limited, a global investment group that deals with private equity and direct investments worldwide (www.starlinggroup.com).

He is also the Founder of Contracting and Trading Company (CTC), which oversees investment opportunities and options in the GCC region and the Middle East. His expertise, professionalism and contribution to international business was underscored at the World Economic Forum in 1996 in Davos, Switzerland, where he was honoured as one of the ‘Global Leaders of Tomorrow.’

Mr. Jawa is credited with introducing a range of Walt Disney licensed products to the Middle East markets through the Disney-Jawa Enterprises, a joint venture between the Walt Disney Company and the Jawa family. Helming the joint venture as Chairman, he supervised the sales and marketing of Disney computer software, interactive multimedia, toys, home furnishing, personal care products, consumer electronics and English and Arabic videos in the region.

Mr. Jawa served as a Board member of Tricon Group, a US based oil and securities trading firm, from 1983 to 1991. He was also Chairman of Stallions Home Video LLC, a video distribution company in the Middle East, and successfully spearheaded the anti-piracy initiative in the region.

He is Board member of Emaar, The Economic City, Member of the Executive Committee and Chairman of the Nomination and Remuneration Committee, a company listed on the Saudi Arabian stock exchange, and involved in the development of the Middle East’s largest private sector project – King Abdullah Economic City. He is Board member of Emaar Turkey and serves on the Board of Emaar MGF India.

Mr. Jawa is a Board member of Al Salam Bank and Member of the Executive Committee, a Bahraini publicly traded Islamic bank. He is also Board member of RAK Petroleum, an oil exploration company partly owned by the Ras Al Khaimah Government.

He has also served on the Boards of the Novapark Swiss Hotel Group and Mirapolice, an entertainment company that builds theme parks in France. He also served as Chairman of Coflexip Saudi Arabia, a joint venture with the French giant Elf Aquitane, which was only one of two companies in the 1980s involved in laying underwater pipes for crude oil transmission.

Mr. Jawa holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the University of San Francisco.

MR. JAMAL MAJID BIN THENIYAH

DIRECTOR

Mr. Jamal Majid Bin Theniyah is Non-Executive Director and Vice Chairman of DP World Limited.

A UAE national, he joined Port Rashid Authority (PRA) in October 1981, becoming Assistant Managing Director of Dubai Ports Authority in 1991.  In 2001, he was appointed Managing Director. In 2005, during the merger of Dubai Ports Authority and Dubai Ports International, Mr. Bin Theniyah became the DP World Vice Chairman, and in October 2009 became Non-Executive Director and Vice Chairman.

Mr. Bin Theniyah is the Chief Executive Director of Port & Free Zone World, the holding company of DP World Limited, Economic Zones World (EZW) and P&O Ferries.

In September 2009 he was appointed Non-Executive Independent Director of Etihad Rail Company PJSC (Abu Dhabi).

MR. ARIF OBAID SAEED AL DEHAIL

Director

Mr. Arif Obaid Saeed Al Dehail, a Non-Executive Director, was appointed to the Board of Emaar Properties PJSC, in 2012.

He is the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Port Authority, and has extensive experience in international ports and terminal operations and management, gained over 26 years of leadership roles in the port and maritime sector.

He has served as CEO of the Department of Planning & Development – Trakhees; Chief Operating Officer of DP World – UAE Region, Assistant Managing Director of DP World – UAE Region, and as Senior Vice President – Global Operations & Engineering and Acting Senior Vice President & Managing Director for Africa region.

Mr. Al Dehail has worked on several key projects in the UAE and internationally at DP World including the Megamax Terminal 2 Project, Terminal 3. He was actively involved with the master-plan to develop Jebel Ali and led the cost-effectiveness initiative at DP World UAE region. He was recognised as a valued contributor in the successful integration of DPA, DPI & CSXWT as well as the P&O company merger in 2007. 

Mr. Al Dehail holds a Bachelor’s degree in Geo Economics from UAE University, and holds Diplomas in Shipping & Ports Management from Singapore Port Authority and University of Delaware, USA; and a Diploma in International Programme in Port Planning & Management from the Port of New Orleans, Louisiana. In 2004, he also completed a Senior Executive Programme at Harvard Business School, Boston.

 

Dr. AISHA BINT BUTTI BIN BISHR

Director

Dr. Aisha Bint Butti Bin Bishr is Director General of the Smart Dubai Office, the government entity entrusted with Dubai’s city-wide smart transformation by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Dr. Aisha also leads the creation of ‘The Smart City Index’ – the first-ever benchmark for smart city implementation across the globe in cooperation with ITU and the United Nations. As an acclaimed digital transformation and Smart Cities thought leader globally, she represents Smart Dubai in City Protocol Society, Smart City Expo World Congress and GSMA.

In addition to her responsibilities at Smart Dubai Office, Dr. Aisha serves as a member of the World Economic Forum’s Global Future Councils; The Fourth Industrial Revolution’s smart cities readiness index team; and the World Happiness Council where she heads The Council of Happy Cities. She is also a Non-Executive Director at Emaar Development, and was elevated to its Board in 2017.

Prior to her current role, Dr. Aisha served as Assistant Director General of The Executive Office, and has worked as the Assistant Undersecretary Ministry of Labour in her illustrious career. Throughout her 20-year experience in ICT development, Dr. Aisha has committed herself to humanizing digital transformation, from developing technologies to transforming human experiences. With the distinction of being the first executive woman to lead Smart City Launch globally, she has laid a robust foundation for upcoming talent and inspires youth towards nation building.

The incredible work of. Dr. Aisha is recognized globally. She has received numerous accolades which include, Excellence in Strategic Leadership Award 2017; ‘Outstanding Alumni Award 2017’ from The University of Manchester ME Centre; ‘Woman in Public Sector Award’ from Global Women in Leadership Economic Forum 2015; Community Service Medal 2013; and the Middle East Woman Leader in Corporate Management Excellence 2012. In addition, she has been felicitated by the Swedish Embassy, Trade Council, and Ericsson, in recognition of her role in implementing the Smart City Vision of Dubai’s leadership. 

Dr Aisha holds a PhD in Management, Science, Technology and Innovation and an MPhil in Policy and Research on Engineering, Science and Technology from The Manchester Business School. She is also a graduate of the ‘young leaders’ program organized by Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Leadership Development.

 

MR. ABDULLA ALAWAR

Director

Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar is the CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC).

In this capacity, he oversees the Centre’s work and collaborates closely with DIEDC’s multiple stakeholders to implement the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy’ strategy through enabling private and public sector organisations to innovate and promote sharia-compliant economic products and services ranging from Islamic finance to halal food and lifestyle, among others.

Prior to his current role, Al Awar was the CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from 2009 to 2012. During his eight-year tenure with DIFC that saw him hold various executive positions, he leveraged his exceptional skills in strategic planning, operational management and financial control to help develop DIFC into a global financial hub.

Under his strategic leadership, DIFC was ranked as the leading financial centre in the region for the years 2009-2012, demonstrating an average 13% client growth year-on-year, as well as improved efficiency and performance.

Al Awar has served as member of several committees and boards in Dubai including the Economic Committee of the Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Free Zones Council, Bourse Dubai and the Investment Committee of the Emirates NBD Real Estate Fund.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder, US. He is also a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, an executive education program conducted in affiliation with Cranfield University, UK, IMD and INSEAD.

 

MR. ADNAN KAZIM

Director

Adnan Kazim was appointed Divisional Senior Vice President Strategic Planning, Revenue Optimisation & Aeropolitical Affairs in October 2015.

He joined Emirates in 1992 as a Management Trainee and worked in different EK departments including ground handling agent Dnata and successfully leading the airline’s commercial operations in several major markets: U.A.E., Pakistan, East Africa and stations in Europe growing it from strength to strength over the years.

The Emirates Strategic Planning, Revenue Optimisation & Aeropolitical Affairs Dept. has a central role in devising the Emirates Airline strategy influenced by the Emirates Group corporate purpose and consists of 3 Departments: Strategic Planning & Market Research, Revenue Optimisation and Aeropolitical Affairs.  A brief summary of each unit’s core activities is provided below.

Strategic Planning provides a platform for strategic corporate decisions with regards to serving new markets, future investments in aircraft purchases, product enhancement and airport facilities. 

Market Research provides Emirates Group with its own in-house research capabilities. The unit functions in a consultancy capacity by providing research expertise in helping develop research plans for Emirates Group departments. 

Revenue Optimisation works to maximise revenue for the company by balancing market demand with scheduled passenger capacity, manages flights and group traffic, disseminates flight forecasts to various departments across the company and works towards optimising Emirates’ network revenue. 

This department also manages a number of strategic level partnerships, contract evaluation, financial due diligence, operational overview and relationship management relating to the codeshare partnerships.

Aeropolitical Affairs represents Emirates in government negotiations and air services talks, and is also the link to the various aviation trade bodies of which Emirates is a member.

BADER SAEED HAREB

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Bader Saeed Hareb, Chief Executive Officer – Development, joined the company in August 2017.

Previously, Mr. Hareb served as Executive Director – Development. In a span of a year, Mr. Hareb’s streak of successes has exalted his rank to Chief Executive Officer to spearhead Emaar Development’s future growth and success.

Prior to his appointment at Emaar, Mr. Hareb was the Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Healthcare City, leading strategy and sustainable growth of the free zone. In his career, Bader held senior positions in reputable organizations within the real estate industry. He was Chief Property Officer at Majid Al Futtaim Properties, leading the way in large-scale investment projects in the MENA region and concurrently serving as Vice-Chairman at Sharjah Holding and The Wave, Muscat.

Mr. Hareb also served as Managing Director at Nakheel where he strategized and managed several projects and was instrumental as a member of the team that steered the real estate developer through a period of significant financial restructuring. At the beginning of his career, he handled projects at Mobily in Saudi Arabia and Etisalat. In addition, he has held board positions at Enshaa, Dubai, and Dubai Healthcare City Authority.

A native of Dubai, Mr. Hareb holds Executive Master of Business Administration from the American University of Sharjah and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering from United Arab Emirates University. He is a graduate of Dubai Leadership Program through The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

SUNIL GROVER

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Mr. Sunil Grover is the Chief Financial Officer of Emaar Development; he joined the company in March 2000.

Mr. Grover has over 20 years of experience in finance, accounting, budgeting, planning and reporting, and has worked as Senior Director – Finance at Emaar earlier.

He is a Certified Public Accountant from American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and a certified Company Secretary from Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI).

Mr. Grover holds a Bachelor of Commerce from the University of Delhi in India.

 

MILOSHA MASCARENHAS

SENIOR DIRECTOR, DESIGN

Architect by background, Milosha Mascarenhas is the Senior Director of Design – Emaar Development.

With over a decade of experience in designing and overseeing large-scale mixed-use projects in the UAE and Oman, she joined Emaar in February 2015 as an Architect at the Chairman’s Office, responsible for managing projects and developments, mall operations & leasing, hospitality operations, customer care and marketing at the Chairman’s office. Subsequently, she was promoted as Project Manager, and now as Senior Director of Design. In her current role, she oversees the master-planning and design of mixed-use mega-developments as well as residential, hospitality and malls projects under Emaar.

Soon after graduation, Milosha started her career in Dubai with Woods Bagot, where she worked on the design of several large-scale mixed-use projects. She then joined RSP working on the front-end of design as well as assisting in Business Development and Marketing. She also led a team of consultants and designers on a large specialised project. 

Over the years, Milosha has worked on several landmark ventures as Senior Architect, Project Coordinator and Design Architect with proven strength in mixed-use developments as well as hospitality, healthcare and educational projects. 

Milosha has a Bachelor of Architecture from Goa University, India, and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification from the US Green Building Council.

 

WALID KARAM

LEGAL COUNSEL

Walid joined Emaar Properties in April 2007 bringing over 26 years of experience in international & corporate law and in litigation.

In his current role, Walid serves as legal counsel for the Company’s operations and businesses in Dubai and overseas, providing professional legal advice to the business. He leads commercial negotiations, contracts and Company litigation matters.

Walid is a member of the Beirut Bar Association since 1991. He is a fellow in the International Bar Association and the Association of Corporate Counsel (ELI).

Walid holds LLB from Saint Joseph University (USJ) in Beirut, Lebanon.

 

FADI EL BORNO

GENERAL MANAGER, JOINT VENTURES

With extensive experience in supporting Emaar’s international project development portfolio, Fadi El Borno was appointed as General Manager, Joint Ventures at Emaar Properties in 2016.

In his new role, Fadi is responsible for the end-to-end management and execution of Emaar’s joint venture projects with Dubai World Central (DWC) and Dubai World Trade Center (DWTC). 

Fadi will work closely with various departments including development and projects, sales & marketing and finance to successfully deliver project completion and profitability against set targets.

Fadi joined Emaar in 2004, and was most recently the Managing Director of Emaar Middle East in Saudi Arabia. 

Fadi has hands-on experience in master-planning, strategic planning, business development and partner relationships. He played an instrumental role in developing the concept of King Abdullah Economic City, one of the largest real estate developments in the region by Emaar, The Economic City. 

He also worked for two years with several consultants on the Emaar Group strategy, which was later approved by the Board of Directors.

OMAR GHALIB BUSTAMI

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, DEVELOPMENT

Mr. Omar Ghalib Bustami, Executive Director – Development, joined the company in July 2017.

In his role, Mr. Bustami heads the iconic Dubai Creek Harbour development in addition to leading Emaar’s multiple projects teams comprised of Development, Project Management, Project Controls and Commercial Management which work across the entire master plan.

Prior to joining Emaar, he held senior positions in reputable organisations such as Meraas Holding, where he was instrumental in leading and delivering numerous key projects which enhanced the Retail and Leisure & Entertainment landscape of Dubai, as well as Nakheel and Istithmar under the Dubai World umbrella of companies where he led development projects both in Dubai and Singapore.  At the onset of his career, he worked with WS Atkins Consultants Ltd both in Dubai and in the Head Office in the UK working in the fields of Project Management and Design.

Omar holds a Masters in Engineering Degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Leeds, UK and is also a graduate of the Dubai Leadership Programme held through the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.  He is also a member of and holds the APMP Certification from the Association for Project Management, UK and is fluent in three languages, namely Arabic, English and French.

 

MR. FAWAZ SOUS

HEAD OF SALES, EMAAR DEVELOPMENT

An experienced sales and marketing management professional with over 14 years in the property sector, Fawaz Sous joined as Head of Sales – Emaar Development in June 2018. He is responsible for driving the sales functions of the company and its iconic new destinations.

His strong areas are new market entry, land acquisition, sales management, and property development, and has managed large teams maximizing the impact of both direct and indirect sales channels.

Previously, he was Senior Vice President – Sales of Damac Properties, heading residential, hotel, hotel apartments and commercial. He was also the Head of Department of the Brokers Development Team where he created broker business units and driven broker’s loyalty programmes.

He has managed sales of property in several international markets including UK, Saudi Arabia and Lebanon, serving as the company’s Country Head in these markets. He also worked as Vice President – Sales & Business Development and as Senior Director of Sales.

He has also Mr. Sous has a Diploma in Business Studies from Toronto School of Business, Canada, and a Diploma in Business Foundation from Bellerbys College, Brighton, UK.