Speakers of the 9th edition (2024)

Decades ago, Khalaf Al Habtoor had a dream. Hailing from humble beginnings, he said, “As a young boy, my greatest ambition was to one day own my own shop.” His deep-seated ambition and drive to grow with the UAE took Al Habtoor from strength to strength as he built a thriving business conglomerate out of a small engineering firm started in 1970.

The business took off with the UAE Federation’s formation in 1971. The company later became Al Habtoor Group, ranking among the most successful family-owned ones in the Gulf region, with interests in the hospitality, automotive, vehicle leasing, real estate and education sectors, and employing thousands of people in the UAE and abroad.

In the words of Khalaf Al Habtoor, “I’m grateful that my Group’s companies — construction, automotive, hotels and schools — were given the opportunity to contribute towards UAE’s phenomenal growth.”

A self-made man, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor is a prominent and highly respected citizen of the UAE. The outstanding economic pioneer is also a genuine patriot, renowned for his business acumen, expertise and philanthropy. In creating the group, he has shown remarkable loyalty to the leaders and citizens of this country and contributed to the growth of the UAE.

Vocal and involved in the world around him, Chairman Al Habtoor is also renowned for his extensive knowledge of international affairs, philanthropic activities, promotion of peace, and for being an unofficial ambassador of the UAE abroad. Well versed in both local and international politics, he regularly writes in the media and has released a number of books (see his writings at www.khalafalhabtoor.net)

His Excellency Sheikh Nahyan bin Mubarak Al Nahyan, UAE’s Minister of Tolerance, once said, “Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor stands in the first row of economists and businessmen, among those Emiratis who make us proud because they devotedly work for the development of their homeland in all areas.”

Known for his optimistic outlook and warm personality, Al Habtoor is considered a well-balanced and progressive man with a modern outlook befitting the UAE’s own. He is also a devoted family man who loves meeting new people, learning new things, spending time with

Current Positions Held by Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor:

• Founding Chairman — Al Habtoor Group
• Founding Chairman — Dubai National Insurance and Reinsurance Company
• Vice Chairman — Al Jalila Foundation Board of Trustees

Former Positions Held by Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor:

• Member of the Federal National Council
• Member of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry
• Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Dubai
• Member of The John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University
• Only non-US member of The World Board of Governors of the American United Services Organization (USO) (1994 – 1997)
• Vice President of the Security Council - Al Jalila Foundation