AI
Saudi Arabia
UAE
Egypt
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair
Jobs
Date of birth
Nov 12, 1954
Nationality
Place of birth
Dubai , United Arab Emirates
Constellation
Biography
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is a prominent Emirati businessman, renowned as Chairman of Mashreq Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in the UAE. Under his leadership since 1990, Mashreq became the first Arab bank to introduce ATM and credit card services, seamlessly merging traditional banking expertise with modern innovations.
Al Ghurair also notably served as Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council from 2007 to 2011, a testament to his respected status within both business and governmental arenas. His diversified investments span multiple sectors, including food products, cement manufacturing, real estate, publishing, and education through “Al Ghurair Education,” a major initiative aimed at empowering Arab youth.
In 2012, Forbes placed him as the world’s 401st wealthiest individual, emphasizing his financial global influence. Today, Al Ghurair continues to spearhead vast international ventures, particularly in North African countries, demonstrating his keen insight into emerging markets and robust economic opportunities.
He owns substantial investments, especially in Libya’s oil sector, and consistently ranks among the world’s wealthiest business leaders.
## SEO Title
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Biography: Achievements, Investments & More
## Meta Description
Discover Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair’s inspiring journey from chairman of Mashreq Bank to global philanthropist, highlighting career successes, investments, and personal insights.
Read more
Early Life
Born in Dubai in 1954, Abdul Aziz is the son of Abdullah Al Ghurair, a celebrated billionaire who founded Mashreq Bank alongside his brother, Majid Al Ghurair. Growing up amid Dubai’s rapid economic growth, Abdul Aziz sought higher education in the United States, earning an industrial engineering degree with honors from California State University.
His early exposure to his family’s entrepreneurial legacy coupled with strong academic foundations cemented his ambition to lead and innovate. In 1977, shortly after returning from the United States, he officially joined Mashreq Bank and swiftly advanced through its ranks.
The Personal Life
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair is married and has two daughters and four sons named Saud, Mansour, Abdullah, and Ahmed. Deeply committed to philanthropy, he actively supports numerous charitable and developmental initiatives worldwide, including those organized by UNESCO, UNICEF, and specialized charities for individuals with special needs. He comes from a Muslim family with longstanding traditions deeply rooted in philanthropy.
Quick Facts
- Ranked among Forbes’ richest individuals multiple times.
- Actively invests across diversified sectors from foodstuffs to education.
- Owns major food processing facilities, including the Middle East’s second-largest flour milling operations.
- Heads the Arab Business Angels Network, stimulating investment in emerging Arab startups.
Famous Quotes عبد العزيز الغرير
- “Opportunities exist for entrepreneurs in any economic environment. You must remain alert, seize chances as they appear, and work diligently with passion to fulfill your dreams.”
- “The Arab region is abundant in opportunities. We have endless examples of individuals who established thriving businesses through sheer hard work.”
Achievements
- Successfully guided Mashreq Bank through challenging financial periods, introducing pioneering financial services and positioning the bank as a pivotal player in the MENA region.
- Served prominently as Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council between 2007–2011.
- Launched “Al Ghurair Education,” empowering youth education across Arab nations.
- Presides over “Al Ghurair Investment Group,” a diversified conglomerate characterized by robust involvement across real estate, construction, retail, energy, manufacturing, and education sectors.
- Chairs established UAE firms like Masafi, Oman Insurance, and RAK Petroleum, contributing significantly to the national economy.
Other
With a perceptive eye for lucrative markets, Al Ghurair’s recent interests notably focus on North African investments, particularly in Libya’s oil infrastructure, where he controls substantial market shares. He maintains influential seats across several prestigious institutions, including Emaar Properties, Dubai Investments, Visa International, and MasterCard, effectively accentuating the UAE’s global business presence.
Last updated