About Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor is a prominent and highly respected citizen of the United Arab Emirates. A self-made man, he is Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group – one of the most successful conglomerates in the Gulf. Al Habtoor began his career as an employee of a local UAE construction firm and in 1970 established his own company, Al Habtoor Engineering. The UAE Federation, which united the seven emirates under one flag for the first time, was founded in 1971 and this inspired him to undertake a series of innovative construction projects – all of which proved highly successful. The company later became the Al Habtoor Group and for over 45 years it has grown with the United Arab Emirates. Today, it is recognised as one of the most prominent business corporations in the region with interests not just throughout the Middle East, but around the world. What started out as a small engineering firm in 1970, is today one of the region’s largest and most respected conglomerates with interests in the hospitality, automotive, car leasing, real estate, education and publishing sectors. The Group employs thousands of people and continues to grow. Al Habtoor is known not only for his many business achievements but also his extensive knowledge of international political affairs; his philanthropic activities; his efforts to promote peace; and the fact that he has long acted as an unofficial ambassador for his country abroad. Writing extensively on both local and international politics, he publishes regular articles in the media and has released a number of books. Khalaf Al Habtoor’s long list of awards and achievements does not only reflect his business acumen. He believes it is his strength in the face of adversity; his willingness to take calculated risks; and the fact that he is always looking ahead, that has enabled the Al Habtoor Group to grow and diversify. Firm Profile The Al Habtoor Group has grown with the United Arab Emirates. What started out as a small engineering firm in 1970, is today one of the region’s largest andmost respected conglomerates with interests in the hospitality, automotive, car leasing, real estate, education and publishing sectors. The Al Habtoor Group has earned itself a solid reputation both locally and internationally due to the vision of its Chairman, Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor. Just as the name of the UAE has become synonymous with trade and enterprise all over the world, the name of the Al Habtoor Group has become synonymous with dynamic growth, evidenced by its commitment to develop and grow businesses in multiple sectors. It proudly waves the UAE flag in many cities around the globe including London, Vienna, Budapest, Beirut and Springfield, Illinois. The Group’s hospitality division, Habtoor Hospitality, oversees seven domestic hotels and seven international properties. The Dubai-based hotels include the Al Habtoor City Hotel Collection (Habtoor Palace, LXR Hotels & Resorts, V Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton and Hilton Dubai Al Habtoor City), Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah; Habtoor Grand Resort; Metropolitan Hotel Dubai and the Al Habtoor Polo Resort in Dubailand. International properties include The Ritz-Carlton Budapest, InterContinental Budapest, Hilton LondonWembley, Hotel Imperial Vienna, President Abraham Lincoln Springfield – A DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Hilton Beirut Habtoor Grand and Hilton Beirut Metropolitan Palace. Al Habtoor Motors’ brand portfolio includes Mitsubishi, JAC and Chery as well as premium marques such McLaren, Bugatti and Bentley. Diamondlease specializes in short-term and longterm leasing of popular brands ranging from small to mid-sized saloons to pick-up trucks and buses. The Group’s real estate division includes a variety of commercial and residential properties from office space to luxury villas. It includes Al Habtoor City’s Residence Collection, currently under development. The upmarket lifestyle destination embodies exclusivity and style. CEO Today Mi dd l e Ea s t Award s 2022 - UAE - - 83 -
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