Founder and Chairman of Al Habtoor Group of Companies
'The best way to predict the future is to create it' - Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor
Khalaf Al Habtoor, the Chairman of Al Habtoor Group of Companies, is a prominent and highly respected citizen of the United Arab Emirates with extensive influence throughout the business community and among members of the ruling family.
Khalaf Al Habtoor began his career as an employee in a local construction firm, and in May 1970 established his own company - Al Habtoor Engineering, which is now the foundation of today's Al Habtoor Group.
The formation of the Federation, uniting for the first time seven emirates of the Arabian Peninsula into one nation, inspired Khalaf Al Habtoor to undertake turnkey construction projects throughout the new country and his new company was one of the first to be founded under the new red, white and green flag of the new nation.
Al Habtoor Group has grown with the UAE, and while best known for construction, it is now internationally recognized through hotels, real estate, education, insurance, automobile dealership and publishing. It is one of the UAE's most respected and successful business corporations that employs more than 40,000 people and also operate in the UAE and internationally.
Today the Habtoor Leighton Group (HLG) is one of the leading diversified international contractors in the Middle East and North Africa. It employs more than 25,000 people, making it one of the largest construction groups in the region. The Group's strength is its ability to develop innovative, practical solutions for its clients. The Group also operates a diverse range of complementary Associated Businesses that enable it to offer clients a one-stop solution for all their construction, development and asset management needs. HLG has an extensive track record in the successful delivery of large-scale projects across the region. For more than 40 years it has built a strong and loyal client base across both the public and private sectors. The Group focuses on five core market sectors namely infrastructure, building, rail, oil and gas and mining.
Past and Present Positions Held
Being in a position to positively enhance the lives of the less fortunate is not only a privilege, but, as God says in the Holy Qur'an: "and whatever good you put forward for yourselves, you will find it with Allah, it is better and greater in reward" [Surat Al-Muzammil : 20]
'With great wealth comes social responsibility' - Khalaf Al Habtoor, October 2010
Khalaf Al Habtoor's former positions;
As a former member of the Federal National Council.
He is a former member of the Board of Directors of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
He is a former Chairman of the Commercial Bank of Dubai.
Khalaf Al Habtoor is also a former member of Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
From 1994 to 1997, he was the only non-US member of the World Board of Governors of the American United Services Organization (USO), but resigned in protest over America's Middle East Policy.
Khalaf Al Habtoor's current positions;
Chairman of Al Habtoor Group.
Chairman of Dubai National Insurance & Reinsurance Company.
Mr Al Habtoor is a member of the Dubai Economic Council, formed in March 2003.
Khalaf Al Habtoor was given honorary membership of the Arab American Medical Association in recognition of his contribution to the establishment of the Arab Cultural Awards by the AAMA. Mr Al Habtoor was presented with a special certificate of appreciation at their first award ceremony held in Houston, Texas in 1998.
Awards and Achievements
'Ignorance can often translate to evil. Knowedge is power' - Khalaf Al Habtoor at the event marking the 40th anniversary of Al Habtoor Group, April 2010
Khalaf Al Habtoor has been awarded with...
Mr Al Habtoor was honoured with a Knighthood from the President of Lebanon in 1995.
In April 2004, Mr Al Habtoor accepted an invitation from the American Biographical Institute to become a Grand Ambassador of Eminence, because of his vast accomplishments within his profession and his contribution to the UAE.
The A.B.I. has also included Mr Al Habtoor in its prestigious volume "Leading Intellectuals of the World", where he joins an elite group of men and women, who are dedicated to societal improvements through an understanding and commitment to humanity.
In 2006, the A.B.I. has named Mr Al Habtoor as Genius Laureate of the UAE for distinguished progression and mastery in the field of accomplished leadership as recorded in the "500 greatest genius' of the 21st century".
In October 2007, the A.B.I. has awarded Mr Al Habtoor with Gold Laurels for his triumphant deeds based on excellence on numerous achievements in the field of accomplished leadership.
In July 2005, Mr Al Habtoor was presented with an Honorary Doctorate degree in Humane Letters by the American University College of Science & Technology in Beirut in July 2005.
Mr Al Habtoor was awarded the prestigious International Peace Prize by the United Cultural Convention of America, recognizing his achievement for peace and justice across political, religious and ethnic divisions.
'With wealth comes responsibility. I have been fortunate in that respect and now I feel it is time to give back... Putting back, or giving, should be without any discrimination based on nationality, race, sex. Religious beliefs, class or political opinions' - Khalaf Al Habtoor at the event marking the 40th anniversary of Al Habtoor Group, April 2010
In gratitude for his sincerity and dedication in supporting its noble cause, Mr Al Habtoor received a gold medal from the Red Crescent Society of the UAE. He also has received appreciation awards from the International Indigent Orphan Relief Organization, the Palestinian Children's relief Fund, the Al Ain Centre for Handicapped Children and the Rashid Paediatric Therapy centre.
In appreciation of Mr Al Habtoor's pioneering spirit & achievements, His Highness Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al Khalifa presented to Mr Al Habtoor the Gulf Excellence Award of the United Arab Emirates during the Gulf Excellence Forum held in the Kingdom of Bahrain in February 2005.
In April 2007, Mr Al Habtoor was honoured by members of the British Parliament for his efforts towards building bridges between the Arab World and the West. The World Forum award was presented to Mr Al Habtoor by four British MPs who were in Dubai to speak at an event held on peace-building and fostering cultural understanding, which was organized by the world forum.
In December 2007 Mr Al Habtoor was named Businessman of the Year at the 2007 Arabian Business Achievement Awards in Abu Dhabi. These awards were in their 8th year & are considered the most prestigious awards in the region. The winners are selected by an independent jury of business leaders.
In December 2009, Khalaf Al Habtoor was awarded the Sharjah voluntary work award for the 7th ceremony 2009 by His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi, member of supreme council of the UAE & the Ruler of Sharjah.
In February 2010, The American University of Cairo honoured Khalaf Al Habtoor for his continuous support as a generous benefactor to the university. Mr Al Habtoor donated funds to help enable them to build the 'Khalaf Ahmed Al Habtoor Football Stadium and track'.
In May 2010, Illinois College bestowed on Mr Al Habtoor an Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters from Illinois College for his continuous support of the institution. Khalaf Al Habtoor is a fervent supporter of education and has donated towards the leadership centre. Mr. Al Habtoor was also inducted as honorary member of the Phi Alpha Literary Society, a sorority which counts among its members the 16th American President Abraham Lincoln and Congressman Paul Findley.
In October 2010, Mr Al Habtoor was awarded the Outstanding Business Leadership Award by the All-Party Group on Entrepreneurship and the British Institute of Technology and E-commerce at the World High Tech Forum held at the Science Museum in London. The Outstanding Business Leadership Award is granted to individuals who demonstrate exceptional leadership qualities, acumen and vision.
'There is no limit to how long we can continue to improve, to grow and to be profitable... The sky is the limit' - Khalaf Al Habtoor at the event marking the 35th anniversary of Al Habtoor Group
It has been Mr Al Habtoor's ability to look ahead and see opportunities and to face new challenges that has enabled the Al Habtoor Group to grow and diversify. Well respected by his associates, Mr Al Habtoor is a progressive man, who is an interested and active member of his society and feels it is his civic duty to contribute to his country in any way he can. Mr Al Habtoor is a keen tennis player and enjoys walking.