Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Founding Chairman, Al Habtoor Group opened a permanent exhibition of his life on Monday 27 November 2017 at a state-of-the-art facility located within the Al Habtoor Group head office.
Fifty prominent Emiratis were invited to the inauguration of the private exhibit called, ‘Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor’s Life Journey’. Guests were taken on a high-tech tour which awakened their senses through innovative technology with audio, visual, touch and smell to reveal the different aspects of Al Habtoor’s personality.
‘The Boy from Shindagah’, which features a mock-up of a barasti hut, uncovered Al Habtoor’s early years living in a barasti in Al Shindagah with his family. Visitors’ got to take a step into the past with advanced technology embedded within the installation. They got to experience first-hand what it would have been like to live during the time of Al Habtoor’s humble beginnings.
‘The Emirati’ represents the deep-rooted culture and traditions that Al Habtoor holds dear. He is a proud Emirati who pays tribute to his ancestors, and UAE leader, the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the main driving force behind the formation of the United Arab Emirates, and the late Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the founding father of modern Dubai, who had a lasting influence on Al Habtoor’s life.
‘The Family Man’ provides insight to Al Habtoor’s family life and showcases some of the Al Habtoor family’s personal belongings dating back to the early 1900s. “I always say my family is my oxygen,” says Al Habtoor. “They are the reason why I work so hard.”
‘The Businessman’ showcases Al Habtoor’s business achievements. It shows his journey from the start of his career as the head of the small engineering company, Al Habtoor Engineering, which he created in 1970, to the diverse Al Habtoor Group conglomerate he heads today with business interests spanning eight countries across Europe, the Middle East and the United States.
‘The Advocate’ details articles and speeches given by Al Habtoor both in the UAE and internationally, including keynote addresses at high-profile conference in Washington DC, New York and Budapest.
‘The Philanthropist’ highlights charitable initiatives carried out by Al Habtoor, his Foundation and his Group including the launch of Pathways to Peace in the United States alongside former US President Jimmy Carter. It also features his plan to alleviate global poverty, as well as local and regional initiatives.
‘The Sportsman’ brings together Al Habtoor’s sporting life, including his love for tennis and his contribution to the development of polo in the UAE.
The central hub, called ‘The Heart & Soul’ brings together all the aspects of Al Habtoor’s life in a state-of-the-art, high-tech central brain of the exhibit.
Al Habtoor said, “There are certain aspects of my life that are publically known, particularly when it comes to business, philanthropy and advocacy. This exhibition reveals insight to many other important aspects of my life and shows my journey from the early days.” He added, “I hope visitors will gain inspiration from this exhibition, and learn something valuable from it.”