Latest news with #AbdullaAlFuttaim
Mid East Info
07-05-2025
- Automotive
- Mid East Info
Al-Futtaim Celebrates 70+ Years of Contributing to UAE-Japan Relations - Middle East Business News and Information
Al-Futtaim has been a key player in the UAE-Japan economic partnership for 70+ years, bringing Japanese excellence in automotive, technology, and lifestyle to its customers Iconic brands including Toyota, Lexus, Seiko, Panasonic and Toshiba are exclusively represented by Al-Futtaim across the Middle East Al-Futtaim is participating at the UAE Pavilion in Expo 2025 in Osaka, highlighting the role of collaboration and partnerships in advancing sustainability and innovation Dubai, United Arab Emirates; May , 2025: Al-Futtaim, one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, is proud to celebrate over 70 years of successful partnerships with Japan and its globally iconic brands. This enduring relationship underscores Al-Futtaim's commitment to fostering international collaboration and bringing world-class products and services to the Middle East. Over the decades, Al-Futtaim has partnered with a diverse portfolio of leading Japanese brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Panasonic, Seiko, Toyota Material Handling, Toto, Hino, Toshiba, Yanmar, and Hitachi. These partnerships have been instrumental in introducing cutting-edge technologies, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service to the UAE market, contributing to the vibrant economic exchange between the two countries. 'For 70 years, the Al-Futtaim Group has been a key bridge between the UAE and Japan, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust, shared values, and common aspirations. Abdulla Al Futtaim's entrepreneurial foresight all those years ago laid the foundation for an enduring alliance that has since expanded to include a portfolio of leading Japanese brands. As the third generation of our family to lead the Group — with the fourth generation already active in the business — I am proud that our partnership with Japan has not only stood the test of time but has also helped shape the future. Our continued collaboration with leading Japanese brands reflects not only a deep commitment to excellence and innovation, but also our dedication to consistently driving progress across multiple sectors,' said Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Al-Futtaim. 'Looking ahead, we are committed to growing these relationships by forging new, innovative partnerships with Japanese companies, ensuring that our collaboration remains a cornerstone of the UAE-Japan relationship for generations to come.' 'We are honoured to welcome Mr. Omar Al Futtaim to the UAE Pavilion at EXPO OSAKA 2025. His family's legacy as the distributor of Toyota vehicles in the UAE since 1955 stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations,' remarked His Excellency Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. 'For over 70 years, private business relations between Japan and the UAE have flourished—built on mutual respect, trust, and shared vision. From pioneering companies like Toyota to other leading Japanese enterprises such as Honda, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Hitachi, these collaborations have played a vital role in strengthening the economic and cultural bonds between our countries. The UAE Pavilion proudly showcases these deep-rooted ties and celebrates a future of continued innovation and cooperation.' Al-Futtaim's commitment to Japan aligns with the UAE's own long-standing relationship with the country, which was one of the first to recognise the UAE as an independent state on 3 December 1971 and established diplomatic relations on 6 May 1972. The UAE's participation in the Osaka Expo 1970 further underscores the early connection between the two nations. The UAE is Japan's top trading partner in the Arab world in terms of exports and imports, accounting for nearly 40% of Japan's total exports to the UAE. Meanwhile, Japan is among the UAE's top 10 trading partners. The two nations have also initiated efforts to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will foster new avenues for collaboration and support the sustainable economic growth of both nations and their people. Bringing iconic brands to the Middle East: Al-Futtaim's multi-sector partnership with Japan spans automotive, lifestyle, technology, and infrastructure. Toyota remains a market leader in the UAE, and Al-Futtaim's retail partnerships have introduced Japanese excellence in fashion, electronics, and mobility to millions of customers across the region. Al-Futtaim has continually invested in sustainable mobility and advanced logistics, helping bring Japanese innovation to everyday life. 'Our 70-year partnership with Toyota reflects Al-Futtaim's enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. We deeply value this collaboration and Toyota's relentless Kaizen approach to continuous improvement, which has been central to our shared success. Together, we have established Toyota as the most successful automotive brand and a clear market leader in the UAE, delivering quality, reliability, and innovation to generations of customers. This partnership underscores Al-Futtaim's pivotal role in shaping the region's automotive landscape and driving the future of mobility,' said Paul Willis, President at Al-Futtaim Automotive. Hirokazu Yoshida, Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation, shared: 'For over 50 years, Al-Futtaim has been a trusted partner in bringing Panasonic's innovations to the Middle East. Their deep understanding of the regional market and commitment to excellence has allowed us to deliver products that enhance everyday life. Together, we've built a long-lasting relationship grounded in trust and shared values. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, driving innovation and realizing holistic wellbeing in the region for many years to come.' Akio Naito, President, Seiko Watch Corporation said: 'Seiko and Al-Futtaim share a long tradition of craftsmanship, trust, and innovation. Their dedication to excellence has helped us reach new audiences and tell our brand story in a region that appreciates precision, design, and heritage. We are proud to celebrate this 70-year journey together.' From April to October 2025, Al-Futtaim will proudly participate in the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. This engagement underscores the shared values of innovation and sustainability between the UAE and Japan, aligned with Expo 2025's theme of 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.' Al-Futtaim's role at Expo 2025 also represents a full-circle moment for the UAE's participation in World Expos hosted by Osaka, celebrating a rich legacy while looking to the future. As the region looks toward a more connected, sustainable, and tech-driven future, Al-Futtaim remains committed to being a bridge between the UAE and Japan, continuing to move nations forward—together. About Al-Futtaim: Established in the 1930s as a trading business, Al-Futtaim today is one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Structured into five operating divisions—automotive, financial services, real estate, retail, and health—Al-Futtaim employs more than 33,000 people across over 20 countries in the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. Its portfolio includes partnerships with over 200 of the world's most renowned and innovative brands. Driven by an entrepreneurial spirit and a steadfast commitment to meeting customer needs, Al-Futtaim continues to grow and evolve, aligning with the changing demands of the communities it serves. Anchored by its core values of respect, excellence, collaboration, and integrity, Al-Futtaim consistently enriches the lives and aspirations of its customers.
Al Bawaba
06-05-2025
- Automotive
- Al Bawaba
Al-Futtaim Celebrates 70+ Years of Contributing to UAE-Japan Relations
Dubai, United Arab Emirates; May 6, 2025: Al-Futtaim, one of the most diversified and progressive, privately held regional businesses headquartered in Dubai, is proud to celebrate over 70 years of successful partnerships with Japan and its globally iconic brands. This enduring relationship underscores Al-Futtaim's commitment to fostering international collaboration and bringing world-class products and services to the Middle East. Over the decades, Al-Futtaim has partnered with a diverse portfolio of leading Japanese brands, including Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Panasonic, Seiko, Toyota Material Handling, Toto, Hino, Toshiba, Yanmar, and Hitachi. These partnerships have been instrumental in introducing cutting-edge technologies, high-quality products, and exceptional customer service to the UAE market, contributing to the vibrant economic exchange between the two countries. 'For 70 years, the Al-Futtaim Group has been a key bridge between the UAE and Japan, fostering long-lasting relationships built on trust, shared values, and common aspirations. Abdulla Al Futtaim's entrepreneurial foresight all those years ago laid the foundation for an enduring alliance that has since expanded to include a portfolio of leading Japanese brands. As the third generation of our family to lead the Group — with the fourth generation already active in the business — I am proud that our partnership with Japan has not only stood the test of time but has also helped shape the future. Our continued collaboration with leading Japanese brands reflects not only a deep commitment to excellence and innovation, but also our dedication to consistently driving progress across multiple sectors,' said Omar Al Futtaim, Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Al-Futtaim. 'Looking ahead, we are committed to growing these relationships by forging new, innovative partnerships with Japanese companies, ensuring that our collaboration remains a cornerstone of the UAE-Japan relationship for generations to come.' 'We are honoured to welcome Mr. Omar Al Futtaim to the UAE Pavilion at EXPO OSAKA 2025. His family's legacy as the distributor of Toyota vehicles in the UAE since 1955 stands as a testament to the enduring partnership between our nations,' remarked His Excellency Shihab Al Faheem, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Arab Emirates to Japan and Commissioner General of the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. 'For over 70 years, private business relations between Japan and the UAE have flourished—built on mutual respect, trust, and shared vision. From pioneering companies like Toyota to other leading Japanese enterprises such as Honda, Mitsubishi, Sumitomo, and Hitachi, these collaborations have played a vital role in strengthening the economic and cultural bonds between our countries. The UAE Pavilion proudly showcases these deep-rooted ties and celebrates a future of continued innovation and cooperation.' Al-Futtaim's commitment to Japan aligns with the UAE's own long-standing relationship with the country, which was one of the first to recognise the UAE as an independent state on 3 December 1971 and established diplomatic relations on 6 May 1972. The UAE's participation in the Osaka Expo 1970 further underscores the early connection between the two nations. The UAE is Japan's top trading partner in the Arab world in terms of exports and imports, accounting for nearly 40% of Japan's total exports to the UAE. Meanwhile, Japan is among the UAE's top 10 trading partners. The two nations have also initiated efforts to establish a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which will foster new avenues for collaboration and support the sustainable economic growth of both nations and their people. Bringing iconic brands to the Middle East Al-Futtaim's multi-sector partnership with Japan spans automotive, lifestyle, technology, and infrastructure. Toyota remains a market leader in the UAE, and Al-Futtaim's retail partnerships have introduced Japanese excellence in fashion, electronics, and mobility to millions of customers across the region. Al-Futtaim has continually invested in sustainable mobility and advanced logistics, helping bring Japanese innovation to everyday life. "Our 70-year partnership with Toyota reflects Al-Futtaim's enduring commitment to excellence and innovation in the automotive industry. We deeply value this collaboration and Toyota's relentless Kaizen approach to continuous improvement, which has been central to our shared success. Together, we have established Toyota as the most successful automotive brand and a clear market leader in the UAE, delivering quality, reliability, and innovation to generations of customers. This partnership underscores Al-Futtaim's pivotal role in shaping the region's automotive landscape and driving the future of mobility,' said Paul Willis, President at Al-Futtaim Automotive. Hirokazu Yoshida, Executive Officer, Panasonic Corporation, shared: 'For over 50 years, Al-Futtaim has been a trusted partner in bringing Panasonic's innovations to the Middle East. Their deep understanding of the regional market and commitment to excellence has allowed us to deliver products that enhance everyday life. Together, we've built a long-lasting relationship grounded in trust and shared values. We look forward to continuing this collaboration, driving innovation and realizing holistic wellbeing in the region for many years to come.' Akio Naito, President, Seiko Watch Corporation said: 'Seiko and Al-Futtaim share a long tradition of craftsmanship, trust, and innovation. Their dedication to excellence has helped us reach new audiences and tell our brand story in a region that appreciates precision, design, and heritage. We are proud to celebrate this 70-year journey together.' From April to October 2025, Al-Futtaim will proudly participate in the UAE Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka. This engagement underscores the shared values of innovation and sustainability between the UAE and Japan, aligned with Expo 2025's theme of 'Designing Future Society for Our Lives.' Al-Futtaim's role at Expo 2025 also represents a full-circle moment for the UAE's participation in World Expos hosted by Osaka, celebrating a rich legacy while looking to the future. As the region looks toward a more connected, sustainable, and tech-driven future, Al-Futtaim remains committed to being a bridge between the UAE and Japan, continuing to move nations forward—together.
Arabian Business
26-03-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Dubai 100: The names, trends, and sectors shaping the city's future
Every year, the Dubai 100 tells a story. It's not just a ranked list of influence – it's a map of where power sits in the UAE, where it's shifting, and who's about to reshape the future. Some names are expected, almost perennial. Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar, once again leads the ranking. His real estate empire still dominates the skyline – and the headlines. But what's just as telling as who's on top is who's new to the conversation. Two-thirds of this year's names didn't appear in 2024. That's not a shuffle. It's a tectonic shift. And if you read the list closely – if you look past the rankings and into the sectors, the trajectories, the job titles – it reveals a deeper narrative: Dubai's centre of gravity is moving. From finance to tech. From boardrooms to creator platforms. From established CEOs to public-sector visionaries. Power in Dubai isn't vanishing. It's multiplying – and migrating. A new set of power brokers Some of the new names carry legacy weight. Abdulla Al Futtaim, who helms one of the most powerful conglomerates in the region, debuts this year at #4. His family's reach spans retail, real estate, and automotive sectors foundational to the emirate's economy. Others represent a new kind of influence: cultural, digital, and public-facing. Balqees Fathi, an Emirati-Yemeni singer and businesswoman, enters the top 10. So does Anas Bukhash, the media entrepreneur and host of the hit interview show ABtalks. These aren't just personalities; they're builders – of audiences, of brand ecosystems, of soft power. The list also welcomes Tomaso Rodriguez, the CEO of Talabat, and Magnus Olsson, co-founder of Careem. Together, they represent the growing weight of platform-based businesses – companies that sit at the intersection of logistics, data, and urban life. And then there's Samia Bouazza, the force behind Multiply Group, which in many ways is emblematic of a rising investment class: diversified, data-driven, and not tied to a single sector. This isn't just about fresh names. It's about new archetypes of leadership. The sectors that are rising If you compare this year's list to 2024's, one sector stands out in its ascent: the public sector. In 2024, it was rare to find government officials on the Dubai 100. In 2025, you'll find them scattered across the top 50. Helal Al Marri (Director General, Dubai's Department of Economy and Tourism). Mattar Al Tayer (Director General, RTA). Abdulla Al Karam (KHDA). These aren't bureaucrats in the conventional sense – they are policy entrepreneurs, steering some of the most ambitious transformations in urban planning, education, and economic diversification. Also rising: technology, media, and what might broadly be called the 'influence economy.' The inclusion of figures like fashion influencer Jessica Kahawaty and Rashed 'Money Kicks' Belhasa shows a growing acknowledgment of cultural capital as a form of economic power. But the big story isn't any single sector – it's the interplay. Dubai is doubling down on hybrid power: public-private collaborations, tech-retail fusions, creator-led brands. The barriers between sectors are softening, and the people atop this year's list are the ones moving between them most effectively. Who's rising – and still defining the moment Amid the remarkable turnover on this year's list, several figures stand out not just for their presence, but for their ascent. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, a long-standing titan of finance, has climbed sharply to the #2 position – a move that reflects renewed focus on financial stewardship and local investment. Shamsheer Vayalil, the healthcare magnate behind Burjeel Holdings, has also surged upward, symbolizing the increasing weight of health innovation and private sector medical infrastructure. Then there are the figures who continue to shape Dubai's narrative from positions of enduring influence: Mohamed Alabbar, whose Emaar developments remain architectural shorthand for the city itself; Hussain Sajwani of DAMAC; and Sir Tim Clark of Emirates, whose role in global aviation continues to anchor Dubai as a transit and trade hub. Their continued relevance – alongside the rise of new voices in tech, policy, and culture – is proof that influence here is earned and evolving. In Dubai, reinvention doesn't mean replacement. It means rising to meet the moment. The takeaway: Dubai's economy is telling a new story There's a temptation to read power lists as scoreboards. Who's up? Who's out? But the Dubai 100 works better as a temperature check – on what kinds of influence the city values, and on who's being given permission to lead. This year, the story is clear: power is diffusing. It's moving outward into culture, into public policy, into technology. And it's being claimed by a wider array of actors than ever before – some with family legacies, others with just a smartphone and a sharp sense of audience. Dubai has always been a city that bet on reinvention. The 2025 Dubai 100 shows us who it's betting on now. Global talent, local power One of Dubai's enduring superpowers is its ability to attract global talent. According to the Dubai Statistics Center and the World Population Review, more than 85 per cent of the city's population is expatriate – an environment that encourages cross-border entrepreneurship and international collaboration. The 2025 list reflects that magnetism: 54 of the individuals are Emiratis, while 46 are expatriates – representing a near-even split that speaks to the city's openness and multicultural leadership pipeline. These expatriates hail from across South Asia, the broader MENA region, Europe, and North America. This isn't just diversity for show; it's a foundational part of Dubai's economic engine, combining local stewardship with global fluency. The rise of next-gen leadership Generational change is another clear narrative in this year's list. At least a quarter of the 2025 Dubai 100 are under the age of 45, signalling a shift toward next-generation leadership. These rising stars are often at the intersection of disciplines – think Tomaso Rodriguez, who leads Talabat's digital logistics empire; Samia Bouazza, driving investment strategy through data at Multiply Group; and Farah Zafar, bridging law, innovation, and public policy. Their presence illustrates Dubai's appetite for boundary-crossing thinkers with both institutional fluency and entrepreneurial instinct. Big movers, bold momentum Some familiar names didn't just stay on the list – they climbed. Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair's ascent to #2 is a case in point, underpinned by Mashreq Bank's strong fintech orientation and his family's growing impact through the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education. Shamsheer Vayalil's rise reflects Burjeel Holdings' IPO success and regional healthcare expansion. Meanwhile, Kabir Mulchandani's repositioning of FIVE Hotels & Resorts into a lifestyle brand has drawn international attention, earning him a higher slot in 2025. Public-private fusion is the new normal Dubai has long talked about public-private partnerships – but in 2025, we're seeing full-blown integration. Leaders like Helal Al Marri are at the forefront of economic planning, tourism strategy, and private sector mobilisation. His leadership at the Department of Economy and Tourism has been pivotal to the city's post-pandemic recovery. The KHDA (Knowledge and Human Development Authority) under Abdulla Al Karam is working hand-in-hand with private education providers. Meanwhile, RTA's Mattar Al Tayer is helping enable smart mobility startups through regulatory sandboxes and public pilot programmes. These are not just public servants – they are ecosystem architects. Five takeaways from the 2025 Dubai 100 Power is Turning Over Rapidly. Sixty-six out of the 100 names are new to the list this year. That level of churn isn't cosmetic – it's structural. It shows how fluid and opportunity-rich Dubai's power ecosystem really is. Influence Is a Public-Private Construct. The rise of government leaders like Helal Al Marri and Mattar Al Tayer reflects the growing integration of public vision and private execution. Today's most impactful figures often operate at the intersection of both. Global Talent, Local Strength. With 54 Emiratis and 46 expatriates, the Dubai 100 is nearly a 50/50 split – proof that the city's model of global talent meets local ownership is not only alive but accelerating. Younger Voices Are Rising. At least 25 per cent of the list is under age 45. These are leaders fluent in digital, fluent in disruption, and increasingly central to the region's transformation. Industry Power is Broadening. Real estate and finance still feature prominently, but newer forces like tech, retail, media, and public policy are driving a wider distribution of influence. Leadership today isn't bound to legacy sectors – it's shaped by momentum across many of them. Taken together, these shifts reflect not just the new faces of Dubai, but the new forces shaping it. What to watch in 2026 Several undercurrents suggest what might define next year's Dubai 100. Green tech and ESG-focused investments are gaining traction as Dubai ramps up its climate commitments post-COP28. AI-powered platforms are being adopted across government and enterprise, hinting at a new crop of algorithm-age executives. And with the UAE's space ambitions accelerating – thanks to missions like the Emirates Mars Mission and the UAE Astronaut Programme – expect more representation from aerospace and advanced R&D. If 2025 was about convergence, 2026 may spotlight the vanguard.
