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Billionaire Profile
Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair & family
Global Rank
#789

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair & family

CEO, Mashreqbank
AE
Real-Time Net Worth
$4.6B
As of December 2025
Age
96
Source
Diversified
Industry
Diversified
Citizenship
AE

Biography

Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair, a prominent Emirati businessman and philanthropist, is a key figure in the UAE's economic landscape. Born around 1930, he is the founder of Mashreqbank, a leading financial institution in the UAE. His wealth source is diversified, with interests in food, construction, and real estate. His career began in the 1960s, shaping the nation's future through strategic investments. Al Ghurair's achievements include founding Mashreqbank in 1967, which became one of the most respected financial institutions in the region. He also played a pivotal role in launching Oman Insurance. His commitment to philanthropy is demonstrated by the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, established in 2015. He has significantly contributed to the UAE's infrastructure, including the Dubai Metro and Burj Khalifa's exterior cladding. With a net worth of $4.6 billion as of April 2025, he is one of the wealthiest individuals in the world.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Abdulla bin Ahmad Al Ghurair was born around 1930 into a prominent Emirati business family involved in the pearl diving trade since the early 20th century. His brother, Saif Ahmad Al Ghurair, was also a billionaire and headed the Al Ghurair Group. Growing up in this entrepreneurial environment, Abdulla was destined for a significant role in the UAE's economic development.

Rise to Success

Al Ghurair's career took off in the 1960s when the UAE was on the cusp of transforming into a global hub for commerce and finance. He saw opportunities to invest in industries that would shape the nation's future. His most notable achievement was founding Mashreqbank in 1967, one of the oldest banking institutions in the Middle East. He also played a significant role in the launch of Oman Insurance in 1975, later rebranded as Sukoon. Al Ghurair's construction company contributed to major infrastructure projects, including the Dubai Metro and the exterior cladding of the Burj Khalifa. In the 1990s, the Al Ghurair Group split into two complementary companies: Al Ghurair Investment, led by Abdulla, and the Al Ghurair Group.

Key Business Strategies

A key strategy was identifying and investing in crucial sectors for the UAE's growth. The establishment of Mashreqbank provided modern banking services to a rapidly expanding population. Furthermore, his construction company's involvement in major projects such as the Dubai Metro and Burj Khalifa was instrumental in shaping the physical and financial landscape of the UAE. His holding company has interests in food, construction, and real estate.

Philanthropy

Abdulla Al Ghurair is a dedicated philanthropist. He built several schools in the 1960s. In 2015, he established the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGF) to provide educational opportunities to Arab youth. In 2021, AGF launched the Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning. He pledged one-third of his group's assets to the foundation. He was appointed the first Goodwill Ambassador for Education in the Arab world in 2016.

Career Milestones

1967

Founded Mashreqbank

Established Mashreqbank, one of the oldest banking institutions in the Middle East, which became a leading financial institution in the UAE.

1975

Launched Oman Insurance

Played a key role in launching Oman Insurance, later rebranded as Sukoon.

2015

Founded the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education

Established a foundation dedicated to providing educational opportunities to Arab youth.

2016

Appointed Goodwill Ambassador

Appointed the first Goodwill Ambassador for Education in the Arab world by the Arab League Educational, Cultural and Scientific Organization (ALECSO).

2019

Stepped Down as Chairman of Mashreqbank

Stepped down as chairman but remained on the board.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education (AGF)

$1.1B

Provides educational opportunities and skills training to Emirati and Arab youth, including scholarships and digital learning programs.

Education

Abdulla Al Ghurair Hub for Digital Teaching and Learning

Unknown

Launched in partnership with the American University of Beirut to enhance access to online education for Arab students.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"“To me, education is the true enabler of Arab youth and the backbone for their social and economic development.”"

""Seeking an education is not only about personal achievement, it is our civic and religious responsibility as Arabs and Muslims. I hope this Foundation will help deserving young Arabs fulfil their education quest and that they in turn will help others.""

Leadership Principles

Visionary Leadership

Demonstrates a commitment to innovation and strategic foresight, shaping the UAE's financial and infrastructure landscape.

Philanthropy

Dedication to community welfare and empowering future generations through educational initiatives.

Resilience

His ability to adapt and thrive in a changing economic landscape.