H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Chairman
HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan is currently the UAE's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation. Having previously served as Minister for Information and Culture, his ambitious and innovative programs to enhance the capacities of UAE media in the face of modern technological advancement are well recognized. Sheikh Abdullah previously served as the Ministry's Under secretary from 1995 to 1997. In 1999 he was appointed Chairman of the Emirates Media Incorporated.
In addition, Sheikh Abdullah is well known for his efforts to raise the UAE's profile in the regional and international sports arena. He was Chairman of the UAE Football Association from 1993 to 2001. In 2004, Sheikh Abdullah became Chairman of the General Committee of the Football Association. He is also Honorary President of Abu Dhabi Classical Music Committee.
Sheikh Abdullah holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science which he obtained from the UAE University.
H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan
Chairman
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan
Board Member/ Chair of the Executive Committee
Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan is the Project Director and Steering Committee Chairman for the Plan Capital 2030 Urban Structure Framework Plan Update that aims to optimize Abu Dhabi’s development through a program of urban evolution. As Steering Committee Chairman, Theyab has provided overall strategic direction on the project and liaised with various stakeholders to gain buy-in and assess any concerns. He also has responsibility for managing time and budget commitments and has regularly engaged with senior government agencies to ensure timely and effective delivery.
Theyab has most recently taken on the role of Project Director for the Seychelles Strategic Master Plan and is the official Abu Dhabi representative. He regularly liaises with senior government official to ensure efficient coordination and that respective needs are met and is also responsible for overseeing the project team to ensure effective project management.
Theyab is also an active Board member of Emirates Foundation, the national foundation of the UAE. The Foundation works on youth engagement and has programs across the country supporting professional and personal development. Theyab is regularly engaged with the Foundation’s outreach and acts as a mentor and coach to youth engaged in the programs.
Previous projects include the South Hudariyat Concept Plan and Mina Zayed Master Plan. He was project manager for both projects overseeing all project team members. He provided strategic direction on the Master Plan and presented the plan to the UAE leadership for approval and to incorporate feedback into the final version.
Theyab has a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems from the Florida Institute of Technology, USA.
H.H. Sheikh Theyab bin Mohamed Al Nahyan
Board Member/ Chair of the Executive Committee
H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
Board Member/ Managing Director
His Excellency Sheikh Sultan Bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan was appointed as Managing Director and board member of Emirates Foundation in January 2010.
Previously, His Excellency was chairman of the Abu Dhabi Tourism & Culture Authority (TCA Abu Dhabi) and Tourism Development and Investment Company (TDIC) for more than 10 years. H.E Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan was also Chairman of the Department of Transport until early 2016.
In his role as Chairman of TDIC, Sheikh Sultan was personally involved in the transformation of Saadiyat Island and the emergence of its new Cultural District – which will be home to the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum Abu Dhabi, and the Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Born in the United Arab Emirates in 1970, H.E. Sheikh Sultan has an undergraduate degree in architecture from the UAE University and a Masters degree in International Relations from Tufts University in Massachusetts- USA.
H.E. Sheikh Sultan bin Tahnoon Al Nahyan
Board Member/ Managing Director
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy
Board Member
In February 2016, she was appointed as Minister of State for International Cooperation. Her Excellency Reem Al Hashimy joined the Federal Government in 2008 as Minister of State and had a vital role in dealing with a number of foreign and vibrant issues of the UAE such as the UAE's bid to host the World Expo 2020 in Dubai, where she holds the position Director General and board representative on the higher committee of the EXPO 2020 Dubai, in preparations for this mega-event. ``
Since Her Excellency appointment, H.E. AlHashimy manages the International Affairs Office of the UAE Prime Minister, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Additionally, she holds responsibility within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the UAE’s bilateral relations with India, Pakistan, Sub-Saharan African countries and the Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
Her Excellency is also the chairperson of The Federal Competitiveness and Statistics Authority and a chairperson of Dubai Cares.
H.E. Reem Al Hashimy has extensive experience in international affairs and started her career as Commercial Attaché and, subsequently, went on to become Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of the United Arab Emirates in Washington, D.C. Her H.E. Al Hashimy Excellency completed her undergraduate studies at Tufts University, Massachusetts in 1999, where she earned Bachelors of Arts degrees majoring in international relations and French. H.E. Al Hashimy also holds a Master's degree from Harvard University in 2002.
Her Excellency Reem bint Ebrahim Al Hashimy
Board Member
H.E. Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazroui
Board Member
Her Excellency Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazrui, aged 22, was appointed as the UAE Minister of State for Youth Affairs in the new Cabinet, announced in February 2016. Hence, she is the youngest minister in the world. Her tasks are focused on representing youth issues and aspirations at the ministerial Council, setting development plans and strategies for improving youth capabilities, in addition to further utilizing their energy in various fields.
Earlier, H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui worked in Private Equity at one of Abu Dhabi’s sovereign wealth funds. She also previously worked as a public policy analyst at the UAE Mission to the United Nations, as a Ministry Policy Analyst with the Prime Minister’s Office, as a Research Analyst at the UAE Embassy in DC, and as an Education Policy Researcher at Tamkeen (UAE Strategic Affairs Authority).
H.E. Shamma Al Mazrui obtained her Masters of Public Policy with Distinction from the University of Oxford in 2015. She was the first UAE Rhodes Scholar and ranked within the top of her class. She completed her Bachelor’s of Arts in Economics with a concentration in Finance at New York Abu Dhabi in 2014, ranking within the top 5% of NYUAD’s class of 2014. She has completed several coursework at the research center for leadership and on multi-sector partnerships at NYU Wager Graduate School of Public Service, at NYU Stern School of Business and at Yale University.
H.E. Shamma bint Suhail bin Faris Al Mazroui
Board Member
H.E. Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair
Board Member
H.E. is also a member of the Board of Trustee in New York University.
H.E. was elected as The Speaker of the United Arab Emirates Federal National Council (UAE Parliament) for tenure of four years, which ended in February 2011. Previously, he sat on the Board of Directors of major companies such as Emaar, Dubai Investments, Visa International, MasterCard, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chairman of the Arab Business Council – World Economic Forum (WEF). He was also a member of the Constitutive Council for GCC Leaders and President of The Knowledge Fund.
His Excellency was recognized multiple times in leading platforms, such as awards, conferences and seminars, both international and local. His endeavours have earned him various local and international accolades most significantly, a five time recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards.
- Arab Banker of the Year award 2015-2016 from The Union of Arab Banks (UAB) in Rome, Italy
- Innovator of the Year Award from Gulf Business Industry Award 2014
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Gulf Business Industry Awards 2012
- Best CEO Award - CEO Middle East magazine 2008
- Lifetime Achievement Award from The Arab Bankers Association of North America (ABANA) - USA in 2008
- Best CEO Award for supporting Emiratisation initiative in UAE from the National Career Fair - Banking and Finance in 2008
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Euromoney in 2008
- Lifetime Achievement Award from Banker Middle East 2009
- Best Banking Contributing Personality Award from Banker Middle East 2011
MEED Leadership Award 2011
- Arab Banker of the Year in the Private Sector Award 2010-2011 from The Union of Arab Banks (UAB) in Rome, Italy
H.E. is a graduate in Industrial Engineering with honours from California Polytechnic State University.
H.E. Al Ghurair continues to play a pivotal role in providing substantial views to the UAE’s financial and banking industry.
H.E. Abdul Aziz Abdullah Al Ghurair
Board Member
H.E. Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi
Board Member
Graduated from the University of North Carolina in Charlotte (United States of America). In 1995, Mubarak Al Shamsi began his career with the Higher Colleges of Technology – Al Ain as Supervisor of Student Affairs and Community Relations, subsequently becoming Dean of Students’ Services & Community Relations.
In 2005, he further pursued his education, earning his Master’s Degree in Education Administration, major in Education Leadership and Management, from Queensland University of Technology (Australia).
His passion for education was to be exploited upon his return to the UAE, as he was appointed the Director General for Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC) in 2006.
In 2008, he joined the Institute of Applied Technology (IAT). His contributions have led directly to many of the successes that IAT has accomplished. Simultaneously, in 2009 he was assigned as Project Director with a mandate to establish the National Qualifications Authority (NQA).
Mubarak Al Shamsi was appointed as Deputy Director General of Abu Dhabi Center for Technical and Vocational Education and Training (ACTVET) by Amiri Decree No. (2) in 2011. In 2014 he was assigned as Director General by Amiri Decree number (81), the position he is currently holding. His belief in the future of technical education, and the need for technology to be led by young qualified Emiratis, lies at the core of ACTVET.
In addition to his role in ACTVET, Mubarak Al Shamsi holds the following Board member positions:
Member of Abu Dhabi Vocational Educational Institute Board of Directors in 2013 by Amiri Decree number (30).
Member of Zayed University Board of Directors in 2014 by the UAE Cabinet resolution.
Member of Zayed Higher Organization for Humanitarian Care & Special Needs Board of Directors in 2014 by Amiri Decree number (7).
Member of Abu Dhabi Tawteen Council Board of Directors in 2014 by Amiri Decree number (64).
Member of National Qualifications Authority Board of Directors in 2015 by The Cabinet Resolution number (16/6/150).
H.E. Mubarak Saeed Al Shamsi
Board Member
H.E. Reem Yuosif Al Shemari
Board Member
Her Excellency Reem Yousif Al Shemari is Director of Strategic Communications Affairs at the Executive Affairs Authority (EAA) - a specialized government agency that provides policy advice to the Chairman of Abu Dhabi’s Executive Council, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, The Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi.
In this role, Reem is responsible for providing strategic communications advice and program implementation to the Government of Abu Dhabi across all areas of its operations. These include the development of government policy, international public diplomacy programs and special projects related to the reputation of the Emirate.
Reem’s key career achievements include contributing to the creation of the Government of Abu Dhabi’s first-ever policy agenda for the Emirate, managing the bi-annual Abu Dhabi Awards campaign and developing a brand for the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
In addition to her role at the EAA, in 2007, Reem was appointed General Manager of the newly-established Office of The Brand of Abu Dhabi (OBAD). The entity was created by Executive Council resolution to develop and manage the roll out and implementation of the Abu Dhabi brand, locally and internationally, as well as act as the guardian and patron of the reputation of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Some of the high profile projects launched by OBAD under her guidance were creating brands for various entities and initiatives such as the 40th UAE National Day Celebrations, Yas Marina Circuit, the FIFA Club World Cup 2009, UAE President’s Cup for Arabian Horses series, and Abu Dhabi Art.
Other initiatives developed by OBAD include the Abu Dhabi Events Portal, and the annual Abu Dhabi Through Your Eyes Photography competition. In 2012, with the brand of Abu Dhabi firmly established, OBAD became part of the General Secretariat of Abu Dhabi. Reem is a Board Member of several entities, including the Abu Dhabi Media Zone (twofour54), the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), the Emirates Red Crescent, the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development and Flash Entertainment. She is also a member of the Advisory Board of the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Zayed University National Advisory Board for the College of Business Sciences and Qasr Al Hosn Executive Committee.
Reem began her career at Zayed University as a researcher in the Socio-Economic Centre, and Media and Student Activities Coordinator. She then joined Mubadala, an investment vehicle wholly owned by the Government of Abu Dhabi, as the first Emarati female employee and worked in its Communications Department.
Reem holds an Executive Masters Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor of Business Marketing from Zayed University, Abu Dhabi, graduated with honors.
H.E. Reem Yuosif Al Shemari
Board Member
H.E. Mohammed Ali Rashed Al Abbar
Board Member
A global entrepreneur with active interests in high-value property development, retail, luxury hospitality, mining and commodities, Mohamed Alabbar is the founder and chairman of Emaar Properties PJSC.
Ranked second in the list of the ‘World’s 100 Most Powerful Arabs – Leaders’ 2014 by Arabian Business, the leading regional business magazine, Mr. Alabbar is well-known for his pioneering role in positioning Dubai as a world-class city.
He spearheads the growth strategy of Emaar, which has a presence in over 18 countries, with a focus on developing prime real estate, shopping mall and hospitality and leisure assets. Mr. Alabbar heads Emaar’s joint venture with Giorgio Armani to set up the Armani-branded luxury hotel and resort chain in key international destinations.
He is also the Founder and Chairman of Africa Middle East Resources (AMER), which unlocks the value of natural resource opportunities in Africa and links them with large consumer markets in Asia. He is a board member of Eagle Hills, an Abu Dhabi-based investment and real estate development company that funds and develops large-scale projects in high-growth international markets.
Mr. Alabbar is the Chairman of Tradewinds Corporation, a premier leisure and hospitality owner-operator in Malaysia, focused on developing world-class real estate developments in the country and Southeast Asia. He is also the founder and major shareholder of RSH, the leading Singapore-based pan-Asian marketer, distributor and retailer of some 60 international fashion and lifestyle brands through more than 70 outlets in over 20 countries.
Mr. Alabbar sits on the board of Noor Investment Group, an affiliate of Dubai Group, the leading diversified financial company of Dubai Holding. He is also a member of the Dubai World Expo 2020 Preparatory Committee. He was the founding Director General of the Dubai Department of Economic Development (DED), and served as a member of the Dubai Executive Council and Dubai Economic Council.
A graduate in Finance and Business Administration from the Seattle University in the US, Mr. Alabbar also holds an Honorary Doctorate from the University, and serves on its Board of Trustees. A keen sportsman, Mr Alabbar is an active member of the UAE’s endurance horse racing community.
H.E. Mohammed Ali Rashed Al Abbar
Board Member
Mohamed Hamed Ghanim Al Mehairi
Board Member
Mohamed Hamad Al Mehairi became a Board Member of the Emirates Foundation in January 2010.
Mr Al Mehairi is currently Director of the Investment Department at the International Petroleum Investment Company (IPEC) in Abu Dhabi. He was previously a Market Analyst and Sales Coordinator in the Crude Oil Sales Division, Marketing Directorate, Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) between 1999 and 2006.
Mr Al Muhairi is also a board member for a number of specialized local and international organizations. These include roles as Vice Chairman of the Canadian Chemical Corporation (NOVA) and Vice Chairman of the Arab-Pakistani Refinery Ltd (PARCO), as well as being a Board Member of the Borealis Supervisory Board, Vienna, Austria and of Aabar Petroleum Investments Company PJSC (Aabar) in Abu Dhabi.
Mr Al Muhairi was born in December 1975 and holds a BA in Science and Business Administration from Suffolk University in Boston, USA.
Mohamed Hamed Ghanim Al Mehairi
Board Member
Muna Al Gurg
Board Member
An active member of Dubai’s business and non-profit community, Muna Al Gurg’s primary responsibility is towards her family business - the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group - a diversified international conglomerate formed by her father in Dubai in 1960.
She is currently Director of Retail for the 50-year-old family business and responsible for strategy and operational development for the group’s international and local retail brands that include United Colours of Benetton, Siemens, Unilever and IDdesign.
Al Gurg is also Chairwoman of Young Arab Leaders UAE where she is responsible for spearheading this government-led enterprise’s effort in promoting education, entrepreneurship and youth development. Al Gurg resides on the board of directors of Emirates Foundation, an independent philanthropic organisation chaired by HH Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, which helps improve the welfare of youth across the UAE. She is also a founding board member of Hub Dubai, a non-profit collaborative playground for social, environmental and economic development.
An active mentor at the Dubai Start-up sessions, a community of passionate entrepreneurs who believe in innovation, in 2012 she was selected to join the judging panel of a business reality show ‘The Entrepreneur’, produced by the UAE’s second largest telecoms firm ‘du’. Al Gurg is also on Endeavor Global‘s UAE board.
A personal interest in social initiatives sees Al Gurg serve on the board of several non-profit organisations, including the Easa Saleh Al Gurg Charity Foundation, allowing her to extend philanthropic efforts by providing primary education support to over 300 underprivileged children in Zanzibar. She is also a board member of the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund, and ambassador of the UAE’s Pink Caravan’s breast cancer awareness initiative.
In June 2010, Al Gurg was recognized and presented the Emirates Women’s Award for outstanding achievers by HH Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum.
In 2004, a passion for promoting the arts in the GCC led her to a board seat on the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC), where she helped build this cultural centre.
Al Gurg started her career with Saatchi & Saatchi in Dubai, and consequently joined the family business in 2001. She holds an MBA from London Business School in the UK and is also a Fellow of the Middle East Leadership Initiative of The Aspen Institute and a member of the Aspen Global Leadership Network.
Al Gurg is a frequent opinion columnist for the UAE’s leading daily newspaper - Gulf News. Her updates can be followed on twitter @MunaAlGurg.
Muna Al Gurg
Board Member
Dr. Frauke Heard-Bey
Board Member
Frauke Heard-Bey studied History and Political Science in Germany. She received a Ph.D. from the ‘Freie Universität’ of West Berlin in 1967 and joined her British husband David Heard in Abu Dhabi in November of that year. In 1969 she became a member of a team of four in the ‘Centre for Documentation and Research’ in the Old Fort in Abu Dhabi. The Centre (now the ‘National Archive’) had started one year previously to collect archive material about the history of the Gulf region. Frauke’s research into the social, economic and constitutional history of the Gulf region resulted in several books and over 70 articles. Notable publications include: From Trucial States to United Arab Emirates. A Society in Transition, first published in London in 1982, with updated English editions and translated into French, Arabic and German, and From Tribe to State, Milano, 2008. Frauke continues to live in Abu Dhabi with her husband David. Her ongoing academic interest in the region manifests itself in further research projects – her own and those of younger colleagues.
Website: www.fraukeheardbey.com
e-mail: fraukeh@gmail.com