Qatar derives much of its influence from its wealth and wealth isn’t generated out of nowhere. The economic growth of Qatar is being driven some of the brightest minds in the world who have dedicated their energies and resources to business and economic development of the country. Today we present you with a list of Qatari businessmen who wield great influence and have shaped the country’s outlook in one way or another. Here is the list:
1. Hassan Al Thawadi :
A young Qatari businessman who graduated from Sheffield University with a law degree and serves as the Secretary General at Qatar Investment Authority (QIA) and Qatar Holding, which is involved in investments in Porsche, Barclays Bank, Harrod’s and Volkswagen as well as numerous luxury European properties. Al Thawadi has years of experience under his belt and before joining QIA he worked for Qatar Petroleum. Hassan also is on the board of director of the Hassad Food Company, Qatar’s investing arm in the global agriculture and livestock sector.
2. Khalifa Saleh Al Haroon:
Al Haroon is a tech entrepreneur credited with laying the foundation of numerous websites, including net, Qatar Events, Qatar News, and a YouTube content network. After setting up the I Love Qatar website in 2008 he became a household name in the country. He serves as the CEO of the network plus as a Founder and CEO of Haroon United Group, which is a holding company with interests in diverse brands and investments in a wide range of start-ups. He also serves as the Executive Director for Marketing and Communications at Qatar Stars League, the country’s top soccer league, and Head of Innovation at Vodafone Qatar. He was named Entrepreneur of the Year by the Qatar government ministry in 2011 and Young Achiever of the Year by Arabian Business in 2014. He is an ambassador for Qatar’s National Cancer Programme, a board member of the Internet Society (ISOC), and Vice President of the Entrepreneurs Organization (Qatar).
3. Akbar Al Baker:
Born in 1960 in Qatar’s capital city, Doha, Al Baker studied Economics and Commerce in India. Although he has become well-known for being the no non-sense CEO of Qatar Airways since 1997 and has taken the airline to grand heights, Al Baker has also worked at the Qatar Tourism Authority as its Chairman. It is under his leadership the multi-billion dollar redevelopment and up gradation of the Hamad International Airport was undertaken.
4. Omar Hamad Almana:
He is the founder of the Almana Group. The Group was setup in 1961 and now the country’s oldest and one of the largest business entities. Under his able leadership the Almana Group introduced globally acclaimed brands such as Ford, Chrysler, Coca-Cola, and KFC etc. to Qatar. He is also played an instrumental role in setting up Qatar’s first American School in 1981. Omar headed Almana Group has 18 subsidiaries with diversified activities ranging from cars, general contracting, computer services, steel structures and travel.
5. Hussain Ibrahim Al Fardan:
Born in 1933, Hussain Ibrahim Al Fardan had already set up his first business when he was 21. He established the Alfardan Jewellery in the year 1954 in Qatar and in a short span of time expanded into the neighbouring Saudi Arabia. After tasting success in the export business he set up the Commercial Bank in 1975. After dabbling in various trades, the Al Fardan Group was founded, which today is a diversified business that trades in jewellery, watches, automobiles, property development, money exchange and investments. Hussain Ibrahim Al Fardan is the Chairman of the Al Fardan Group as well as the Managing Director of the Commercial Bank.
