Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor

A self-made entrepreneur and one of the UAE’s most influential businessmen, Chairman Khalaf Al Habtoor is a firm believer of embracing both heritage and innovation. From founding the Al Habtoor Group in the 1970s to building it into a global name spanning construction, hospitality, automotive, education, and publishing, his journey mirrors the transformation of Dubai, the UAE and the Arabian Gulf itself. While shaping the face of cities globally, he remains a passionate advocate for cultural identity. Who better to ask our most intriguing questions about the Arab world: How can its deep-rooted wisdom become a compass for its future? And what does the future hold for its mesmerizing language?

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