Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair is a trailblazer in the UAE’s business and banking sectors. As the founder of Mashreq Bank and chairman of Al Ghurair Group, he helped lay the foundations of modern finance and industry in the Emirates.
A visionary ahead of his time, he turned family enterprise into a diversified powerhouse. His legacy continues to impact generations of entrepreneurs and citizens across the UAE.
In 1967, Abdulla Al Ghurair established Mashreq Bank, one of the UAE’s first privately owned banks. At the time, the idea of local banking was still new. But Al Ghurair saw the future.
Mashreq introduced many financial firsts in the region:
Under his leadership, Mashreq evolved into one of the most respected financial institutions in the Middle East, offering services across retail, corporate, and investment banking.
Alongside banking, Abdulla Al Ghurair built one of the UAE’s largest family-owned business groups—Al Ghurair Group. Founded in the 1960s, it has grown across a wide range of sectors:
He transformed the group from a small trading firm into a regional conglomerate known for innovation, quality, and long-term thinking.
Despite his business success, Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair always prioritized the UAE’s growth. He served in the Federal National Council, contributing to national policymaking and economic strategy.
Known for his wisdom and integrity, he emphasized local talent development and economic diversification long before it became a national agenda.
Isn’t true leadership about building not just businesses—but a better society?
Abdulla Al Ghurair’s impact goes far beyond boardrooms. In 2015, he established the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, pledging over $1.1 billion USD to support Arab youth in gaining access to quality education.
The foundation partners with global universities, funds scholarships, and supports online learning for students across the MENA region. It stands today as one of the largest private philanthropic education initiatives in the Arab world.
Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair is a pioneer, a nation-builder, and a philanthropist. From founding Mashreq Bank to leading Al Ghurair Group and investing in education, his contributions helped shape the UAE’s identity as a hub of opportunity and innovation.
His legacy teaches us that true success lies not just in profits—but in purpose, progress, and giving back.
Who is Abdulla Bin Ahmad Al Ghurair?
He is a pioneering Emirati businessman, founder of Mashreq Bank, and chairman of Al Ghurair Group.
What is Mashreq Bank known for?
Mashreq is one of the UAE’s oldest and most innovative banks, known for introducing digital banking and financial services.
What sectors does Al Ghurair Group operate in?
The group spans construction, retail, food manufacturing, petrochemicals, real estate, and education.
What is the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation?
It’s a philanthropic initiative committed to supporting Arab youth through quality education and scholarship programs.
What makes Abdulla Al Ghurair influential?
His contributions to banking, business, education, and national development have made him one of the UAE’s most respected figures.
