‘Growth of Dubai Holding a priority’

New chairman commits to enhancing company’s contribution to economy

The newly appointed chairman of Dubai Holding, Abdullah Al Habbai, said in a statement yesterday he is committed to continue working to further growth Dubai Holding and enhance its contributions to the economy.

His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, said he was confident Al Habbai could help the company grow, given his “proven record of successfully delivering projects that have supported the development of key sectors”.

Al Habbai who is also the chairman of Meraas Holding and DXB Entertainments (the listed company behind Dubai Parks and Resorts), has over 25 years of experience in the property market. Additionally, he serves as the chief executive officer of the Engineering Office of the Private Office of Shaikh Mohammad — a position he has held since 2005.

Sectors

Under Al Habbai, Meraas established itself as an innovator by introducing businesses that enhance the sectors in which they operate. Those include Boxpark, City Walk, La Mer, Pearl Jumeirah, Last Exit, The Beach, and Bluewaters, among others.

The new chairman spent 16 years of his career working for the Dubai Municipality and overseeing urban planning. He is also the chairman of Dubai Hills, a real estate business under the Meraas umbrella; and Valiant Healthcare, a chain of clinics launched by Meraas.

Other roles of his include being board member of Dubai Real Estate Corporation, and Museum of the Future. He serves as deputy chairman of Rove Hospitality, which a brand of hotels owned by Emaar.

Between April 2007 and May 2015, Al Habbai was board member of Noor Bank.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Cadastral and Land Information Management from the University of East London, UK.