The UAE has always been known as a land of opportunity. With its world-class infrastructure, strong government support, and strategic global location, it has attracted businesses from all over the world. But behind many of the UAE’s success stories are homegrown talents—Emirati investors who are driving innovation, creating jobs, and reimagining what’s possible.
These seven Emirati investors are not only building profitable businesses, but they are also contributing to the country’s economic growth and global reputation. Let’s take a closer look at how these individuals are reshaping the UAE’s business landscape across various sectors, from technology and real estate to hospitality and healthcare.
1. Badr Jafar – The Industrial Visionary
Badr Jafar, the CEO of Crescent Enterprises and President of Crescent Petroleum, is one of the most influential figures in the UAE’s industrial and energy sectors. His approach combines profit-making with sustainable impact. Jafar has invested heavily in startups, infrastructure, and logistics—sectors vital to the region’s long-term growth.
What sets him apart is his commitment to social entrepreneurship. He founded the Pearl Initiative, a non-profit promoting corporate governance and transparency in the Gulf region. His focus on ethics and innovation has made him a role model for young Emirati entrepreneurs.
2. Rashid Al Ghurair – Innovating Fintech and Beyond
Rashid Al Ghurair is best known as the founder of Cafu, the region’s first fuel delivery app. With this innovative platform, users can get fuel delivered to their parked cars—saving time and redefining convenience. Since its launch, Cafu has grown rapidly and is now expanding into other services and regions.
Al Ghurair is also an investor in various tech startups and sustainability-focused ventures. His ability to spot opportunities in everyday problems has made him a rising star in the UAE’s growing fintech ecosystem.
3. Dr. Maryam Matar – Investing in Health and Science
Dr. Maryam Matar, a respected geneticist and public health advocate, is also an active investor in health tech. She founded the UAE Genetic Diseases Association, which aims to reduce the rate of hereditary diseases through education and research.
Her investments are focused on biotech, early detection tools, and preventive healthcare technologies. Dr. Matar’s influence extends beyond business—she is shaping the future of public health in the UAE while empowering women in science and entrepreneurship.
4. Abdulla Al Gergawi – Championing Smart Cities
Abdulla Al Gergawi is a name you’ll often hear in conversations about real estate and smart city development. With his investments in sustainable architecture and tech-driven communities, Al Gergawi is helping design the future of urban living in the UAE.
He is a key investor in projects that integrate AI, green energy, and digital infrastructure, contributing to the country’s vision for smart cities like NEOM and Masdar. His work is focused not just on buildings, but on better, more connected lifestyles.
5. Muna Al Gurg – Supporting Female Entrepreneurs
Muna Al Gurg is a leading voice for gender equality in business. As the Director of Retail at Easa Saleh Al Gurg Group and chairperson of Young Arab Leaders UAE, she supports various initiatives aimed at empowering female founders.
She is an angel investor in several female-led startups and is actively involved in mentorship programs. Al Gurg believes that the future of the UAE’s economy depends on inclusive growth—and she’s putting her money where her mission is.
6. Khaldoon Al Mubarak – Investing on a Global Scale
As CEO of Mubadala Investment Company, Khaldoon Al Mubarak manages one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. Under his leadership, Mubadala has invested in sectors like aerospace, renewable energy, technology, and healthcare—both in the UAE and abroad.
His strategy is focused on long-term growth, innovation, and economic diversification. From Tesla and SpaceX to global hospitals and clean energy firms, Al Mubarak’s portfolio is helping position the UAE as a global economic powerhouse.
7. Sarah Al Amiri – Investing in the Future of Space and Science
While primarily known for her role in leading the UAE’s space program, Sarah Al Amiri is also deeply involved in promoting science, technology, and research through investments and public initiatives. As the Chair of the UAE Space Agency, she helped lead the Emirates Mars Mission and continues to support high-tech projects.
Her focus is on investing in the next generation—especially in STEM education, space technologies, and scientific innovation. Al Amiri is a symbol of how public investment can inspire private sector growth and national pride.
A Shared Vision: Growth With Purpose
What connects these seven investors is not just their financial success but their shared vision of creating a better UAE—economically, socially, and environmentally. They are all working towards the goals of UAE Vision 2031, which focuses on economic diversification, sustainability, and innovation.
Whether it’s through supporting tech startups, building smart cities, or funding health research, these Emirati leaders are leaving a lasting impact. They’re showing that investment is not just about making money—it’s about making a difference.
Inspiring the Next Generation
The work of these Emirati investors is also motivating a new wave of young entrepreneurs in the country. With mentorship programs, startup incubators, and funding platforms becoming more accessible, the UAE is quickly becoming a hotspot for innovation and creativity.
As these pioneers continue to break barriers, they’re also opening doors for others to follow. Their stories are a reminder that with the right mix of vision, courage, and community impact, anyone can contribute to the UAE’s bright future.
Conclusion
The UAE’s business scene is being transformed by its own people—visionaries who are not waiting for change but creating it. These seven Emirati investors are leading the way, each in their own field, and proving that smart investments can shape not just companies, but entire communities and nations.
As the UAE continues to grow on the world stage, the influence of these business leaders will only expand. Their journeys are just the beginning—and they’re inviting the rest of the nation to dream bigger, aim higher, and build a legacy that lasts.
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