Early Life and Education
Born in 1983, Moutaz Al-Khayyat pursued his higher education at the University of the West of Scotland, where he earned a degree in Business. This academic background gave him the foundation to launch his business ventures across multiple industries.
Building a Business Empire
Power International Holding
Moutaz Al-Khayyat is the Chairman of Power International Holding (PIH), a major conglomerate operating in construction, real estate, agriculture, hospitality, and services. Under his leadership, the company has grown to employ over 65,000 people. PIH is recognized as one of the top Arab family businesses, known for its wide influence in the Middle East.
UCC Holding
In 2011, Moutaz co-founded Urbacon Trading & Contracting (UCC), which quickly became one of Qatar’s most important construction firms. UCC has played a key role in delivering major infrastructure projects including the Mall of Qatar, Banana Island Resort, and facilities built for the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Baladna Food Industries
During the 2017 Qatar diplomatic crisis, Moutaz made headlines when he arranged to airlift 4,000 cows into Qatar. This bold move was part of his plan to start Baladna Food Industries, which aimed to make Qatar self-sufficient in dairy products. Today, Baladna is a leading dairy company in the country and is publicly listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange.
Diversification and Innovation
Real Estate and Hospitality
Moutaz Al-Khayyat expanded into real estate development through Assets Group. This company manages a diverse portfolio of properties, including luxury hotels like the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. His involvement in the hospitality sector highlights his strategic vision for diversification.
Entertainment and Lifestyle
Moutaz also serves as the chairman of Aura Group, which operates several high-end restaurants, cafés, and entertainment venues in Qatar. His ventures in this space have significantly boosted the country’s lifestyle and tourism offerings.
Commitment to Sustainability
Sustainability is a key focus in all of Moutaz’s business operations. Under his guidance, Power International Holding has implemented eco-friendly practices across its companies. Baladna uses innovative farming methods to conserve resources, while UCC integrates energy-efficient technologies in construction projects to reduce environmental impact.
Philanthropy and Social Responsibility
Moutaz Al-Khayyat has a strong sense of social responsibility. In 2015, he founded the Al-Khayyat Foundation to support food security programs and provide aid to refugees in crisis areas. Additionally, he has helped fund scholarships for Syrian students affected by the ongoing conflict, giving them the opportunity to pursue higher education abroad, particularly in the United States.
Recognition and Influence
Moutaz’s influence continues to grow. He has been recognized as one of the most powerful figures in the Middle East’s construction sector and remains a key player in shaping Qatar’s modern economy. His visionary approach and willingness to take bold steps make him one of the region’s most admired business leaders.
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