H.E. Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar

H.E. Mohamed Ali Rashed Alabbar is one of the leading entrepreneurs in the Middle East and has had a major impact on the economics of the region. He graduated from Seattle University in 1981 with a degree in business administration and returned to Dubai to take a position in the Central Bank of the UAE as manager of banking supervision. Later, he was appointed director and general manager of Al Khaleej Investments, a government-owned investment company with significant real estate interests, and through this position he established his presence in the real estate sector.  

In 1992 Alabbar established Dubai’s Department of Economic Development, which had notable success in opening doors to the private sector, initiating innovative public policies to strengthen the trade and business segments and establishing a culture of transparency and openness. In the process, he established a close relationship with Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Ruler of Dubai, and he later became one of Sheikh Mohammed's chief economic advisers.  

In 1997, Alabbar helped established Emaar Properties—Dubai’s largest real estate group. Emaar’s projects include some of Dubai's most notable landmarks, such as the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world, and the Dubai Mall, the world's largest shopping mall. Alabbar also facilitated a partnership with Giorgio Armani and established Emaar Hotels & Resorts LLC in an exclusive deal to launch a collection of luxury hotels in the designer brand's name. He is also known for creating the annual month-long Dubai Shopping Festival. Today, Emaar is not just active in Dubai but has initiatives in 18 countries around the globe.  

Alabbar is well known for his pioneering role in positioning Dubai as a world-class city. He has been recognized for his business acumen and his influence in the Arab region in many prominent publications: Arabian Business, fDi Magazine, Fortune magazine, Euromoney Magazine, and Advertising Age. Alabbar has put his status and leadership abilities to good use by serving as a member of the Dubai Executive Council and the Dubai Economic Council, as well as vice chair of the Dubai Aluminum Company (DUBAL). 

In addition to his impact on the regional economy, Alabbar has also created several corporate social responsibility initiatives and supports various local organizations, such as the Al Noor Training Centre for Children with Special Needs. Focused on the need to promote affordable and low-cost housing, Emaar Properties undertook the reconstruction of the earthquake-ravaged village of Ngelepen in Indonesia. Alabbar also initiated a social housing project in Egypt, the Beyout residential project for the economically underprivileged. Finally, Alabbar has supported his alma mater, Seattle University, by serving on its board of trustees and making generous financial gifts to support university initiatives. 

4, David Williams led Make-A-Wish America to grant more wishes in a single year than ever before, using approximately 79 percent of all contributions to do so.

To date, Make-A-Wish America has granted more than 250,000 wishes for children with life-threatening illnesses, fulfilling its simple, heartfelt mission: granting the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to enrich the human experience with hope, strength, and joy. On average, every 38 minutes, the organization grants one wish, made possible through a network of staff, volunteers, donors, and other supporters, led by Williams.

Williams has used his business education to transform the lives of others, including the children whose wishes are granted by Make-A-Wish, as well as the young business professionals he has mentored and guided.