His Excellency AbdulAziz Al Ghurair is the CEO of Mashreq Group and he is the member of the Board of Directors of Abdullah Al Ghurair Group of Companies, one of the biggest and most successful business groups in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East, with operations spanning more than 20 countries and business roots stretching back half a century. 

His Excellency AbdulAziz Al Ghurair held various dignitary positions, which had its impact both regionally and internationally. His extensive experience in banking and in the business world, makes him one of the most well-known personalities, both locally and regionally.

In 2012, His Excellency was appointed as Chairman of UAE Banking Federation. His Excellency’s wide experience in the banking industry continues to contribute and steer the mission of the UAE Banking Federation. His vision is manifested through the various steps taken since his appointment to elevate the performance of all banks in the UAE and the industry.

His Excellency’s current positions include Chairman of Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, Chairman of the Executive Committee of Al Ghurair Investment, Vice Chairman of the Higher Board of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and he is on the Board of Emirates Foundation. His Excellency is also the Chairman of Masafi Company, Oman Insurance, President of FBN GCC, a non-profit international network that is run by family businesses, for family businesses, with the aim of strengthening family business governance and ensuring success over generations.  

His Excellency was elected as The Speaker of the United Arab Emirates Federal National Council (UAE Parliament) for tenure of four years, which ended in February 2011. Previously, he sat on the Board of Directors of major companies such as Emaar, Dubai Investments, Visa International, MasterCard, Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Co-Chairman of the Arab Business Council – World Economic Forum (WEF).  He was also a member of the Constitutive Council for GCC Leaders and President of The Knowledge Fund.

His Excellency was recognized multiple times in leading platforms, such as awards, conferences and seminars, both international and local. His endeavours have earned him various local and international accolades most significantly, a five time recipient of Lifetime Achievement Awards.

• Business Leader of the Year from Gulf Business Industry Award 2016 and 2017
• Banking Business Leader of the Year from Gulf Business Industry Award 2017
• Arab Banker of the Year award 2015-2016 from The Union of Arab Banks (UAB) in Rome, Italy
• Innovator of the Year Award from Gulf Business Industry Award 2014
• Lifetime Achievement Award from Gulf Business Industry Awards 2012
• Best CEO Award – CEO Middle East magazine 2008
• Lifetime Achievement Award from The Arab Bankers Association of North America (ABANA) – USA in 2008
• Best CEO Award for supporting Emiratisation initiative in UAE from the National Career Fair – Banking and Finance in 2008
• Lifetime Achievement Award from Euromoney in 2008
• Lifetime Achievement Award from Banker Middle East 2009
• Best Banking Contributing Personality Award from Banker Middle East 2011
• MEED Leadership Award 2011
• Arab Banker of the Year in the Private Sector Award 2010-2011 from The Union of Arab Banks (UAB) in Rome, Italy

His Excellency earned an honours degree as an industrial engineer received his education from California Polytechnic State University and graduated as an industrial engineer with Honours Degree.

His Excellency continues to play a pivotal role in providing substantial views to the UAE’s financial and banking industry.