Who Is Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair? Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair (born 1 July 1954) is one of the UAE’s most influential business figures, serving as the Chairman of Mashreq Bank and a key leader in the Al Ghurair Group. Beyond his banking role, he is also a politician, having served as the speaker of the UAE’s Federal National Council from 2007 to 2011.
Trained as an industrial engineer, he earned his bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic State University before embarking on a career that would reshape banking and philanthropy in the Middle East.
Azzan Al Ghurair Biography
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair |
| Date of Birth | 1 July 1954 |
| Nationality | Emirati |
| Education | BSc Industrial Engineering, California Polytechnic State University |
| Career Highlights | Joined Mashreq in 1977; CEO in 1990; Chairman (since 2019) |
| Key Roles | Chairman, Mashreq Bank; Chairman, Al Ghurair Investment; Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation |
| Political Role | Speaker of the Federal National Council (2007–2011) |
| Net Worth | Estimated around US$2.6 billion as of 2022 |
| Philanthropy | Chair of Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation; Founder of Refugee Education Fund |
| Spouse / Children | Not publicly disclosed |
Early Life and Education
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair was born on 1 July 1954 into the prominent Al Ghurair family in Dubai. He pursued higher education in the United States, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering from California Polytechnic State University.
Career & Business Empire
Rising Through Mashreq Bank
Al Ghurair began his professional journey at Mashreq Bank in 1977, gradually taking on more responsibilities across departments. By 1989, he became executive director, and a year later, in 1990, he was appointed CEO.
Under his leadership, Mashreq bank expanded its footprint internationally, establishing branches in major financial hubs including New York, London, Bahrain, Qatar, Egypt, India, and Pakistan.
Diversified Business Interests
Al Ghurair’s influence extends beyond banking. He is deeply involved in Al Ghurair Investment, a conglomerate with businesses across food, real estate, construction, and commodities.
Some key holdings include:
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A major flour mill in the Middle East.
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Masafi mineral water.
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Involvement in construction, packaging, and other industrial sectors.
Leadership & Roles
Besides his role at Mashreq, Al Ghurair holds several other important positions:
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Chairman of the UAE Banks Federation
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Chairman of Sukoon Insurance (formerly Oman Insurance)
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Governing council member in global philanthropy initiatives, including partnerships with UNICEF and the Islamic Development Bank.
Philanthropy & Legacy
Al Ghurair’s impact goes well beyond business. He has built a solid reputation for his strategic philanthropy, especially in education.
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He is Chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, which supports Arab and Emirati youth through scholarships, digital learning, and capacity-building.
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He launched the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, helping refugees access education (secondary, vocational, and tertiary) in the Middle East.
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His giving model emphasizes impact, not publicity: “Strategic philanthropy transforms lives by building ecosystems where people thrive.”
In 2015, his father (Abdulla Al Ghurair) set aside a huge portion of his wealth to support the foundation—a tradition that Abdul Aziz has carried forward.
Personal Life: Wife, Children & Family
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Wife / Spouse: Information about Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair’s wife is not publicly disclosed.
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Children: Details about his children (sons or daughters) are also not broadly available in public records.
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Brother / Siblings: Though his immediate siblings are not well documented in public sources, he is part of the larger Al Ghurair family, a prominent business dynasty.
His father, Abdulla Al Ghurair, was the founder of Mashreq and a major business leader. Another notable family member: Saif Ahmad Al Ghurair, his uncle, was also a billionaire businessman.
Net Worth
As of 2022, Forbes estimated Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair’s net worth to be around US$2.6 billion.
Recent sources suggest that his broader family business (Al Ghurair Investment) continues to thrive — covering 50+ countries, with around 28,000 employees.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Is Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair a politician?
Yes. He served as the Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council from 2007 to 2011.
Q2. What is Al Ghurair’s role at Mashreq Bank?
He is currently Chairman of the Board of Directors.He was CEO for nearly 30 years.
Q3. How did Al Ghurair start his career?
He joined Mashreq in 1977, climbed through several roles, became executive director in 1989, and CEO in 1990.
Q4. What philanthropic activities is he known for?
He chairs the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education and founded a refugee education fund focusing on displaced youth.
Q5. What is his estimated net worth?
As of 2022, Forbes estimated his personal net worth at about US$2.6 billion.
Q6. Does he have children or a publicly known spouse?
No — his wife and children are not publicly disclosed in available sources.
Conclusion
Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair stands out as more than a business magnate — he is a visionary who blends entrepreneurship with deep social responsibility. From expanding Mashreq Bank globally to championing education for some of the most vulnerable communities, his leadership reflects a powerful combination of ambition and heart.
While much of his personal life remains private, his public legacy is clear: building institutions that last and giving back in meaningful, strategic ways. His impact will likely continue to resonate across the UAE and beyond for generations.
