Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, born on July 1, 1954, in Dubai, is a distinguished Emirati businessman, philanthropist, and political figure best known as the chairman of Mashreq Bank, one of the leading financial institutions in the United Arab Emirates.

He is a member of the prominent Al Ghurair family, which has a strong legacy in business and finance dating back to the mid-20th century. He holds a bachelor's degree in industrial engineering from California Polytechnic State University.

Joining Mashreq Bank in 1977, he steadily rose through the ranks, and in 1990, he was appointed as CEO. Under his leadership, Mashreq became a pioneer in the Gulf region, introducing innovations such as the first ATMs, debit and credit cards, consumer loans, and point of sale terminals.

He expanded the bank’s international footprint with branches in major financial centers including New York, London, Bahrain, and India. Apart from banking, he chairs several business ventures in sectors ranging from food production to real estate and insurance.

In addition to his business endeavors, he served as the Speaker of the UAE Federal National Council, the country’s parliamentary body, from 2007 to 2011. He currently chairs the Abdullah Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, which focuses on supporting education and empowering youth in the Arab world.

His leadership roles also extend to organizations such as the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Cairo-based Arab Business Angels Network, and several regional and global boards in finance and business. He has received numerous accolades including the Arab Banker of the Year and multiple lifetime achievement awards, reflecting his broad influence in the financial sector and his commitment to philanthropy.