Khalaf Al Habtoor is one of those rare UAE figures who not only witnessed Dubai’s rapid transformation but also helped to shape it. Although Khalaf Al Habtoor’s name is carved into Dubai’s skyline, did you know it all began with a one-room barasti house without any financial privilege? Read this untold story of Khalaf Al Habtoor, a self-made Emirati businessman who transformed his hardships into a powerful legacy in the UAE business world.
Khalaf Al Habtoor’s Biography
Source: Al Habtoor Group
| Name | Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor |
| Born | 1949 in Dubai |
| Education | Al Sha’ab School |
| Known as | Founding Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group |
| Known for | Philanthropic activities |
Early Life and Struggles
Born in Dubai, Al Habtoor is the youngest child of Ahmad bin Mohammed bin Khalifa Al Habtoor and Noura bint Ahmed bin Khalaf bin Abdulla Al Otaiba. He grew up in a one-room barasti dwelling in the Dubai neighbourhood of Shindagha. His family faced financial hardship, especially after a decline in his father’s income from the pearling industry.
Between the ages of three and seven, Al Habtoor lived in the small fishing village of Al Layyah with his family, where his father introduced him to the basics of commerce and trade. In 1957, they relocated back to Dubai, and Al Habtoor began his elementary education at Al Sha’ab School in Deira.
Al Habtoor began his career.
During that time, it was customary for boys to support their families financially. Al Habtoor began working at the age of 14 as a helper for an American geological company, earning a monthly salary of 250 rupees.
At 16, he married his cousin, Hamda Al Habtoor. By age 18, he was offered the opportunity to represent Mohammed Saeed Al Mulla’s company in Abu Dhabi, a family acquaintance. Over the next three years, he worked with Al Mulla’s company, gaining valuable business experience and training.
Establishment of Al Habtoor Group
Source: Al Habtoor Group
In 1970, Al Habtoor left his job at Al Mulla’s company and returned to Dubai to establish his business. Despite having limited financial resources, Al Habtoor established his engineering company, Al Habtoor Engineering. Eventually, the company grew into Al Habtoor Engineering. In 1977, Al Habtoor got one of the first large-scale contracts for building the UAE’s second hospital from Sheikh Rashid Al Maktoum.
Expansion of the group under Al Habtoor’s Leadership
Source: Al Habtoor Group
In 1979, the Al Habtoor group established its first Hotel, the Metropolitan Hotel. Then, in 1980, the company launched the construction of Gulf University in Bahrain. With the construction of the Zarqa’a Ma’een Spa/ Ashtar Hotel complex, the group entered the Jordanian market. In 1983, the group also ventured into automotive sales by establishing Al Habtoor Motors.
With Al Habtoor’s leadership, they were also able to acquire the exclusive license to sell Mitsubishi vehicles in Dubai. In 1991, Al Habtoor Group established the Emirates International School, where his family members were holding the institution’s leadership.
The government contracts played a significant role in the growth of the Al Habtoor Group by completing nearly 35 major projects for the state. In 1993, he also launched Khalaf Al Habtoor Publishing with Al Shindagah magazine. The magazine covered topics from Middle Eastern politics and investments to the arts and sports, with company’s high-profile construction projects.
In 2000, the group acquired the Metropolitan Palace Hotel to enter the Lebanese market. In 2007, Al Habtoor, in a joint venture with Consolidated Contractors Co., got the contract to build the Landmark tower on Abu Dhabi Island, one of the tallest buildings in the UAE capital. In 2015, for the first time the Al Habtoor Motors entered in Saudi Arabian market. In 2024, the group established one of Dubai’s tallest residential buildings, of 81-story building.
Today, with a legacy of 55 years, the Al Habtoor Group has grown into a diversified conglomerate with a span of interest in hospitality, automotive, insurance, real estate and education, employing ten thousand employees. However, the group is still under the management of Khalaf Al Habtoor, supported by members of the second generation of his family in various roles.
Khalaf Al Habtoor, beyond a businessman
Furthermore, Al Habtoor is recognised for his interest in writing books and giving open talks in public on engaging local and international topics. He is also credited with encouraging the younger generations to embrace the Arabic language and cultural heritage. Hence, Al Habtoor’s journey demonstrates that success is not reserved for the privileged but for people who have a vision, a risk-taking attitude, and the determination to create an impactful legacy.
