Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

Majid Al Futtaim was a pioneering Emirati businessman whose name became synonymous with innovation, excellence, and large-scale economic transformation in the Middle East. As the founder of Majid Al Futtaim Group (MAF Group), he played a central role in redefining modern living across the UAE and the wider MENA region through bold investments in retail, real estate, and entertainment.

👤 Profile Overview

From Family Business to Regional Empire

Although he came from the prestigious Al Futtaim family, Majid chose a separate path, launching his own company in the early 1990s. His mission was clear: to create transformative, world-class experiences for consumers in the Arab world.

“Great vision creates new industries.” – This seemed to be Majid’s guiding principle.

Majid Al Futtaim Group: Business Pillars

The group rapidly expanded into several major sectors:

🛍 Retail

• Operates Carrefour hypermarkets and supermarkets across the MENA region under exclusive license
• Brings international shopping standards to local markets

🏠 Real Estate

• Develops and manages shopping malls, residential communities, and mixed-use destinations
• Projects like City Centre malls and Tilal Al Ghaf set benchmarks in design and experience

🎡 Entertainment

• Pioneered indoor family attractions, including:
  • Ski Dubai – the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East
  • VOX Cinemas – a leading cinema chain in the region
  • Integrated leisure spaces within malls

Key Achievements

Business Philosophy

Majid Al Futtaim believed in creating long-term value through:

• Investing in people-centric infrastructure
• Encouraging local job creation and entrepreneurship
• Prioritizing sustainability and environmental stewardship
• Delivering high-quality experiences in retail and lifestyle

Sustainability & Social Responsibility

The group has led initiatives in:

• ♻️ Energy efficiency and green building practices
• 📚 Educational funding and community outreach
• 🧒 Programs supporting youth employment and training
• 🛠️ SME development and partnerships

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Economic Impact

Majid Al Futtaim Group is one of the UAE’s most influential private sector companies:

• Major contributor to GDP through retail, real estate, and tourism
• Thousands of jobs created across multiple countries
• A role model in diversifying oil-dependent economies

Legacy & Conclusion

Majid Al Futtaim passed away in 2021, but his vision continues to live on. His group remains a cornerstone of modern Gulf commerce, redefining how people shop, live, and enjoy leisure in the region.

🔑 His story is a powerful reminder that with clear vision, regional focus, and bold execution, global impact is possible.

Majid Al Futtaim’s legacy is not just in buildings and brands — it’s in the lifestyle evolution of a region. From snowy slopes in the desert to vibrant urban hubs, he reimagined what was possible in the Arab world.