Who Was Majid Al Futtaim?
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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
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Majid Saeed Al Futtaim |
| Born | 1955, United Arab Emirates |
| Education | BSc in Engineering – University of Wales, UK |
| Occupation | Founder & Chairman, Majid Al Futtaim Group |
| Legacy | Architect of some of the region’s most iconic shopping, real estate, and lifestyle projects |
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
| Project | Description |
|---|---|
| Mall of the Emirates | World-renowned mega-mall with over 600 stores and integrated entertainment |
| Ski Dubai | Middle East’s first indoor snow park; a symbol of innovation |
| Carrefour MENA | Operates in over 15 countries with millions of customers |
| Regional Growth | Strategic expansions in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, and East Africa |
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.
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