Zabeel Investments Executives

Mohammed Ali Al Hashimi is one of the new generation of business entrepreneurs and thought leaders. He was named as one of 2008s Young Global Leaders, recognising his professional accomplishments, commitment to society and potential to contribute to shaping the world’s future.

As Executive Chairman of Zabeel Investments, a Dubai-based diversified investment company he founded in February 2006, the company focuses on real estate development and management through its property arm, Zabeel Properties, while Zabeel Capital, the group’s investment division handles private equity and asset management across a wide range of economic sectors. Based at Dubai International Finance Centre, the company has interests in media, hospitality, finance and education.

Al Hashimi previously served as Chief Executive Officer of Amlak Finance PJSC and was instrumental in overseeing the conversion of Amlak, to become the largest publicly listed Islamic finance company in the UAE. He also serves as Chairman of Advanced Industries Group and Vice Chairman of Emaar Industries and Investments.

In addition to this current role, he also serves as:

• » Chairman of United Holdings
• » Board member at DEPA United Group
• » Board member at Dubai Islamic Insurance and Reinsurance Company.

Al Hashimi is a member of the Young Arab Leaders Organisation, a group set up to empower Arab youth. With his guidance, Bidaya, an education and leadership programme was founded. He is a proponent of education and childhood development, through organisations such as the Dubai Autism Centre, a non-profit institution providing specialist services for autistic children.

Robert Norton is the Chief Executive Officer of Zabeel Properties, the property arm of Zabeel Investments. Zabeel Properties is focused on the development of high quality, luxury products that enhance the environments and communities within which they are situated. Mr. Norton directly overseas all company operations and developments, and plays a key role in the strategic direction of the company.

Having called Dubai home since 1981, Mr. Norton has well over a decade of experience in the property industry in the U.A.E, covering a board spectrum of areas including Design, Marketing and Development Management. After completing a degree in Marketing and Finance at the University of Bournemouth in the UK, Mr. Norton started his career in design and went on to found communications company Electric Orange in 2000. Recognising the emerging trend of communications in the U.A.E, Mr. Norton decided it was time to sell Electric Orange, now known as Zed Communications to Zabeel Investments which he joined in August 2006 in order for it to globalize and reach its full potential.

Throughout his career, Mr. Norton has had extensive design and marketing experience within the Dubai financial industry, he has been instrumental in many large transactions beginning with some of Dubai’s first freehold developments, deals that have helped shape Dubai’s rapid transformation into the most dynamic business, financial, tourism and entertainment centre in the Middle East and has played a pivotal role in establishing Zabeel Investments’ property business across the U.A.E.

Jbran Rahal was appointed as Managing Director for Zabeel Capital in December 2007, having earlier served as Zabeel Investments Chief Financial Officer.

Jbran is responsible for the investment portfolio currently valued at around AED 3.67 billion (US$ 1 billion), with the primary goal of significantly expanding the portfolio going forward and identifying new opportunities both regionally and internationally that will enhance shareholder value.

Jbran also provides advice and counsel to the Executive Chairman in matters of investments and opportunities for strategic expansion.

Jbran holds a bachelors degree in Business from the Faculty of Economics of the Syrian University in Damascus. Having gained his CPA (certified public accountant) qualification in the United States, Jbran holds membership with the American Institute of Chartered Public Accountants (AICPA) and is a member of the Institute of Certified Internal Auditors (ICIA). Having lived in Dubai for five years, Jbran earlier worked with TECOM Investments in the role of Director of Finance.