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Draft:Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi

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Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi was born and raised in the United Arab Emirates. He obtained a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of the United Arab Emirates. He proceeded to complete a Master's degree in Strategic Project Planning at Heriot-Watt University (UK) and an Executive MBA at INSEAD.

Al Zaabi was the first Emirati to receive the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certificate from Cisco, one of the world’s most prestigious certifications in the IT industry.

Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi
NationalityEmirati
EducationBachelor’s Degree in electrical engineering from the University of the United Arab Emirates

Master's degree in Strategic Project Planning at Heriot-Watt University (UK)

Executive MBA at INSEAD
Occupation(s)Group CEO, Miral
AwardsFirst Emirati to attain the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification 10 in Forbes Middle East’s ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’ for 2024

Al Zaabi's career[edit]

Early career[edit]

Al Zaabi commenced his career in the UAE Armed Forces, where he was responsible for developing network and technology solutions. He served for a period of seven years, ultimately assuming the role of Head of the Military Office Department. In 2006, he was appointed as Head of Integrated Technologies at C4 Advanced Solutions, a subsidiary of Emirates Advanced Investment.

Aldar Properties[edit]

Al Zaabi joined Aldar Properties PJSC in 2008, marking his entry into project development and construction. He has held various positions at Aldar, including Head of Integrated Technology, Director of Estates and Director of Strategic Investments. His tenure at Aldar has been marked by his passion for integrating new digital technologies into business development and driving immersive customer experiences.

Miral[edit]

In 2015, Al Zaabi joined Miral as Group Managing Director. Under his leadership, Miral has become one of the leading destination and immersive experience creators in the region. Al Zaabi oversaw the management and commercial strategy of Miral's growing portfolio on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, positioning it as a leading global destination for entertainment, leisure and business.

Key Projects and Achievements[edit]

Al Zaabi's leadership has seen large investments into multiple mega projects on Yas Island and in Abu Dhabi. Notable achievements under his tenure include:

A pivotal point in Al Zaabi’s career was his role in the conceptualisation and operationalisation of Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi on Yas Island. This was the inaugural Warner Bros.-branded indoor theme park in the world, which opened in the summer of 2018. This accomplishment established new benchmarks for entertainment and theme parks throughout the region.

During Al Zaabi's tenure, Miral expanded its role in Abu Dhabi beyond Yas Island.

In 2019, Miral celebrated the opening of the Qasr Al Watan visitor experience, a cultural landmark developed in record time that set a new benchmark for cultural tourism in the region. In the same year, Miral also inaugurated CLYMB™ Abu Dhabi, a sports and leisure landmark featuring the world’s tallest indoor climbing wall and widest skydiving flight chamber.

Additionally, Al Zaabi has facilitated the continued expansion of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, spearheading the introduction of novel attractions, experiences, and performances. In 2020, a family zone was inaugurated, with further attractions planned for the future.

In 2021, several world-class attractions and experiences were inaugurated under Al Zaabi’s guidance. This included the Etihad Arena, a state-of-the-art multi-purpose venue that significantly enhanced the UAE’s entertainment landscape. Subsequently, in the same year, Miral, in collaboration with renowned hotel chains, inaugurated hospitality assets on Yas Island, including Hilton Abu Dhabi Yas Island on Yas Bay Waterfront and DoubleTree by Hilton Abu Dhabi - Yas Island Residences. In addition, the year saw the inauguration of the world's inaugural Warner Bros.-themed hotel and Yas Bay Waterfront, a dynamic day and nighttime destination in Abu Dhabi.

Al Zaabi's vision has been instrumental in the shaping of the leisure, entertainment, and tourism sector in Abu Dhabi. In 2022, Miral was appointed to oversee the Destination Management Strategy of Saadiyat Island. Subsequently, plans were announced in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi to establish a Natural History Museum on Saadiyat Island.

In 2023, Miral opened SeaWorld Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the world’s largest indoor Marine-life theme park.  The Yas SeaWorld research and rescue center was opened earlier int eh same year, which is the first dedicated research, rescue, rehabilitation and return center in the region.

Most recently, Al Zaabi was identified as number 10 in Forbes Middle East’s ‘Top 100 Travel & Tourism Leaders’ for 2024[1]. This list comprises the most impactful and innovative leaders in the travel and tourism ecosystem within the region. The ranking is based on a number of criteria, including business size, asset ownership, designation, influence, achievements, and experience.

Board Positions[edit]

Al Zaabi holds a number of key positions on the board, including:

  • Chairman of Miral Destinations, promoting Yas Island and Saadiyat Island.
  • Member of the Board of Directors at Miral Experiences LLC, managing a diverse portfolio of immersive experiences.
  • Al Zaabi has previously served on the board of Aldar Academics, Aldar Besix, Al Raha International Integrated Facilities Management, Green Emirates Properties, Khidmah and Watania Takaful.

Recognition[edit]

Al Zaabi has been duly acknowledged for his considerable contributions to the tourism and hospitality sector. He was the inaugural Emirati to attain the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. In 2024, he was named by Forbes Middle East as one of the top 100 leaders in travel and tourism, which highlighted his considerable influence and achievements in the sector.

Personal Life[edit]

An avid reader, Al Zaabi is passionate about both fiction and non-fiction books. He believes in applying insights from his readings to enrich his leadership approach and foster innovation within his organization.

Media Articles and Interviews[edit]

  • Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island [2]
  • Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi on Yas Bay Waterfront[3]
  • Miral CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi on Yas Island tech and SeaWorld Abu Dhabi progress[4]
  • Miral’s launch of the Noor Initiative to excel in tourism sector[5]
  • Miral’s Awards at the 2021 World Travel Awards[6]
  • What does it take to become Abu Dhabi Yas Island’s Chief Island Officer? Miral chief reveals
  • Yas man: Miral CEO Mohammed Al Zaabi[7]
  • Group CEO Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi reflects on Miral’s success[8]
  • Miral: Championing Abu Dhabi’s tourism aspirations with group CEO Mohamed Al Zaabi[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Mughal, Waqar. "Travel and Tourism Leaders 2024". Forbes Lists. Retrieved 2024-06-05.
  2. ^ Mubarak, Mohamed Khalifa Al (2024-02-29), "Foreword", Advances in UAE Archaeology, Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, pp. 11–12, doi:10.2307/jj.14638142.4, ISBN 978-1-80327-674-8, retrieved 2024-06-05
  3. ^ Al Murshidi, Ghadah; Al Memmari, Mohamed; Al Zaabi, Ahmed; Al Zaabi, Mohamed (2019-07-12). "Cross-Cultural Communication Simulation Game: Lessons for Educators". Proceedings of the International Conference on New Approaches in Education. Global. doi:10.33422/icnaeducation.2019.07.395. ISBN 978-609-8239-74-4.
  4. ^ Johnson, Christopher; Sattar, Mohamed; Rosell, Rafael; Al-Shekaili, Fatema; Al-Zaabi, Naema; Gombos, Andrew (October 2002). "Structure and Regional Context of Onshore Fields in Abu Dhabi, UAE". Proceedings of Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference. Society of Petroleum Engineers. doi:10.2523/78488-ms.
  5. ^ "Reforming Higher Education: The Case of Jordan's Hospitality and Tourism Sector", The Tourism Education Futures Initiative, Routledge, pp. 378–390, 2016-04-29, doi:10.4324/9781315541297-26, ISBN 978-1-315-54129-7, retrieved 2024-06-05
  6. ^ "EDUNINE 2021 Awards". 2021 IEEE World Conference on Engineering Education (EDUNINE). IEEE: 1–2. 2021-03-14. doi:10.1109/edunine51952.2021.9429126. ISBN 978-1-6654-0302-3.
  7. ^ Al Muhairi, Mohammed Bin; Al Zaabi, Mohammed Abdulla (2012-11-11). "High Precision Monitoring of Crude Oil Storage". All Days. SPE. doi:10.2118/161701-ms.
  8. ^ Al Murshidi, Ghadah; Al Memmari, Mohamed; Al Zaabi, Ahmed; Al Zaabi, Mohamed (2019-07-12). "Cross-Cultural Communication Simulation Game: Lessons for Educators". Proceedings of the International Conference on New Approaches in Education. Global. doi:10.33422/icnaeducation.2019.07.395. ISBN 978-609-8239-74-4.
  9. ^ Mubarak, Mohamed Khalifa Al (2024-02-29), "Foreword", Advances in UAE Archaeology, Archaeopress Publishing Ltd, pp. 11–12, doi:10.2307/jj.14638142.4, ISBN 978-1-80327-674-8, retrieved 2024-06-05
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