Ahmed Galal Ismail: A Visionary Leader Driving Majid Al Futtaim’s Growth

Ahmed Galal Ismail is the Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors at Majid Al Futtaim – Holding, the leading shopping mall, retail, and leisure conglomerate operating across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. With assets exceeding USD 18 billion and a workforce of 44,000 employees, Majid Al Futtaim is a powerhouse in real estate, entertainment, and consumer-driven industries.

Having been with the company for over 16 years, Ismail has played a pivotal role in its expansion and success, holding several key executive positions that have shaped the group’s long-term strategy and business transformation.

Career at Majid Al Futtaim

CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Holding

As CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Holding, Ismail is responsible for steering the company’s overall strategy, financial performance, and global expansion. His leadership is marked by a strong commitment to innovation, customer-centric growth, and sustainability.

CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Properties (2018–2023)

Before taking on the role of Group CEO, Ismail led Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, overseeing its extensive portfolio of shopping malls, hotels, and mixed-use communities across the U.A.E., Egypt, Oman, Bahrain, and Lebanon. During his tenure, he drove expansion, enhanced operational efficiency, and introduced forward-thinking real estate developments.

CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures

Prior to his role at Majid Al Futtaim – Properties, Ismail served as CEO of Majid Al Futtaim – Ventures, where he managed seven major business verticals, including:

• Leisure and Entertainment
  
• Cinemas
  
• Lifestyle
  
• Facilities Management
  
• Consumer Finance
  

His strategic leadership in these diverse sectors contributed significantly to the company’s revenue growth and market leadership.

Vice President of Strategy (2007)

Ismail initially joined Majid Al Futtaim in 2007 as VP of Strategy, where he played a key role in shaping the company’s expansion roadmap, investment strategies, and market positioning.

Prior Experience and Industry Influence

Before joining Majid Al Futtaim, Ismail built an extensive career in global strategy and business development:

• He began his career at Procter & Gamble, working in both Egypt and Germany.
  
• He then joined Booz Allen Hamilton, where he was named Principal, advising companies across retail, media, tourism, and transportation sectors.
  

Leadership Beyond Majid Al Futtaim

Ahmed Galal Ismail is also actively involved in global business and economic development initiatives:

• Board Member at Endeavor UAE, a global non-profit supporting high-impact entrepreneurship.
  
• Board Member at the Arab Investment Bank, playing a key role in financial and investment strategies.
  
• Member of the World Economic Forum’s CEO Alliance for Climate Change, driving sustainable business practices.
  
• Trustee of the American University in Cairo, contributing to education and leadership development.
  

Ismail holds an MBA with distinction from London Business School and a B.Sc. in Computer Science from the American University in Cairo.

Ahmed Galal Ismail’s strategic vision, operational expertise, and leadership in diversified industries have made him a driving force behind Majid Al Futtaim’s success. His commitment to sustainability, digital transformation, and high-impact entrepreneurship continues to shape the future of retail, real estate, and entertainment in the MENA region and beyond.