As the former group CEO of DP World, and the UAE’s assistant foreign minister for economic and trade affairs, HE Dr Mohammed Sharaf has more leadership experience than most. In an exclusive interview with Gulf Business, the CEO par excellence reveals what it takes to become – and remain - an effective leader.
WHEN HIS EXCELLENCY Dr Mohammed Sharaf called time on his tenure at DP World in 2016, he brought the curtain down on a 24-year career with the Dubai-based port operator – including 11 successful years as group CEO.
Having risen through the ranks of the logistics giant since the early 1990s when it was the Dubai Ports Authority – well before it merged with Dubai Ports International to officially form DP World in 2005 – the Emirati businessman is in that rare category of ‘business icon’: A reputation he carried forward into his subsequent role as the UAE’s assistant foreign minister for economic and trade affairs.
Dr Sharaf assumed the governmental post in the summer of 2016, mere months after departing DP World, working with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.
His is the type of experience very few of us will get close to, having played a vital part in the vast global growth of a local company. But that’s not to say we can’t get access to his many learnings from his years at the top.
A new book written by Dr Sharaf and published by Motivate Media Group entitled World of Changes offers an insight into the former CEO’s time at DP World and beyond.
Set to be launched at the Abu Dhabi Book Fair on April 25, the book charts his personal and professional journey not only through his eyes, but also those of the people closest to him – ranging from family members and junior staff to government ministers such as HE Sheikha Lubna Al Qasimi – the first woman to hold a ministerial post in the UAE.
The breadth of the book is such that details of two near-death experiences sit alongside tales from the negotiating table, adding up to a compendium of stories and advice that is both entertaining and edifying.
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2019-Ausgabe von Gulf Business.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent ? Anmelden
Diese Geschichte stammt aus der April 2019-Ausgabe von Gulf Business.
Starten Sie Ihre 7-tägige kostenlose Testversion von Magzter GOLD, um auf Tausende kuratierte Premium-Storys sowie über 8.000 Zeitschriften und Zeitungen zuzugreifen.
Bereits Abonnent? Anmelden
Green lights
It hasn’t even been a full year that Stellantis, one of the world’s biggest auto companies, has been in existence. Still, its wheels are spinning furiously. Here’s what it has in store for the region
Purpose through corporate responsibility
Every organisation must deeply reflect about whether they are leaving behind a legacy or a liability, says Abdulaziz AlSowailim, EY MENA chairman and CEO
Analysing the layers of a coconut
When we have a sense of clarity as to our purpose in life, then we institute the correct practices and habits around us, and set realistic and achievable results
DUNES TO DOMINION
FOR A COUNTRY RICH IN TRADITION AND DRIVEN BY AMBITION, THE UAE’S JOURNEY DURING THE PAST 50 YEARS HAS BEEN UNPRECEDENTED. WHAT’S IN STORE FOR THE NEXT 50?
Building strong
International investors are boosting Dubai’s residential property market, which has rebounded strongly from the Covid crisis, writes Aarti Nagraj
CHASING THE AMERCIAN DREAM
FOR SHAI ZAMANIAN, THE US IS A LAND OF LIMITLESS POSSIBILITIES, AN AVENUE HE AIMS TO OPEN FOR FAMILIES WORLDWIDE VIA IMMIGRATION. HERE’S HOW HE IS BRINGING HIS GOAL TO FRUITION
OBITUARY: JOCELYN HENDERSON (1921-2021)
THE GRANDE DAME OF ABU DHABI – THE WIFE OF A FORMER DIPLOMAT – PASSED AWAY IN THE UAE CAPITAL AGED 100
THE DIGITAL DISRUPTORS
IN THE COMING YEARS, THE GCC IS EXPECTED TO PLAY A SIGNIFICANT ROLE IN SECTORS SUCH AS HEALTHCARE, MANUFACTURING, EDUCATION AND RETAIL, WHICH WILL HELP BOOST THE GROWTH OF ITS NON-OIL ECONOMY
Signed, sealed, delivered
Nicolas Baretzki, CEO of Montblanc, partnered with one of the world’s most recognisable luxury brands, Ferrari, earlier this year. Here’s where the partnership, and the German company as well, is headed next
UP, UP AND AWAY
AS THE FIRST IN-PERSON AIRSHOW TO TAKE PLACE SINCE THE OUTBREAK OF THE PANDEMIC, THE EVENT SAW SEVERAL DEALS ANNOUNCED
