Building a Billion-Dollar Legacy: The Entrepreneurial Brilliance of Ghassan Aboud

Born to Idlib, Syria, Muhammed Ghassan Aboud is a name synonymous with entrepreneurial vision and resilience. Very much the self-made man, he started this journey from nothing to build an international business empire with headquarters in the United Arab Emirates. Over the years, his ventures spanned multiple industries-from automotive to media, hospitality, and logistics-and earned him a place on the list of the most influential expatriates in the UAE, as well as a net worth well above $1.75 billion. It’s a story not only of business success but one of vision and determination, a great example of how to make a difference in the world.

Ghassan Aboud started his journey in 1992 when he moved to the UAE to seek opportunities beyond his native Idlib, Syria. After initial work in public relations, he soon realized the potential for growth of this booming economy. In 1994, he established the Ghassan Aboud Group, starting as a small automobile trader and spare parts. Over time, his business acumen transformed the venture into a diversified conglomerate with operations across six key sectors, including automotive, logistics, media, hospitality, real estate, and retail. Today, GAG is a global powerhouse, operating from offices in the UAE, Australia, Belgium, Jordan, China, and Turkey. The group’s innovation and expansion have made it one of the most prominent names in the business landscape.

The GAG’s car division was established in 1994, and it rapidly emerged as a provider of vehicles, spares, and accessories. Today it offers focused automotive logistics as well as supply chain solutions in over 100 countries. The firm has expanded to more than 350 employees distributed in its hubs at key locations in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Belgium.

In 2016, Aboud expanded into hospitality with Crystalbrook Collection in Australia. It is a luxury brand involving ultra-premium hotels, resorts, and superyachts that represent sustainable, innovative hospitality. His investments exceeded $600 million, giving Crystalbrook a position at the forefront of luxury hospitality in Australia.

Aboud ventured into media when he began Orient News and Live Point Art Production in 2008. Orient News caters to the Arab diaspora, providing unbiased news and socio-political content. Meanwhile, Live Point Art Production makes quality news and entertainment content, such as television shows and documentaries.

In 2017, Aboud launched Grandiose Supermarkets: a retail chain dealing in niche products and catering services. The brand has already bagged some laurels and boasts of plans to expand to 20 outlets. It was presented with the “Catering Company of the Year” award in 2018.

Gallega Global Logistics caters to the growing need for advanced logistics solutions in the UAE. A 275,000-square-meter facility was developed in Abu Dhabi which includes vehicle storage, workshops, warehouses, and comprehensive logistics services. The entrepreneurial endeavors of Ghassan Aboud also lie outside the traditional business model. For example, in 2021, BuyParts24 is launched as an online marketplace for auto parts, which would become a significant step toward digital innovation. The platform has partnered with the leading automotive brands to transform the spare parts industry in the Middle East.

Aboud’s investments in Australia’s pastoral sector further demonstrate his strategic foresight. His ventures in sustainable meat and milk production align with the hospitality sector’s supply chain, showcasing a commitment to integrated business practices. Ghassan Aboud’s contributions have been recognized widely. Forbes Middle East named him among the Top 50 Most Influential Expats in 2018, and his group consistently ranks among the UAE’s top private companies. His commitment to innovation and social responsibility has earned him numerous accolades, including being named a leading international hospitality investor.

The story of Ghassan Aboud will inspire entrepreneurs all over the world since he has been a simple automobile business in Sharjah into a global conglomerate. Through his journey, it would be realized that hard work and persistence along with a vision for a better future are very crucial for any entrepreneur.