With over three decades of experience, he has effortlessly dovetailed his expertise in extracting resources, energy transition, and sustainable practices. Today, as the Chairman at Terra Mining, he’s leading a revolutionary approach toward gold production in Zimbabwe and beyond, while his United Terra Enterprises leadership underscores integration with renewable energy.

The journey of Patrick Allman-Ward is a testament of dedication and expertise in managing resources. Equipped with a Ph.D. in Mining Geology from Imperial College, London, his career began in 1981 in jobs that took him around the world and industries. In his early years, he worked in the oil and gas industry where he achieved high ranks; at Shell, he became Vice President of Exploration for the Asia-Pacific region. His time at Shell also included some key positions, including Chief Executive Officer for South Rub Al Khali Company, demonstrating his capacity to lead and innovate in complex environments.

In 2012, Patrick took up a Country and General Manager’s role in Dana Gas Egypt, moving swiftly to CEO of the Dana Gas Group in 2013, during which he consolidated Dana Gas’ position in the UAE and more broadly throughout the Middle East, adding further proof to his identity as a strategic thinker with a predisposition toward operational excellence.

At Terra Mining, Patrick Allman-Ward is changing the story of gold production in Africa. As Chairman, he has led the company toward sustainable mining practices, especially in Zimbabwe. The organization’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community impact sets it apart in an industry often criticized for its ecological footprint. Terra Mining’s approach involves integrating modern technologies to minimize environmental damage while maximizing resource efficiency. This includes adopting responsible mining techniques that ensure the well-being of local communities and the preservation of natural ecosystems. Patrick’s leadership reflects his belief in aligning corporate goals with global sustainability objectives, making Terra Mining a model for ethical resource management.

Aside from mining, Patrick is the Vice Chairman of United Terra Enterprises, where he is taking the lead in creating an energy portfolio that is in balance. The company intends to integrate renewable energy in three years and is therefore assessing different initiatives that match global trends toward decarbonisation.

Patrick’s approach to diversifying energy is pragmatic yet visionary. United Terra Enterprises will focus on renewable energy sources, reducing reliance on fossil fuels while ensuring energy security. This dual commitment to innovation and sustainability puts the company at the center of Africa’s energy transition, with Patrick’s leadership being the driving force.

Patrick Allman-Ward is an experienced consultant in the petroleum and mining industries. He has extensive experience that equips him with the right insights on resource management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning. As a mentor, he has inspired so many professionals to embrace innovation and sustainability in their careers.

Patrick’s advocacy for sustainable practices extends to his consultancy work, where he emphasizes the importance of aligning industrial activities with environmental and social goals. He can deal with sophisticated problems but puts ethical considerations first in advice or thoughts that make him the go-to person for advisory work in his field. Patrick Allman-Ward is a career of unmatched fusion of technical skills and strategic vision with a clear-cut commitment to sustainability. He has left his footprints on the industries wherever he worked, whether that be Terra Mining, leading on gold production, or at United Terra Enterprises, speaking to renewable energy.

His story is more than one of professional success but also profound dedication towards making a positive impact upon the planet and its people. For aspiring leaders and industry professionals, Patrick Allman-Ward’s journey is a source of inimitable lessons in resilience, innovation, and the power of purposeful leadership.

When you talk about entrepreneurial success in the Middle East, one name that stands tall is Paul Kenny. Through his pioneering ventures and immense contributions to the startups ecosystem, Kenny has not only carved a niche for himself but has also become a guiding light for aspiring entrepreneurs. From founding Cobone.com to mentoring upcoming business leaders, Kenny’s journey is a master class in innovation, resilience, and growth.

Paul Kenny is an Irish entrepreneur who started his business at the age of 25. His successful venture, Cobone.com, was launched in 2010 and revolutionized online shopping in the MENA region. Cobone.com took advantage of the rising trend of daily deals in which discounts on products and services were offered, becoming very popular during the post-recession period when consumers sought to save money. The platform was really successful, earning over $600,000 per month on electronics deals alone.

Cobone’s aggressive growth attracted significant attention from investors, culminating with its acquisition by Tiger Global Management for approximately $40 million. This marked Kenny emergence as a top entrepreneur in the region, further rewarded by his awards, like the Middle East Entrepreneur of the Year and Ernst & Young Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year. After the success of Cobone, Kenny took his investment skills to start co-founding Emerge Ventures, an early-stage investment vehicle targeting emerging markets. His ability to pick and nurture potential led him to support startups that are currently key players in the digital and e-commerce sectors.

Currently, as the Managing Director of AYM Commerce, Kenny is focused on using cutting-edge digital technologies to develop scalable online businesses. Notably, AYM partnered with Saudi Arabia’s Danube supermarket chain to create an innovative app that made online grocery shopping seamless for millions. Mentorship of the next generation of entrepreneurs: Participates in initiatives like Global Student Entrepreneur Awards, and mentors university students who have their own businesses. Philosophy of decisiveness and resilience are the basis of his philosophy, urging entrepreneurs to “get comfortable with being uncomfortable.”

Lessons from Paul Kenny’s Journey

Paul Kenny’s experience teaches aspiring entrepreneurs a great lesson:

• People over Plans: Kenny emphasizes investing in people rather than their ideas. A resilient, flexible entrepreneur is much more important than a perfect business plan.
• Execution is the Best Plan: A good idea is only as good as its execution. Kenny advises that startups prove their business model through execution before seeking funds.
• Preparation Meets Opportunity: Entrepreneurs have to prepare well for investor meetings from having financials ready to demonstrating governance. All of this can make or break funding opportunities.
• Comfort in Discomfort: For Kenny, true entrepreneurship thrives in uncertain and uncomfortable spaces- a mindset not for the faint of heart but crucial for innovation.

Paul Kenny is not only a business leader but also a change agent in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the UAE and far beyond. His success and recognition, such as his ranking among the Top 10 Entrepreneurs in MENA and one of the Top 30 Technology Leaders in the Middle East, speak for themselves. Paul Kenny’s journey from a young entrepreneur to a successful investor and mentor is nothing short of inspirational.

His ventures, particularly Cobone, revolutionized e-commerce in the Middle East, while his investment and mentorship activities continue to shape the future of startups in the region. Aspiring entrepreneurs can learn invaluable lessons from his philosophy of action, execution, and resilience. This story by Paul Kenny will be testimony that in the startups world, success lies in vision, perseverance, and a relentless drive to innovate.

Behind some of the most iconic real estate projects in Dubai stands a man whose journey is as remarkable as the skyline he’s helping to transform. Mirwais Azizi, the visionary Chairman and Founder of Azizi Group and Azizi Developments, is not only a leading name in real estate but also a beacon of resilience and ambition. From humble beginnings in Afghanistan to helming a real estate empire valued at over AED 45 billion, Azizi’s story is a testament to determination, innovation, and the power of vision. Let’s uncover the milestones of this inspiring leader who is shaping the future of real estate in the Middle East and beyond.

Born in 1962 in Laghman, Afghanistan, Mirwais Azizi graduated in Law from the University of Kabul. He left Afghanistan in 1988, during its political and economic challenges, beginning a world journey that later helped redefine his career. He began in the corporate world with tenacity and smarts, marking the eventual launch of what would one day become the Azizi Group in 1989. Investing in realty, banking, hospitality, and petroleum, Azizi was able to expand influence over various sectors and lands because of his entrepreneurial approach and strategic mind-set. He proved his mettle in the face of adversity by creating opportunities that would benefit not only his ventures but also the communities he touched.

Azizi Developments is the creation of Mirwais Azizi, a man who played a key role in real estate development in Dubai since his establishment of the company back in 2007. Riding through the storms of financial crises of 2007-2008 when Azizi took the bold decision to refund the deposit taken from buyers, the firm started working on projects once again in 2013. Today, more than 200 projects are underway under this firm with an account value of AED 45 billion.

Azizi Developments is celebrated for its iconic contributions to Dubai’s skyline, including luxury residential, commercial, and mixed-use projects in prime locations like Palm Jumeirah, Mohammed Bin Rashid City, and Downtown Jebel Ali. The company’s commitment to quality and customer satisfaction has solidified its reputation as one of the leading private developers in the region.

Mirwais Azizi’s ventures extend beyond real estate. In 2006, he founded Azizi Bank in Kabul, which very soon became one of the largest commercial banks in Afghanistan. With an equity capital of $7.5 million at its inception, the bank has grown to hold assets of $80 million, playing a very important role in Afghanistan’s financial sector. He also acquired Bakhtar Bank now known as Islamic Bank of Afghanistan, which is reckoned as one of the fastest-growing banks in the region. Through these financial institutions, Azizi has not only contributed to the economic development of Afghanistan but also positioned himself as a key figure in the global banking industry.

Mirwais Azizi’s accomplishments have not gone unnoticed. In 2018, he was featured in the Arabian Business list of “100 Inspiring Leaders in the Middle East.” Known as Afghanistan’s richest man, Azizi has managed as much as 70% of the petroleum products sold in his home country, underscoring his significant impact on the region’s economy.

Azizi is currently managing the construction of Dubai’s second-tallest tower, which is a perfect example of his ambition and vision to push boundaries. His efforts have not only elevated his companies but inspired many in the business world. Azizi has demonstrated a deep commitment to community development and education. Being one of the members of the Board of Trustees of American University of Afghanistan, he has been supporting initiatives concerning higher education in his native country. His philanthropy is a reflection of him believing in giving back to society and empowering the upcoming generations.

The story of Mirwais Azizi is one of perseverance, innovation, and unrelenting ambition. From coping with the trials of a global financial crisis to revolutionizing the concepts of real estate and banking, his journey speaks to valuable lessons for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders. And through Azizi Developments, Mirwais Azizi will continue to set new benchmarks for the real estate industry as he inspires growth and progress across the regions he services.