Magnus Olsson is the co-founder and Chief Product Architect of Careem, representing entrepreneurial spirit, innovation, and resilience. From his roots as a teenage business owner in Sweden to his professional journey crossing continents, Olsson has transformed ride-hailing in the Middle East. Hands-on, customer-focused, and dedicated to solving real-life problems, he has been the force behind the growth of Careem from a scrappy start up to a billion-dollar brand. At Careem, one can often see Olsson personally engaging with captains or listening to customer feedback—an attitude that reflects his passion for making lives simpler and better.

Magnus Olsson’s entrepreneurial journey began at the young age of 15 when he started his first business in Sweden. Given the fact that he has always had an aptitude towards technology and innovation, Olsson opted for computer engineering studies to form a base in the future aspects of product development and leadership in business. Moving to the Middle East in 2006, Olsson had first-hand exposure to transport and mobility gaps and subsequently set up Careem along with Mudassir Sheikha in 2012. Careem was not just a ride-hailing service but a platform that could improve the quality of life for millions across the region.

Under Magnus Olsson’s stewardship, Careem exploded from relatively small beginnings to expanding services into more than 100 cities across the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia. One of the important aspects of Careem’s success has been the approach hyper-localized -tailoring solutions for a unique need in each market. In that regard, it included the possibility of cash payments in areas of very low banking penetration. Moreover, it came up with the ride options within multiple budget ranges.

Olsson has always believed in a customer-first philosophy. He believes in listening to users and incorporating their feedback into Careem’s product development. Whether chatting with captains or personally responding to customer queries, Olsson ensures that the company’s services are continually improving.

Magnus Olsson’s role as Chief Product Architect has allowed him to shape Careem’s innovative services. In addition to ride-hailing, Careem has diversified into food delivery, payments, and logistics as it looks to become the region’s leading “super app.” This vision was made possible by Olsson’s deep understanding of technology and his ability to adjust with the changing market dynamics. In 2020, Careem was acquired by Uber for $3.1 billion, which happened to be one of the largest tech deals in the Middle East. Despite this, Olsson has managed to stay cantered on sustaining Careem’s different identity while continuing to innovate under the new ownership.

In his entrepreneurial experience, Magnus Olsson encountered a tough battle. Not only would he have to deal with fierce competition but also complex environments of regulations that came with careem’s growth. The humbleness, empathy, and eagerness to roll up their sleeves that marked Olsson’s leadership made Careem’s team stand for quality.

Magnus Olsson sits on several boards, among them being Swvl and Ifrågasätt. He is an active angel investor, who supports innovative startups in any industry. This passion of mentoring young entrepreneurs shows a commitment to developing a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship in the region.

Yu Tao is more than a name in the construction industry; he is a trailblazer shaping the skylines of the Middle East. In this role as the President and CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East), Tao has headed several of the region’s biggest icons in infrastructure projects since 2004. Over decades, the continents have provided him with in-depth technical knowledge as well as leadership towards transforming the UAE and other Gulf states’ urban sceneries. Under his leadership, the company not only delivered landmark projects but also proved itself a global construction power.

Yu Tao, President and CEO of China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East), has been the most iconic leader on the region’s transformative infrastructure boom for nearly two decades. Since taking the helm in 2004, Tao has led the company’s operations across the UAE and other Gulf states, solidifying its reputation as a leader in large-scale construction projects. One of the most influential figures in the construction industry, Tao’s leadership is marked by his ability to deliver on ambitious projects that redefine urban landscapes. His team has worked on developments such as the new headquarters for the Central Bank of Kuwait, and Al-Hikma Tower in the UAE. These projects give testimony not only to the technical competencies of the company but also to its drive toward innovation in design and engineering.

Tao’s initial professional training was in civil engineering at the Chongqing Civil Engineering Institute. Recognizing the need to develop his leadership and project management skills, he went on to pursue a master’s degree in science and project management at the National University of Singapore. This foundation set the stage for a career that would span continents and industries. Between 2003 and 2004, he served in Singapore as a Deputy Managing Director of China Construction (South Pacific) Development Company. In Singapore, Tao handled high profile construction projects, which exposed him to broader perspectives and insight about different markets.

Tao served between 2007 and 2010 as Vice-President for Overseas Operations at China State Construction Engineering. This made his expertise comprehensive in international project management and exposed him to the intricate operation of cross-border operations.

Under the leadership of Yu Tao, China State Construction Engineering Corporation (Middle East) has established itself as a major player in the construction sector in the Gulf. It is strategic vision that has allowed the company to win and implement some of the most demanding projects in the region toward the modernization of the infrastructure of cities.

The headquarters of the Central Bank of Kuwait is a testament to the engineering prowess of the company, while projects like Al-Hikma Tower highlight its ability to deliver architectural marvels. Beyond these flagship developments, Tao’s team has been instrumental in executing numerous residential, commercial, and industrial projects, reinforcing the company’s diversified portfolio.

Yu Tao’s leadership is defined by his focus on innovation, sustainability, and inclusivity. He is keen on incorporating current technologies and techniques to maintain a leap over the trend. Cultivating an environment of constant improvement and collaboration, Tao created an environment that thrives on complexity and solutions. Tao believes in sustainability by aligning the operations with practices that are not detrimental to the environment, making operations sustainable and consistent with efforts in green construction across the globe.

Tao has extensive international experience, which gives him a unique perspective on the construction industry. He has been able to navigate the diverse and dynamic Gulf region effectively by combining global best practices with an understanding of local markets. His ability to adapt to varying cultural, economic, and regulatory landscapes has been a key factor in the company’s success.

Kez Taylor is the CEO of ALEC. He has proved to be a pioneer as the company progresses towards innovation, sustainability, and excellence. With over 35 years of experience in managing mega-projects and steering large construction businesses across the Middle East and Africa, Kez Taylor left an indelible mark on the region’s construction landscape. His inspiring journey from his humble beginnings in South Africa to leading a billion-dollar enterprise in the UAE shows a commitment to determination, foresight, and passion toward a better future.

Taylor’s career started in 1985 when he won a bursary with Grinaker Construction. This was the start of his journey to a degree in Construction Management at the University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, which he completed with honours in 1988. During his time at Grinaker, Taylor worked on various projects in South Africa, Mauritius, Zambia, and Namibia, developing his skills in managing complex projects and building businesses in emerging markets.

In 2001, Taylor made a life-changing decision to join ALEC to set up a construction company in partnership with the Al Jaber Group in the UAE. Under Taylor’s leadership, ALEC grew from a small outfit to a billion-dollar powerhouse, delivering high-profile projects in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Oman, over the next decade. Today, ALEC employs over 13,000 people and is recognized as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and quality in the construction industry.

Taylor’s management philosophy is based on his inspiration to innovate and promote sustainability. During his tenure, ALEC has diversified its activities and built a comprehensive ecosystem designed to address the changing construction industry needs. The company established energy efficiency and renewable energy, including: ALEC has become synonymous with innovation and sustainability. The company has diversified into energy efficiency, renewable energy, and smart solutions through subsidiaries such as ALEC Energy, specializing in solar solutions; Smart4Power, focusing on energy efficiency; and AJI Rentals, which provides advanced aerial work platforms. This diversification reflects Taylor’s vision of creating a construction ecosystem that delivers value while minimizing environmental impact.

For Taylor, collaboration is the foundation for success. He believes that aligning stakeholders and creating strong partnerships will help conquer the challenges that the construction industry faces. Uniting different teams and pushing collective efforts has helped ALEC succeed in its endeavors, which have included iconic projects such as the Central Bank of Kuwait headquarters and many landmark developments in the UAE.

Taylor may have conquered the world, but he is still rooted deep in South Africa. Currently living in Dubai with his wife Micheline and their two sons, Ross and Adan, Taylor represents his homeland at the international level. He does not miss an opportunity to show a positive image of South Africa and is working for the development of the UAE.

Taylor’s career is more than a story but a journey of ambition and resilience, with a deep desire to make a difference. His leadership style reflects humility and hands-on involvement, whether it is engaging employees, understanding customer needs, or exploring innovative solutions.

Kez Taylor’s work has been beyond ALEC’s outstanding financial success. His vision is about an efficient, sustainable future in construction, an effort to answer some of the world’s most daunting challenges and add value for stakeholders and communities alike. His commitment to innovation, sustainability, and collaboration not only transformed ALEC but also set the standard for the industry.