In the heart of the UAE’s glittering skyline and vibrant malls, the name Majid Al Futtaim continues to echo as a symbol of innovation, ambition, and modern Arab enterprise. Though he passed away in 2021, his legacy is more alive than ever—visible in every corner of the malls he built, the retail experiences he crafted, and the new lifestyle he introduced to the region.
Majid Al Futtaim was more than just a businessman. He was a dreamer and a doer, someone who envisioned the future of the Middle East not just as a place of economic growth but as a space for world-class living, entertainment, and connection. As the founder of the Majid Al Futtaim Group, he laid the foundation for what would become one of the region’s most admired private companies, spanning retail, real estate, hospitality, and more.
Humble Beginnings, Bold Ambitions
Majid Al Futtaim came from a prominent business family in the UAE, but he always had ambitions that reached far beyond the traditional model of trade and commerce. In the early 1990s, when most of the Gulf region was still focused on oil and infrastructure, Majid imagined a future where the Middle East could compete with the world’s top cities—not just in business, but in lifestyle, leisure, and luxury.
At a time when shopping was still a basic necessity, he envisioned a destination where people could shop, dine, ski, and create memories all under one roof. That single idea changed the retail scene in the region forever.
In 1992, he launched his company—Majid Al Futtaim Group—with a simple but bold mission: to bring global standards of shopping, service, and design to the Arab world.
Changing the Way the Region Shops and Socializes
One of his most groundbreaking creations was the Mall of the Emirates, opened in 2005. This was not just another shopping mall—it was a statement to the world. It featured more than 600 international brands, fine dining, luxurious cinema experiences, and most famously, Ski Dubai—the Middle East’s first indoor ski slope in the desert.
Skeptics doubted it at first. But Majid Al Futtaim was never afraid to challenge what people believed was possible. His success with the Mall of the Emirates set a new benchmark for the retail industry in the Middle East. It proved that people didn’t just want to shop—they wanted experiences.
His company then expanded with the creation of City Centre malls, designed to serve local communities with convenient, high-quality shopping and entertainment. These centers were thoughtfully placed across the UAE and other Gulf countries, making modern retail and leisure accessible to millions.
With each project, Majid Al Futtaim raised the standard—not just in architecture and design, but in customer service, cleanliness, sustainability, and innovation. His malls became social spaces where families gathered, children played, and communities grew.
Global Partnerships, Local Growth
Majid Al Futtaim didn’t just bring Western brands to the region—he partnered with them to grow together. He secured long-term agreements with companies like Carrefour, making the Majid Al Futtaim Group the exclusive franchisee of Carrefour in more than a dozen countries across the Middle East, Africa, and Asia.
He also introduced VOX Cinemas, now one of the region’s leading cinema brands, combining the latest technology with local cultural understanding.
Under his leadership, the company expanded to over 15 countries, employing more than 45,000 people and operating over 30 shopping malls, 13 hotels, and 370+ Carrefour stores.
His ability to build international alliances while maintaining a strong regional identity made him a respected name in both global business and local communities.
A Business Model with Purpose
Majid Al Futtaim’s approach to business was rooted in long-term thinking and responsibility. He believed in creating value not just for customers, but also for society.
He was a strong advocate for sustainability. His company committed to becoming net positive in carbon and water consumption by 2040, making it one of the first in the region to take such a step.
His properties were designed with environmental responsibility in mind, from energy-saving lighting to advanced recycling systems and green building certifications.
Even more, he invested in talent development—focusing on hiring, training, and promoting UAE nationals and local talent across the business. His company became a model for corporate culture, innovation, and inclusion.
A Quiet Man, A Loud Impact
Despite his enormous success, Majid Al Futtaim was known for being humble, reserved, and media-shy. He rarely appeared in the public spotlight and preferred his work to speak for itself.
But for those who worked with him, he was a man of discipline, ethics, and sharp business instincts. He believed that good leadership came from clarity, trust, and creating value over time—not just quick wins.
His passing in December 2021 was felt deeply across the region. Government leaders, business communities, and the public honored him not just as an entrepreneur, but as a nation builder who helped shape modern UAE.
Continuing the Legacy
Today, the Majid Al Futtaim Group continues to operate with the same values and vision that its founder set in motion. Under the guidance of a new leadership team and a strong family governance structure, the company is focused on digital innovation, regional expansion, and sustainability.
New retail concepts, smart city projects, and entertainment innovations are all being rolled out—ensuring that the brand stays at the cutting edge of consumer experience in a rapidly changing world.
Even in his absence, Majid Al Futtaim’s fingerprints are all over the future. His approach to business—centered around people, progress, and purpose—is now studied as a case model in entrepreneurship and real estate development across business schools and conferences.
Conclusion: More Than a Businessman
Majid Al Futtaim was not just a name behind malls and brands. He was a pioneer who shaped how people live, shop, and connect in the Arab world.
He believed that retail could be more than commerce—it could be a force for happiness, creativity, and community.
His vision turned concrete buildings into lifestyle destinations. His belief in world-class standards lifted the bar for service and innovation across the region. And his quiet leadership built a legacy that continues to touch millions of lives every day.
Majid Al Futtaim showed the world what is possible when dreams are backed by determination and profit is balanced with purpose.
His story is not just part of the UAE’s past—it’s a guide for its future.
