In this special issue, we present the biggest names in Dubai’s vibrant business community, and their plans to help the emirate continue its status as the leading hub of industry and entrepreneurship in this part of the world.
February 2024
Dubai, a thriving global business hub, owes much of its success to visionary and dynamic business leaders who have played instrumental roles in shaping the emirate’s economic landscape. Renowned for their innovation, resilience, and strategic acumen, Dubai’s business leaders are synonymous with a forward-thinking approach that has transformed the city into a dynamic commercial powerhouse.
These leaders have adeptly navigated through challenges, leveraging Dubai’s strategic location, pro-business policies, and world-class infrastructure to foster economic growth. The visionary leadership has not only attracted multinational corporations but has also incubated a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, supporting the rise of startups and diverse business ventures.
Dubai’s business leaders are characterised by their commitment to excellence, fostering a culture of innovation and embracing emerging technologies. Their emphasis on sustainability and corporate social responsibility aligns with global best practices, reflecting a holistic approach to business.
Moreover, the collaborative spirit among Dubai’s business leaders has facilitated public-private partnerships, driving large-scale developments and enhancing the city’s competitiveness. As Dubai continues to diversify its economy, these leaders remain pivotal in steering the course towards a knowledge-based and sustainable future, ensuring that the emirate remains a beacon of economic prosperity and opportunity on the global stage.
Rank: 100
Name: Shaun Killa
Company: Killa Design
Designation: Design Director and Founder
Industry: Architecture
With a portfolio spanning over 25 years, Killa focuses on crafting innovative, environmentally friendly structures that challenge traditional architectural norms, resulting in projects such as the Dubai Opera House, the Almas Tower, and the Bahrain World Trade Centre, an integration of wind turbines in a large-scale building. He has gained acclaim for his unique architectural approach, emphasising sustainability, and consistently exploring unconventional design.
Established in 2015 in Dubai, Killa Design has actively contributed to several key projects that received recognition in the architectural realm. These include designs for the Museum of the Future, the Address Beach Resort, W Hotel Namaste, Vida Dubai Marina & Yacht Club, Marsa Al Arab, Sheybarah Island, Aykon Twin Towers, and the Office of the Future, the world’s first occupied 3D-printed building.
Currently, Killa Design is working on projects that include the Jumeirah Marsa Al Arab Hotel in Dubai, the Sheybarah Resort for the Red Sea Development in KSA, as well as the Palm Residence and the Cavalli Residential Towers. Killa also serves as a speaker at global conferences, inspiring architects, and developers to challenge the status quo and embrace sustainable practices.
His focus centres on the importance of sustainable buildings and masterplans, aiming to enhance the urban habitat, improve the lives of its inhabitants, and significantly reduce carbon emissions from the built environment. His presence on the global stage helps in advocating for a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
