Name: Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi
Designation: Group Chief Executive Officer
Company: Miral
Category: Developer Titans
Since 2015, Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi has been the driving force behind Miral’s transformation into one of the region’s most influential creators of immersive destinations and experiences. As Group Chief Executive Officer, Al Zaabi has led the company with clarity of vision and strategic purpose, guiding it through an extraordinary journey that has redefined Yas Island and cemented Abu Dhabi’s reputation as a global entertainment, leisure, and tourism destination.
Under his leadership, Miral has grown into a key player in the Emirate’s economic diversification, investing billions into landmark projects and world-class attractions. Through partnerships with global names such as Ferrari, Warner Bros., and SeaWorld Entertainment Inc., Miral has built a portfolio that resonates far beyond the region, and recently with Disney, turning Yas Island into a world-renowned destination for entertainment, leisure, and business. In 2024 alone, Yas Island welcomed over 38 million visitors.
But Al Zaabi’s impact extends beyond numbers. His leadership has been pivotal in expanding Miral’s destination strategy to encompass Saadiyat Island, where the company has successfully elevated global awareness and delivered a 10% increase in visits in 2024. This expansion reflects his ability to not only create but also scale compelling experiences that connect people, cultures, and communities.
Dr. Mohamed Al Zaabi, CEO of Miral, leads Yas Island’s rise as a global destination, blending innovation, impact, and immersive experiences. At Miral, Al Zaabi has brought this expertise to life, overseeing a dynamic network of destinations that offer more than just entertainment; they create unforgettable moments and lasting memories for millions. He currently serves as Chairman of Miral Destinations, the entity responsible for promoting Yas Island and Saadiyat Island globally, and sits on the Board of Directors of Miral Experiences.
Beyond the boardroom, Al Zaabi is a pioneer in the tech space, becoming the first Emirati to earn the prestigious Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE) certification. His academic credentials are equally impressive, he obtained his Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Warwick in the UK in February 2025 and holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD, an MSc in Strategic Project Planning from Heriot-Watt University, and a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from UAE University.
