Power 100-Mishal Kanoo
With his fingers dipped in industries ranging from travel to security systems to the arts in the UAE, it's no wonder that Mishal Kanoo has climbed up more than 40 spots since last year's rankings. Within the last few years, he has successfully expanded the business into the insurance industry and opened an art gallery in efforts to promote Arabian art and culture. At 39 years of age, he has established himself as the mastermind behind the Kanoo Group's operational division. Mishal Kanoo's success in the family run business is measured by the personal fortune of over $1.7 billion that he has amassed since assuming the role of deputy chairman of the Kanoo Group in 1997.
With much experience in regional economic affairs and financial markets, Mishal Kanoo has been a key speaker at various conferences in the Gulf, including the Arabian Business Media & Marketing Conference 2007. He regularly contributes to a number of local publications, with many columns featured in Arabian Business and Money Works. His personal website is one of the most widely read in the region on a spectrum of topics that cover everything from Middle Eastern politics to Cuban cigars.
Mishal Kanoo is a strong advocate of education, with an MBA in Finance from the University of St. Thomas, Texas under his belt. His professional experience began with a year long stint as an auditor with the American firm Arthur Andersen based in Dubai. He then moved on to join the Kanoo Group and is now Vice Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the independently run family business.
