Zaid S Al Khayyat

Zaid S Al Khayyat is the MD of Al Khayyat Investments (AKI), leading the company through a transformative era that blends entrepreneurial legacy with bold innovation and a people-focused vision. As a trailblazer in advancing AKI’s role as one of the MENA region’s most influential family businesses, Al Khayyat is shaping a legacy of impact that transcends borders and industries. Founded in 1982 by Dr Saad F Al Khayyat, AKI’s chairman and Al Khayyat’s father, the company has grown to become synonymous with excellence, resilience, and innovation.

From an early age, Al Khayyat was inspired by his father’s entrepreneurial spirit, instilling in him the ambition to uphold AKI’s values while reimagining its future.

Visionary leadership driving purposeful growth

In the past year, AKI has achieved a series of transformative milestones. Among the most notable is the launch of the AKI Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai, a state-of-the-art 1-million-square-ft facility that represents a leap in sustainable supply chain operations. By quadrupling AKI’s fulfilment capacity with minimal environmental impact, the facility sets a new benchmark for operational innovation in the UAE. This ambitious venture showcases Al Khayyat’s strategy of combining technological advancement with environmental stewardship.

Furthering this vision, AKI Logistics was introduced this year as a new business unit offering world-class third-party logistics (3PL) services. This expansion enables AKI to provide end-to-end solutions across essential sectors like retail, healthcare, FMCG and more, elevating the region’s logistical infrastructure with innovative services such as cold chain storage, customs clearance, and last-mile delivery. Al Khayyat’s passion for creating thriving ecosystems has also led to the establishment of AKI Creates, an initiative supporting the UAE’s “Make it in the Emirates” strategy that fosters local manufacturing and builds national capabilities. This move underscores AKI’s commitment to advancing economic diversification and entrepreneurship within the UAE.

A testament to AKI’s legacy of impact in the UAE, this year marked the 60th anniversary of BinSina Pharmacy, an AKI brand that has touched generations of families across the nation. The brand’s longevity reflects AKI’s ethos of care, community, and authenticity; values deeply embedded in Al Khayyat’s approach to leadership. Outside of the UAE, Al Khayyat spearheaded AKI’s expanded operations in Saudi Arabia and Oman through AKI Retail, Consumer, Healthcare, and Fitness, contributing to the company’s growth and bringing AKI’s people-first philosophy to a larger regional audience. This impact extends to the global stage, too.

AKI recently signed Memorandum of Understanding’s with Cainiao Group, an Alibaba company, and BioBAY during the 8th China International Import Expo in Shanghai, with AKI’s participation aimed at enhancing sustainable trade, logistics, and life sciences innovation between the UAE and China. AKI’s growing international presence has also been seen in the company’s recent partnership with the World Economic Forum (WEF) as an Associated Partner.

People-first leadership

Al Khayyat’s leadership is rooted in people, innovation, inclusivity, and opportunity. He has cultivated an entrepreneurial culture that empowers teams across AKI’s nine markets and strengthens the organisation’s long-term growth. His focus on developing talent, especially youth, reflects his belief that people are the driving force behind sustainable progress.

He also brings a forward-looking approach to the region’s evolving landscape, advancing sustainable operations, embracing new technologies, and supporting ideas that contribute to national development and long-term growth.