Mohammed Alshaya Over the last 30 years, Mohammed Alshaya has built a retail empire that now commands more than 80 international brands across the Gulf and Middle East region. If you enter a mall in the GCC you are more than likely to encounter one the company’s franchises, which range from Starbucks to H&M, The Cheesecake Factory… Over the last 30 years, Mohammed Alshaya has built a retail empire that now commands more than 80 international brands across the Gulf and Middle East region. If you enter a mall in the GCC you are more than likely to encounter one the company’s franchises, which range from Starbucks to H&M, The Cheesecake Factory and Victoria’s Secret. Last year, the company made a major commitment for 25 stores in Dubai’s upcoming Al Khail Avenue Mall, debuted 15 brands at Bahrain’s The Avenues mall and opened the first outlets under franchise agreements with Charlotte Tilbury and 400 Gradi. It also kept one eye firmly on the future after acquiring a stake in $1bn e-commerce venture Noon.com and committing to become a seller on the platform. Executive chairman, MH Alshaya Origin:Kuwait Residence:Kuwait Sector:Retail