Al Khayyat Investments (AKI)

Sector: Diversified

Country: UAE

Born and headquartered in Dubai, Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) embodies the UAE’s dynamic spirit, energy, and optimism. Operating across a diverse portfolio that touches various aspects of people’s lives, AKI focuses on delivering exceptional products and services while actively contributing to a sustainable environment and long-term economic growth across its operational footprint.

Founded in 1982 by Dr Saad F Al Khayyat, who remains the company’s chairman, AKI has transformed from a family-run pharmaceutical company into a multibillion-dollar diversified business. His entrepreneurial vision, people-first approach, and strong family values remain central to AKI’s operations, guiding its growth and strategic direction today. Now under the leadership of MD Zaid S Al Khayyat, AKI operates as a privately held Emirati holding company. Its extensive portfolio includes pharmaceuticals, medical and laboratory equipment, logistics, retail, food and non-food consumer goods, fitness, automotive, environmental services, and contracting.

AKI serves as a trusted regional partner for multiple international and local brands, facilitating their expansion across the Middle East and Africa, a footprint that includes the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq. The group prides itself on its over 10,000 employees representing more than 70 nationalities, and its recognition as a Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work for three years in a row.

AKI continues to drive significant projects, enhancing its capabilities and market presence. In April 2025, the company inaugurated a state-of-theart Fulfilment & Innovation Centre in Dubai Industrial City. This one million square foot facility quadruples AKI’s fulfilment capacity and sets a new standard for agile, sustainable supply chain operations in the UAE, aligning with the Dubai Economic Agenda (D33).

Last year, Gulf Contracting and Landscaping (GCL), an AKI company, unveiled one of the UAE’s largest plant nurseries, spanning 2.5 million square feet, to optimise local resources and support national initiatives like the Dubai Quality of Life Strategy 2023. The past year has also seen AKI expand its reach, notably in Saudi Arabia with growth in AKI Retail, Consumer, Healthcare and Fitness.

In Oman, the company extended its healthcare operations to include Healthcare (MedLab), Pharma, and BinSina Pharmacy, strengthening its market engagement. AKI has elevated its fitness category with a revamped Befit brand concept, serving as a commercial showroom, multi-brand retail store, and community event space, providing dedicated support to its partners.