Mohamed Al Hashemi of Majid Al Futtaim Named World Economic Forum Young Global Leader

Majid Al Futtaim, the leading shopping mall, communities, retail and leisure pioneer across the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, today announced that the World Economic Forum has selected Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle, to join the Young Global Leaders class of 2021, in recognition of his achievements and innovation in the field of business.

With 1,400 total members and alumni representing over 120 nationalities, the Forum of Young Global Leaders is an independent non-profit foundation bringing together diverse, dynamic, and global leaders for a five-year, personalised leadership programme. Each year, thousands of exceptional business leaders are nominated as candidates by their colleagues and presented before a committee who look to identify and select a truly diverse and representative cohort. 

Mohamed Al Hashemi, Country Head, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle, said: “It is an honour and a privilege to be chosen as a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum. I look forward to engaging with talented leaders around the globe and to creating positive social and economic impact through our collective efforts. I am immensely proud to represent Majid Al Futtaim in this cohort and pave the way for other young leaders in the region in our pursuit of a sustainable future.”

Alain Bejjani, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding, said: "Mohamed’s appointment to the Forum of Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum is an incredible achievement and we couldn’t be prouder to have him representing Majid Al Futtaim in the selection of 2021 members. He has established himself as a pioneer in his field and a standout leader.  As a company firmly committed to the realisation of our region’s vast potential; we are delighted to be able to contribute to MENA’s success through the unwavering support and development of its people.”

Mr Al Hashemi leads the Majid Al Futtaim Leisure, Entertainment, Cinemas and Lifestyle Saudi Arabia team, and has ambitious plans to help build 600 cinema screens across the Kingdom by 2023, while supporting government initiatives to enhance cultural and entertainment activities as part of Vision 2030.

Mr Al Hashemi played a fundamental role in VOX Cinemas being awarded one of the first licenses to operate cinemas in the country in 2018. His strategic direction has helped shape the burgeoning entertainment industry and his initiative to build partnerships with local production companies is helping bring to light a new industry of creative talent in the region. His team successfully launched 110 cinema screens in 2019, which exceeded $50 million of initial investment within the first twelve months of expansion into Saudi Arabia. Throughout his tenure at Majid Al Futtaim, he has focused his efforts on customer experience and operational excellence while maintaining the highest customer satisfaction ratings across all Saudi cinemas.

The Forum of Young Global Leaders was launched in 2004 by Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder and Executive Chairman of the World Economic Forum, to help the world meet increasingly complex and interrelated challenges. Presently, Young Global Leaders make up a dynamic group of business innovators, entrepreneurs, technology pioneers, educators, activists, artists, journalists and have gone on to become heads of governments and (Chief Executives at) Fortune 500 companies, as well as recipients of Nobel Prizes and Academy Awards.