Dubai's Majid Al Futtaim adds two non-executive directors to Board

One of the appointees, Zein Abdulla, was formerly with PepsiCo

Last updated: July 09, 2025 | 09:38

Manoj Nair, Business Editor

1 MIN READ

Majid Al Futtaim operates some of the biggest malls and retail destinations in the UAE and wider Middle East.

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Dubai: One of the biggest family-owned corporate houses in the Middle East, Dubai's Majid Al Futtaim has expanded its Board of Directors.

It was in June that Majid Al Futtaim named Fadel Abdulbaqi Al Ali as Chairman of its Holding Board of Directors. Al Ali succeeded Sir Michael Rake, whose was chairman from 2009.

It was also in June that media reports emerged about the multi-billion dollar Majid Al Futtaim group bringing on changes to the Board of Directors.

Also Read: Majid Al Futtaim to restructure its board: Report

In the new appointments to the Board, Zein Abdalla - who had spent 19 years at PepsiCo - joins as non-executive member. "He brings vast experience from long tenures at global companies where he gained expertise in corporate and general management, supply chain procurement, global brand management," said a statement.

At PepsiCo Inc. he had held senior positions, including that of president. Prior to joining PepsiCo, he had 16 years with Mars Inc. where he was general manager of the Middle East and North Africa business.

Abdalla currently also serves as Chair of the Mastercard Foundation, Board Member of Cognizant, and Board Member of the Kuwait Food Company (Americana).

Iyad Malas also joins as non-executive director and has had more than 30 years in various roles in the real estate, retail, leisure and entertainment, financial services, and investment sectors.

Malas is currently the CEO of Al Ghurair Group and sits on the board of Mashreq Bank, National Cement Company and Polyplex corporation in both India and Thailand.

He has held roles at Gateway Partners, a private equity firm, and as CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Trust and Majid Al Futtaim Holding from 2007–15.

Manoj NairBusiness Editor

Manoj Nair, the Gulf News Business Editor, is an expert on property and gold in the UAE and wider region, and these days he is also keeping an eye on stocks as well. Manoj cares a lot for luxury brands and what make them tick, as well as keep close watch on whatever changes the retail industry goes through, whether on the grand scale or incremental. He’s been with Gulf News for 30 years, having started as a Business Reporter. When not into financial journalism, Manoj prefers to see as much of 1950s-1980s Bollywood movies. He reckons the combo is as exciting as it gets, though many will vehemently disagree.