Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair was conferred the William “Bill” Seidman Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award for impactful leadership in banking, public service and education. He has helped define the UAE banking sector through innovation, strategic vision and exemplary governance, while mentoring generations of leaders. He has also empowered communities and future generations through philanthropy, channelling billions into education and refugee support while advancing social development. Dubai, 6 November 2025 – TAB Global has conferred the William “Bill” Seidman Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award on Abdul Aziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, chairman of Mashreq Bank, in recognition of his visionary leadership that has transformed the United Arab Emirates (UAE) banking sector, advanced public service, and empowered generations through philanthropy and education. He has guided Mashreq Bank with innovation and stability, setting industry standards and guiding future leaders. Beyond finance, he has championed public service and youth empowerment, directing billions to education and refugee support through the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education and the Abdulaziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund. For over five decades, he has been at the forefront of the UAE’s financial transformation. As chairman of Mashreq Bank, he has upheld the legacy of one of the region’s oldest private banks while steering it into the digital era. Under his leadership, Mashreq Bank has been recognised for technological innovation, disciplined governance and a customer-centric ethos. His blend of tradition with progress has ensured resilience amid intensifying competition and regulatory change, making it a model of stability and growth across the Middle East. Institution-building and public service Beyond the boardroom, his influence has extended to public life. As former speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE, he championed national dialogue on education, youth development and economic diversification. His balanced statesmanship and thoughtful engagement with policymakers have earned him a reputation as a responsible and principled leader. Within Mashreq Bank and across the wider banking community, he has fostered strong governance and promoted excellence that continues to influence the sector today. Philanthropy and education impact His legacy transcends banking. As chairman of the Abdulla Al Ghurair Foundation for Education—the largest private education endowment in the Arab world—he has channelled more than AED 4 billion ($1.1 billion) into scholarships, STEM and employability programmes empowering Arab youth. Through the Abdulaziz Al Ghurair Refugee Education Fund, he has supported more than 100,000 displaced learners across the UAE, Jordan and Lebanon. By uniting finance, public service and philanthropy, he exemplifies purpose-driven leadership. Phillipe Paillart, chairman of Liberte Capital, former CEO and vice chairman of DBS Bank, and member of the International Advisory Council, praised him as a true leader and inspiration for customers, employees and the industry, noting: “We have observed the bank’s evolution—clear strategic thrust, disciplined execution, strong teams and unwavering customer focus—and deeply admire his commitment to social causes.” About the William “Bill” Seidman Lifetime Leadership Achievement Award The William “Bill” Seidman Award is named in honour of the former chairman of the US Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, who played a critical role during the American savings and loan crisis and later served as an advisor to The Asian Banker. The award recognises individuals whose leadership has shaped not only the institutions they led but also the direction of the broader financial services industry. Recipients are chosen for their sustained contributions, moral clarity, ability to navigate complexity, and the respect they command across peers and stakeholders. Past recipients include: Zhou Xiaochuan, former governor, People’s Bank of China Zeti Akhtar Aziz, former governor, Bank Negara Malaysia Banthoon Lamsam, chairman emeritus, Kasikornbank Agus Martowardojo, former governor, Bank Indonesia Cesar Virata, former prime minister, Philippines Teh Hong Piow, founder, Public Bank David Eldon, former chairman, HSBC Wee Cho Yaw, former chairman, UOB Peter Seah, chairman, DBS For media enquiries, please contact: Genivi Factao Editor TAB Global Email: gfactao@tab.global
