World's 20 Impactful Figures to Watch in 2025
Company: Industrial Capital Group (ICG)
Designation: CEO
Country: United Arab Emirates
Abdullah Al Khateeb is a highly accomplished business leader with extensive experience in investment management and the manufacturing industry. Over the course of his career, he has demonstrated strong capabilities in operations management, sales management, and team building, consistently driving growth and transformation across the organizations he has led. He holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Strathclyde Business School, equipping him with a global perspective on leadership and strategy.
Abdullah’s vision and leadership have been instrumental in shaping the industrial landscape of the UAE and the wider MENA region. He, along with his team, successfully spearheaded the launch of Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM), a landmark project that stands as the first printing and writing paper production facility in the GCC and the largest in the MENA region. This groundbreaking achievement not only positioned the UAE as a regional hub for paper manufacturing but also reduced dependence on imports, contributing to industrial sustainability and economic diversification. Today, IPM markets its products and brands to more than 50 countries worldwide, a success story driven by Abdullah’s vision and leadership.
Beyond this milestone, Abdullah played a pivotal role in establishing large-scale tissue paper manufacturing in Abu Dhabi, while also expanding the production of copper rods and cement in the region. These achievements laid the foundation for some of the Emirate’s most significant industrial success stories. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, his efforts have significantly strengthened local manufacturing capabilities, created long-term value, and positioned Abu Dhabi on the global map as a leading player in the paper, tissue paper, copper rod, and cement sectors.
With a career spanning over two decades, Abdullah has held several senior leadership roles across different industries, consistently delivering measurable impact.
Current Positions · Chief Executive Officer, Industrial Capital Group (ICG) · Managing Director, Ittihad Paper Mill (IPM) · Managing Director, Crown Paper Mill (CPM) · General Manager, National Cement Factory (NCF)
Previous Positions · Director of Industry / Project Director (IPM), Ittihad International Investment · General Manager, Union Copper Rod (UCR) · General Manager, Abu Dhabi National Paper Mill (ADNPM)
Throughout these roles, Abdullah has proven his ability to lead large organizations, manage complex projects, and inspire high-performing teams. His forward-thinking approach, combined with a hands-on management style, has enabled him to deliver sustainable growth, foster innovation, and drive industrial excellence in the UAE and beyond.
He strongly endorses the belief that: “Leadership is about turning vision into industries, empowering people to achieve the extraordinary, and driving growth that shapes nations.”
He further emphasizes, “The more you empower people with the right talent, the greater your chances of achieving your goals and vision, creating mutual benefit for individuals, organizations, and society.”