The Strategy Behind the Growth
Moutaz Al-Khayyat holds a BA (Hons) in Global Business from the University of the West of Scotland, with a strong grounding in international markets and global trade.
In 2011, Moutaz and his brother, Ramez Al-Khayyat, co-founded Power International Holding with a shared vision to build a diversified enterprise capable of driving long-term economic growth. Together, they established UCC as the cornerstone of the Group, creating the platform from which Power International Holding evolved into one of the region’s most diversified investment groups.
From the outset, Moutaz has focused on building the institutional capabilities required to scale: disciplined capital allocation, specialist operating platforms, strong governance, and precise execution. His leadership approach is grounded in the belief that growth becomes sustainable when strategy is translated into the systems, resources, and accountability required for businesses to perform consistently across sectors and markets.
Under his chairmanship, UCC Holding has evolved from the Group’s contracting foundation into a leading international platform delivering major projects across energy, infrastructure, construction, and aviation infrastructure. Its expansion across regional and global markets reflects Moutaz’s emphasis on technical capability, rigorous planning, and precise execution. UCC Holding’s international standing has also been recognized by ENR, where it ranked 41st globally among the world’s largest international contractors. In 2026, it secured the No. 1 position in Construction Week Middle East’s Power 150 and was ranked the No. 1 construction company in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East. These recognitions reinforce UCC Holding’s position as a market leader defined by scale, operational excellence, and the ability to execute complex projects across international markets.
“We combine rigorous strategic planning with precise operational execution to create real and lasting value.”
Building a Diversified Enterprise
Baladna stands as one of the clearest expressions of Moutaz’s ability to convert an urgent national need into a scalable enterprise. During Qatar’s diplomatic crisis, the company moved decisively to expand domestic dairy production, including the airlift of thousands of dairy cows into Qatar. This response accelerated local milk production, strengthened national food security, and established Baladna as a symbol of resilience, innovation, and precise execution.
What began as an urgent strategic response evolved into one of the region’s most notable agricultural success stories. Today, Baladna meets more than 85% of Qatar’s domestic demand for milk through an integrated farm housing more than 25,000 cows and supporting a portfolio of nearly 270 dairy and food products.
Beyond Qatar, Baladna holds a 20% stake in Juhayna Food Industries in Egypt. In Algeria, it is leading a large-scale integrated agricultural project spanning approximately 117,000 hectares and involving more than 270,000 cattle, with an expected annual production capacity of up to 1.7 billion litres of milk. These investments reflect Moutaz’s focus on building large-scale platforms that strengthen food security, develop local capabilities, and generate long-term economic value.
In addition to his focus on agriculture and food production, Moutaz has expanded the Group’s investment activities into real estate development (Assets Real Estate Development), integrated services (Elegancia Group), and hospitality and entertainment through Aura Group, which manages a portfolio of local and international lifestyle brands. Across these platforms, his approach remains consistent: allocate capital with discipline, build specialist capabilities, and create businesses that can scale sustainably across markets.
Syria: Investing Early, Building for the Long Term
Under Moutaz’s leadership, the Group approached Syria as a market where early, well-considered investment could support economic recovery while creating long-term value. His perspective is grounded in the belief that markets in transition can present meaningful opportunities for investors with the expertise and operational discipline to deploy capital at scale and the long-term commitment to translate that investment into real impact.
This approach reflects confidence in Syria’s underlying fundamentals: its human capital, strategic importance, and potential to enter a new phase of growth. The Group established an early presence focused on building trust through delivery and directing investment toward sectors capable of restoring economic activity, supporting everyday life, and contributing to long-term stability.
This direction is reflected in investments in essential infrastructure, including power-generation projects and the development, expansion, and future operation of Damascus International Airport. These initiatives demonstrate Moutaz’s belief that responsible investment should do more than generate financial returns; it should restore capacity, enable growth, strengthen essential industries, and create measurable value for communities and economies.
Across every investment, Moutaz remains guided by a clear principle: rigorous strategy must be matched by precise execution. His ambition is to build institutions that endure, create measurable economic and social value, and contribute to the long-term development of the markets and communities they serve.
An Investment Philosophy Built for Long-Term Value
Moutaz Al-Khayyat’s business philosophy is founded on the belief that investment should serve as a catalyst for sustainable economic development. Business, in this view, should create measurable impact by strengthening economies, advancing critical infrastructure, and supporting social progress.
This approach is particularly focused on evolving and often overlooked markets, where untapped potential can be unlocked through careful planning, sound governance, and consistent execution. Investments are aligned with national priorities and designed to strengthen economic resilience, build enduring systems, and generate value beyond the lifespan of individual projects.
At the core of this philosophy is the ability to translate strategy into measurable results. Capital is deployed with purpose, while projects are delivered to high standards of quality, efficiency, and accountability.
Ultimately, the objective extends beyond successful project delivery. It is to create scalable economic impact, support stability and growth, and build a legacy of value that endures across generations.
Leadership Roles
Within PIH Subsidiaries
UCC Holding
Chairman
A leading privately-owned entity specializing in energy, mining, concessions and construction. UCC Holding ranks 41 globally among international contractors, 7th in the power sector, and 98th in buildings according to ENR-USA. It has undertaken major projects in the oil, gas, and energy sectors, delivered over 1,300 infrastructure and general contracting projects worldwide, and maintains operations across 25 countries. UCC Holding ranked #2 on Oil & Gas Middle East’s Top 25 EPC Contractors 2025, and #1 on Construction Week’s 2026 Power 150 list of top contractors. UCC Holding was also Ranked #1 Construction Company in the Middle East by Forbes Middle East 2026
Estithmar Holding
Chairman
A publicly listed company on the Qatar Stock Exchange. Estithmar Holding operates across healthcare, services, real estate, and specialized contracting sectors. Its diverse portfolio includes over 100 companies, 9 internationally affiliated hospitals, extensive facilities management, catering operations and financial investment services backed by a 28,000-strong workforce from 100 nationalities in 10 countries.
Baladna
Chairman
Baladna QPSC listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange, is Qatar’s leading dairy and food producer and a key contributor to the country’s food security strategy. The company operates one of the largest dairy farms in the region, with more than 25,000 cows, and produces approximately 270 products across multiple categories. Baladna has also expanded internationally through strategic investments and partnerships that support development of sustainable agricultural and food production ecosystems.
TMT Group
Chairman
TMT Group is one of Kazakhstan’s leading telecommunications groups, operating advanced 4G and 5G networks through its flagship brands, Tele2 Kazakhstan and ALTEL. Backed by a robust infrastructure of more than 7,000 5G base stations, the group provides over 90% nationwide 4G coverage, serves nearly 11 million subscribers, and holds an estimated 35% market share. In 2022, Tele2 was recognized with the Ookla Speedtest Award for operating the fastest network in Kazakhstan.
Assets Group
Chairman
Assets Group is a privately held real estate and hospitality company with a diversified international portfolio. The group operates 22 hotels and resorts, alongside 16 residential and commercial properties across 12 countries. Its mixed-use developments also include major shopping malls and a broad range of retail assets, strengthening its position as an active investor and developer in the global real estate and hospitality sectors.
Aura Group
Chairman
Aura Group is a privately held company known for its robust presence in the lifestyle hospitality & entertainment sector. The group is home to 32 brands, operating 70+ high-end restaurants and 8 major entertainment theme parks, renowned for their innovative concepts and superior service quality.
Bridge Holding
Chairman
Bridge Holding is a sovereign-aligned investment platform focused on unlocking economic potential in strategically important markets through transformative, large-scale investments. Working alongside governments, institutions, and global partners, the company helps countries overcome structural, regulatory, and capital barriers to support economic recovery, strengthen resilience, and improve long-term investability. Bridge Holding combines institutional partnerships, capital, and execution expertise to turn strategic opportunities into long-term economic value for nations and investors.
Strategic Direction & Institutional Excellence
Moutaz Al-Khayyat’s professional journey reflects a leadership philosophy built on integrity, hard work, and investing in people. This approach is supported by a strong institutional culture that emphasizes quality, discipline, and attention to detail, helping build companies that have grown steadily and expanded across multiple sectors and markets.