Emirates Growth Fund appoints Khalifa Al Hajeri as CEO

This marks a significant milestone in EGF’s mission to empower the UAE’s small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and advance the country’s strategic economic priorities, reinforcing the Fund’s role as a catalyst for sustainable growth and a partner in building resilient national business champions. 

H.E. Al Hajeri brings over 15 years of global investment experience to the role, most notably with Mubadala Investment Company, where he led growth investments, sovereign partnerships, and venture capital initiatives. 

H.E. Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Sports and Chairman of EGF, said the appointment reflects a strategic decision to leverage H.E. Al Hajeri’s global expertise and visionary leadership. He added that this move is expected to propel the Fund into a new era of excellence and strengthen its ability to support SMEs, enabling them to play a central role in fostering a sustainable, knowledge-driven, and competitive national economy. 

“Under H.E. Al Hajeri’s leadership, we look forward to the Fund continuing as a key driver of growth in strategic sectors such as industry, food security, healthcare, and advanced technology,” 

H.E. Dr. Al Falasi noted. “This new chapter will further establish EGF as a vital partner in the UAE’s economic diversification journey and reinforce the country’s position as a global hub for innovation and growth.” 

H.E. Najla Al Midfa, Vice Chair and Managing Director of EGF, added, “H.E. Al Hajeri brings not only investment expertise but also a deep commitment to empowering entrepreneurs. His focus on founders and disciplined execution will ensure SMEs in our priority sectors receive both capital and value-creation support to scale with purpose and resilience. With him at the helm, EGF will propel the next generation of national champions to new heights, strengthening the UAE economy for decades to come.” 

On the academic front, H.E. Al Hajeri holds an MBA from IESE Business School.