Biography of Khaldoun Tabari
A serial entrepreneur and investor, businessman Khaldounun Tabari is a visionary behind Middle Eastern real estate, building a remarkable legacy with some of the region’s most iconic projects. His name is synonymous with ambition, innovation, and success in the region’s real estate and construction industries
Tabari’s passion for quality and excellence earned him a reputation as one of the region’s most respected business leaders
From Graduate to the Family Business and Beyond
After graduating from the University of Colorado, Boulder, with a B.S. in Business Management and Engineering in 1973, Tabari joined his two brothers in the family’s business, Ranya Trading & Contracting, in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) The organization was involved in various industries, including electro-mechanical engineering, trading and contracting activities, construction materials, and wholesale and retail pharmaceutical products
Tabari later moved to London, where he spent two years as Executive Director for Multiworld International, a general exporter of electrical materials and consumer products, such as cables, lighting, and medical equipment. The company had offices in London, UAE, and Washington, D.C.
He also worked as Executive Director of International Marketing & Development Company (INMA), an electrical and mechanical services contracting company, in Saudi Arabia until venturing on his own
Tabari’s Entrepreneurial Success
His entrepreneurial spirit led him to form a mechanical and electrical services company, Tathniya (TEST) Electro-Mechanical Contracting, in Saudi Arabia in the mid-1980s, and TEST Contracting, a civil construction and contracting business in Dubai Working 14 to 15 hours daily, Tabari grew his company from a small operation into a large organization that expanded into real estate development and engineering projects that helped shape the Middle East skyline
Tabari was also Chairman of Vision Investments & Holdings Inc. This privately held family multi-asset diversified holding company provides access to a wide range of sophisticated financial investment channels and solutions across MENA (Middle East and North Africa), GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council), Europe, and the USA
Pivotal in Transforming Major Cities
Tabari’s ability to identify opportunities and take measured risks has been a driving force behind the development of large real estate projects ranging from luxury hotels and residential complexes to commercial centers and infrastructure projects His work has helped to accelerate the urbanization and development of cities such as Dubai, Doha, and Riyadh. His aim was more than just building structures; it was about creating environments that promote growth, connectedness, and creativity
His Leadership Roles
Khaldoun Tabari has had leading positions in investments across various businesses over his career He has always taken a hands-on approach to his projects, ensuring that every aspect aligns with the overall objective of constructing sustainable and transformative developments Tabari’s commitment to quality and excellence established him as one of the region’s most renowned business leaders
Tabari’s Involvement, Success in Numerous Ventures
Part of Tabari’s success as an entrepreneur is in his creation and/or ownership of more than 20 ventures Among these ventures is Emcor Facilities Management ME, a global company that offers end-to-end total facilities services, mechanical and electrical construction, energy management, and infrastructure. It currently operates throughout the Middle East.
Tabari’s other noteworthy ventures include the establishment of a Thrifty Rent-A-Car franchise in Jordan and an apparel licensing agreement with Beverly Hills Polo Club (BHPC) throughout the Middle East region
Tabari is actively engaged in philanthropy through the Khaldoun Tabari Swiss Foundation, which is dedicated to fostering a positive social impact for Palestinians The foundation focuses on advancing education, healthcare, and cultural preservation, particularly benefiting underprivileged communities By supporting initiatives that promote knowledge, well-being, and heritage conservation, the Khaldoun Tabari Foundation aims to empower individuals and contribute to sustainable development. Its efforts align with a broader vision of creating opportunities and preserving cultural identity for future generations
A Lasting Legacy
Tabari’s legacy is reflected not just in the buildings he helped create but also in the numerous businesses and many individuals he inspired along the way His story is a reminder that with vision, resilience, discipline, hard work, and the courage to take risks, it’s possible to turn ambitious dreams into reality.
Tabari stepped down from official leadership positions in 2016 but hasn’t stopped working He continues to drive expansion through his family office, which invests in property development, construction, and various projects
His influence expanded beyond real estate, with significant board member and executive positions in businesses such as construction materials, power, and water management These positions include serving as Chairman of EMCOR Facilities Services Group, Executive Chairman of Vision Investments, Board Member of DEPA public shareholding company, Board Member of Walltech, Director of EHC Cooperation, Board Member of Energy Central in Bahrain, Board Member of Zimmam (Thrifty Rent A Car), Board Member of Carbon Holdings Limited, Board Member of Arab chemicals and manufacturing company in Jordan, and Chairman of Beverly Hills Polo Club Licensing agreement for BHPC clothing in the ME
Tabari is an honorary Director of the Ramallah Friends School, a private school in the West Bank with campuses in the twin cities of Ramallah and al-Bireh, founded by the Quakers in 1901
Tabari’s Personal Life
A Jordanian, Tabari was born in Jerusalem, Palestine, on January 1, 1950 He attended Ramallah Friends High School and later traveled to the United States to attend the University of Colorado He has three daughters and a son Tabari is involved in various charities