Al-Binali

Dr. Sabah al-Binali is a seasoned executive with 25+ years of experience and an active investor and entrepreneurial leader with a track record of financing, building and growing companies in the Mena region. As CEO of Universal Strategy, Dr. al-Binali works closely with his clients to transition and transform their companies to meet the challenges and exploit the opportunities of the future. He is currently a Chairman Of The Board at Universal Strategy.

Dr. al-Binali received a Ph.D. from Columbia University, dissertation title: Competitive Analysis of Risk-Taking and Valuation of Financial Derivatives, and a B.S.E from Princeton University. He holds a Diploma in Company Direction from the UK Institute of Directors. Al-Binali is known for his expertise in corporate governance and company leadership at the highest levels, with demonstrated success in acquisitions and exits.

Notable Achievements

He was instrumental in facilitating the sale to Credit Suisse of a Saudi investment bank and the acquisition of the Zawya news agency by Thomson Reuters. At Zawya, he acquired 60% of the company and as Chairman drove revenue growth 12x over the period, selling it for 20x money. At Saffar Capital, he founded the company, grew the organisation from 5 FTEs and zero clients to 240 FTEs and 5,500 clients globally.

Career History

• 2024–2025: Chief Capital Markets Officer at Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange
• 2022–2024: Chairman of the Board at IntellAct
• 2020–2023: Partner and Executive Chairman at OurCrowd Arabia
• 2015–2020: Chief Executive Officer at Universal Strategy
• 2012–2013: Chief Investment Officer and CEO of Credit at Shuaa Capital
• 2002–2011: Chairman of Zawya
• 2001–2012: Founding CEO and CIO of Saffar Capital
• 1998–2001: Head of the Treasury and Investment Division at Union National Bank

What al-Binali could bring to his role as Chairman of Universal Strategy: With deep expertise in corporate transformation, a proven track record of financing, building and exiting companies in the MENA region, and extensive board-level governance experience across financial services, private equity, and venture capital, al-Binali is positioned to guide Universal Strategy's strategic direction and enhance its advisory offerings on corporate restructuring and transformation initiatives.