Abu Umar has witnessed the transformation of Dubai from a close-knit trading community into one of the most advanced and ambitious cities in the world.
In this episode of the For This Reason Podcast, the veteran Emirati technology leader shares the leadership principles, cultural values and national vision that helped build the modern United Arab Emirates.
Abu Umar takes us behind the scenes of Expo 2020 Dubai, where he helped lead an enormous technology ecosystem involving nearly 100 projects, global companies and an extremely demanding delivery schedule.
The plan appeared impossible on paper.
His response was not to focus first on the technical challenges, but to make the people around him believe that the mission could be achieved.
He explains why successful leadership begins with purpose, why teams must believe in something greater than themselves, and why leaders should develop people’s strengths instead of constantly concentrating on their weaknesses.
The conversation also explores Dubai’s transformation into a global centre for trade, aviation, technology and entrepreneurship; the Emirati principle of Faza’a; the country’s culture of service and continuous improvement; and the dangers of arrogance after achieving success.
Now retired from corporate leadership, Abu Umar has returned to the soil. Through gardening, food education and community work, he continues to pass his knowledge to the next generation.
He also gives a deeply personal answer when asked what he would call the book of his life:
“Not Enough.”
Not because his life has lacked achievement, but because he believes he can still become a better husband, father, leader and human being.
This is a masterclass in leadership, humility, nation-building, service and the mindset required to achieve what others believe is impossible.