Building Businesses That Create Lasting Impact
Ramez Al-Khayyat holds a degree in Business from the University of the West of Scotland, with a strong grounding in international trade and global markets, complemented by early hands-on experience in the family business.
In 2011, Ramez and his brother, Moutaz 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.
Ramez’s entrepreneurial approach is defined by identifying opportunities others overlook, challenging conventional wisdom, and building businesses that generate lasting economic and social value. Guided by a long-term investment perspective, he directs the Group’s investments toward strategic sectors in which it can create meaningful impact, strengthen economies, and enhance quality of life. His strategy centers on anticipating market needs rather than reacting to them, translating the Group’s ambitious vision into measurable outcomes through disciplined execution, and building scalable and sustainable businesses.
“Our strategy is built on anticipating tomorrow’s opportunities, challenging conventional wisdom, and investing where we can create a scalable and sustainable businesses.”
Today, Power International Holding operates across strategic sectors, including energy, mining, concessions and construction, agriculture and food production, real estate, telecommunications, hospitality and lifestyle, professional services, and healthcare. Beyond investing in established opportunities, Ramez believes in creating new markets, unlocking new sources of growth, and building businesses that deliver enduring value to economies, industries, and communities.
Among the Group’s defining milestones are the successful IPO of Baladna Food Industries, which advanced Qatar’s national food security objectives, while guaranteeing Qatar self-sufficiency in that regard. Second milestone is the landmark reverse acquisition of Elegancia Group by Investment Holding Group (IHG), a shareholder-approved strategic merger that created one of Qatar’s largest diversified conglomerates (listed on the Qatar Stock Exchange). These transactions reflect his commitment to building institutions that generate scalable and sustainable economic value while advancing the objectives of Qatar National Vision 2030 through strategic investments, disciplined execution, and long-term value creation.
Reflecting PIH’s continued focus on excellence and strategic growth, Power International Holding currently ranks No. 7 in Forbes Middle East’s Top 100 Arab Family Businesses. Similarly, UCC Holding is ranked No. 1 on Construction Week Middle East’s Power 150 list of the region’s leading contractors, reinforcing its position as a market leader in the construction sector.
Seeing Opportunity Where Conventional Wisdom Sees Risk
Ramez believes that the greatest opportunities often emerge where conventional wisdom sees uncertainty. Guided by a long-term perspective, he focuses on markets with underlying potential and the capacity to generate lasting economic and social impact. For him, foundational investments is about more than financial returns; it is about creating the mechanism for sustainable growth by strengthening industries, empowering communities, and improving people’s lives.
This philosophy shaped the Group’s early commitment to Syria. At a time when the country was seeking partners with the vision and capacity to help restore momentum across key sectors, he recognized an opportunity to support its recovery while creating tangible economic and social value. His approach was grounded in the belief that periods of transition can create meaningful opportunities for those prepared to engage with clarity, purpose, and a long-term view.
He focused on the country’s underlying potential: its resilient and capable workforce, evolving market conditions, and the opportunity to rebuild essential sectors. This perspective anchored the Group’s early investment presence, rooted in the conviction that trust is earned through action/execution and that responsible engagement at this stage can support long-term stability and prosperity.
This vision is reflected in projects linked directly to everyday needs and essential infrastructure, including power-generation initiatives and the expansion and future operation of Damascus International Airport. These initiatives demonstrate his belief that sustainable prosperity is built through long-term partnerships, responsible investments, and measurable outcomes that strengthen industries, empower communities, and accelerate economic transformation.
Across every investment, Ramez remains guided by a clear principle: challenge conventional wisdom, anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities, and invest where evergreen impact can be created. His ambition extends beyond building successful businesses; it is to empower nations, strengthen industries, improve people’s lives, and create sustainable value for generations to come.
Business Philosophy
Ramez Al-Khayyat’s business philosophy is grounded in the conviction that business should create measurable benefits for countries and their people. His focus is on strengthening economies, advancing critical infrastructure, and improving everyday life through investments that deliver tangible and enduring outcomes.
He is particularly drawn to complex markets that others may hesitate to enter. Where risk shapes perception, he identifies opportunity and unlocks it through structure, discipline, and decisive action. Investments are aligned with national priorities and designed to build resilient systems that continue to generate value beyond the completion of individual projects.
Execution is central to this approach. Speed, quality, and accountability ensure that strategic vision is translated into meaningful results and that capital serves as a catalyst for economic progress.
At the heart of this philosophy is a commitment to unlocking overlooked potential, contributing to stability at scale, and creating value that endures across generations.
Leadership Roles
Within PIH Subsidiaries
UCC Holding
President and Group CEO
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
President
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
President
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
President
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
President
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
President
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
President
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 Leadership & Operational Excellence
Ramez Al-Khayyat’s leadership style combines visionary strategic planning with meticulous operational oversight. He diligently manages the group’s financial health, profitability, and operational excellence, ensuring sustainable growth and enhanced stakeholder value. Under his guidance, a culture of innovation and agility thrives across PIH’s extensive global operations.