30 under 30

When Abdulrahman Bin Ismail Tarabzouni spoke in front of Saudi Arabia's HRH King Abdullah Bin Abdulaziz, as he performed his duties as Master of Ceremonies at Saudi Aramco's 75th anniversary last year, few in the audience would have believed he was still just 24 years old.

The cynical might be forgiven for thinking Tarabzouni's presence at the prestigious event was as a result of nepotism - you don't get to speak in front of such a select audience unless you're related to someone who can open a few doors, I can hear you say.

But it doesn't take long to work out why that wasn't the case. For the now 25-year-old, the event was just another step in his remarkable rise up through the business ranks.

Tarabzouni, you see, is already responsible for bringing an additional $39bn worth of business to software giant Oracle Corporation, and has held leading positions at Microsoft and Morgan Stanley amongst others. As if that wasn't enough, he is also the CEO of his own hybrid venture capital fund, Mubadiroon.

Tarabzouni is proof that making the cut in our 30 under 30 list doesn't just depend on the family name. Even those with names you'll recognise - the Hariris and Al Fayeds for example - are demonstrating that they can make their own way. 22-year-old Omar Al Fayed last month quit his position as board member at his father's firm, Harrods, in order to concentrate on his education.

Salama Alabbar's father might have built Dubai Mall, but that doesn't mean she spends all day shopping - although she does plan to roll out her new accessories boutique across the GCC.

This month's 30 under 30 list covers a variety of occupations from internet start-ups and fashion labels to established construction firms and oil and gas companies. It is a unique insight into the next generation of Arab leaders. Or as is fast becoming the case, the current generation.

Claire Ferris-Lay is the deputy editor of CEO Middle East.

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READERS' COMMENTS

In Response to Jesse.
Posted by X, Los Angeles, United States on Wednesday 5 August 2009 at 20:01 UAE time


Just as you have assumed that the logic behind my thinking is due to the fact that I have a 'californian' way of thinking, you have assumed that Tarabzouni has not achieved what he has based on merit. Heres a little surprise; your wrong. Not only do I not live in LA, have not been raised there, and studied there; the 'californian' way if thinking as you so eloquently put it is most definitely not my way of thinking. So you back up your argument but stating that what I have said was due to stereotypically pointing out a 'way of thinking', well your very wrong on that point & its simply irrelevant to reason someone's beliefs based on where they live or where they are from. Just as how you assume and feel SO SURE that Tarabzouni has not achieved is accomplishments based on merit. Have you ever met him? Do you know his background? Have you ever even seen him in person? If the answer is no, which it most probably is, your probably as wrong as reasoning the way I think by the fact that I ' live ' in LA.

In response to X
Posted by Jessy on Wednesday 5 August 2009 at 12:33 UAE time


First of all, I'd like to agree with "Transparency"... Second of all I'd like to point out the X from LA has a completely California way of looking at the world. I am not looking for recognition from the media at all. I'd much rather be poor and unknown than rich and in the spotlight. The issue here is the fact that people are not put in the spotlight because the deserve it, but simply because of who they are. Everyone celebrates individuals who are privileged by birth and rise to media stardom through unimpressive acts. Whether you are impressed by the guys in this article is relative. The truth of the matter is the fact that kids are risen to rank way before their time. And with daddy's money, they can hire consultants who make decisions for them and they get all the praise. I'm not saying this guy never worked for it or that he does not deserve praise. I'm saying, he is not where he is based off merit, and there are many, many more people deserving praise (who are under 30).

Joke?
Posted by Alias, Dubai, UAE on Wednesday 5 August 2009 at 09:44 UAE time


Who says Tarabzouni didn’t work hard? He certainly worked ‘smart’!

Success under 30.
Posted by Transparency, Abu Dhabi on Wednesday 5 August 2009 at 08:14 UAE time


There are many smart young people belonging to the GCC. Youngsters with excellent education from the top universities of the world. But not all of them deserve to be at the top position they've received immediately after graduating. I am a firm believer of the concept that everyone has to be put through grind before being given something which he deserves. Basically he should earn it. Lets face it GCC nationals are being fast tracked to CEO and Senior Management positions without having done the hardwork an ordinary expat would have in his career.

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