“Don’t be fooled by the suit and tie,” the Syrian-born managing partner and CEO of Invest Group Overseas (IGO) told us recently. “Most of my time, I have my working boots on and my helmet by my side.”

After putting the brakes on a $1.7bn project in Syria, IGO returned to Dubai in a big way last year with the announcement of two projects in the Meydan area of the city worth $545m. Kozbari is also working on further sites in Dubai, as well as a megaproject in Texas and a new hospitality concept based on the Orient Club in Damascus which he’s hoping to take to the world.

Business leader

Kozbari has played a prominent role in promoting business ties between the UAE and Syria.