Al Otaiba name is known as one of the oldest names in the history of the United Arab Emirates and has great affect on the political, economical and social life of the Emiratis. For several hundreds of years the Al Otaiba family has built its name between the leaders of this part of the world as much as it was built among the people of UAE.
The Al Otaiba family is considered to be one of the most highly respected families in the UAE, and has strong ties with the ruling families and other influential families in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. This relation goes back more than 250 year and the Al Otaiba family members were very proud with such relation and worked hard to serve the country and the people of UAE.
Al Otaiba for hundreds of years were the kings of pearls, and known to be master in pearls trading in Arabia and trading with France and the Indian with over 300 pearl boats on the gulf sea. The business have developed after the exploration of oil in 1954 and the Al Otaiba group of companies have now expanded into all types of companies running from construction, building materials, kitchen equipment, automobiles, real estate to IT, telecom and distribution, just to mention a few.
Famous family members included Khalaf Bin Abdulla Al Otaiba, known as king of the Pearls in the 18th and 19th century. He established the first school in Abu Dhabi some time between 1921-1930. It was named after him, and offered free education to whoever wished to join it.
Dr Mana Al Otaiba was the Minister of Petroleum and Mineral Resources of the United Arab Emirates under the Presidency of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan for a period of 27 years. Mana Al Otaiba was the President of OPEC a record of six times, including the presidency of the 26th conference held in Abu Dhabi 1971, the 52nd held in Abu Dhabi 1978, the 53rd and 54th both held in Geneva in 1979, the 62nd held in Abu Dhabi in 1981, and the 63rd held in Vienna in 1982. Dr. Mana Al Otaiba is also the Chairman of Noor Capital , dealing in Asset Management, Private Equity, Investment Banking, Investment Placement and Direct Equity. He is also a Major Shareholder in Abu Dhabi Group, a company with holdings in real estate, banking, islamic banking, telecommunication, ISP, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, hotels and tourism, as well as being a major shareholder in Dana Gas.
His Excellency Yousef Al Otaiba, the Ambassador of the United Arab Emirates to the United States of America, took up his Washington-based post in July 2008. Previously, Ambassador Al Otaiba served for seven years as the Director of International Affairs for the Court of the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi. During that time, he was a senior counselor to HH General Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
His Excellency Ahmed Bin Khalaf Al Otaiba is the Chairman of the Al Otaiba Group of Companies and also a member of Board of Directors of Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industries, Abu Dhabi National Insurance Company, Abu Dhabi Securities Market and Abu Dhabi National Hotels as well as a number of local companies.
Today, Al Otaiba Group has developed its business activities through its companies and subsidiaries across the United Arab Emirates and the MEA region, AOGC though very careful diversification and expansion plans has grown dramatically and has built its name in the said markets.
AOGC enjoys strong elements which are highlighted below:
Sound financial position
Strong management with high business ethics
Excellent location with Dubai the premiere “Hub” in the region
Great partners, vendors, clients and brands
Implementation of international standards for business practices
Dedicated employees
History of achievements and success