Mohammed bin Issa Al Jaber is a Saudi businessman and investor of Yemeni origin, leading the MBI Group, which generates an annual revenue of approximately $11.5 billion.
His cousin, Salman Farhan Al Jaber, oversees the group’s operations in the Middle East. The company’s assets exceed $15 billion, with a workforce of nearly 9,000 employees.
Born in Hodeidah, Yemen, in 1959, Al Jaber spent his early years in humble conditions, living in straw and mud huts, which fueled his ambition to build a better future.
He migrated to Saudi Arabia in the 1970s, where he started as a truck driver at an ice factory in Khobar before moving on to work in a small construction company.
A pivotal moment in his life was his partnership with Prince Turki bin Nasser, the son-in-law of Prince Sultan bin Abdulaziz, which allowed him to obtain Saudi citizenship and elevate his career.
Despite being illiterate in his early years, Al Jaber fearlessly entered the business world. With no formal schooling due to his difficult circumstances, he only learned to read and write after amassing his fortune.
His passion for classical Arabic poetry led him to pursue studies in foreign universities, where he focused on the history of civilizations, cultures, and the Middle East.
Business and Philanthropy
Beyond his business empire, Al Jaber plays a significant role in international political and academic institutions, advocating for freedom, human rights, and economic reform in the Arab world.
He has made substantial contributions to universities in the UK, Austria, and Saudi Arabia, supporting Arab students and providing scholarships through his MBI Foundation.
His charitable initiatives reflect his commitment to democracy, education, and social progress, aiming to empower young generations for a better future.
MBI Group: A Global Business Powerhouse
MBI Group is one of the largest economic conglomerates, managing a portfolio of over 65 hotels and resorts across:
- The UK
- France
- Austria
- Portugal
- Egypt
Al Jaber also holds the distinguished position of UNESCO Special Ambassador for Tolerance, Democracy, and Peace.
His hospitality division, JJW Hotels & Resorts, owns some of the finest luxury hotels in Vienna, Paris, London, and the Middle East.
Among his flagship properties are:
- San Lorenzo Golf Resorts in Portugal
- Grand Hotel Vienna
Awards and Recognition
In 2008, Al Jaber was honored as Person of the Year for Intercultural and Interfaith Dialogue.
He also received the Order of Honor from the City of Vienna and several prestigious medals from different countries.
Beyond business, Al Jaber serves as a lecturer in international relations, management, and development at:
- Johns Hopkins University in Washington, D.C.
- University College London (UCL)
- Sciences Po in France
In 2011, MBI Group acquired a major European hotel company, adding more properties across three major cities.
The group’s portfolio also includes:
- Gawel International, a leading real estate corporation.
- Ajwa, one of the largest food companies in the Middle East.
- Continental, a provider of oil field services and resource management.
Publications and Philanthropy
In 2011, Al Jaber published a book titled “Yes… Arabs Can Too”, advocating for Arab potential and success on the global stage.
His charitable contributions include:
- Funding new buildings for Dar Al-Hekma College in Jeddah.
- Supporting Corpus Christi College in the UK.
- A dedicated building in Oxford University named after him.
- Lecture halls at UCL and other institutions carrying his name.
Net Worth
With an estimated net worth exceeding $13 billion, Al Jaber is ranked among the world’s wealthiest businessmen and the second-richest Saudi businessman.
Personal Life
Mohammed Al Jaber is married and has two daughters, Mashael and Bashayer Al Jaber.
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