A member of the Abu Dhabi Executive Council, His Excellency Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak is a prominent Emirati leader overseeing the growth of Abu Dhabi’s cultural, entertainment, real estate, and tourism sectors.
In 2016, His Excellency was appointed the Chairman of the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi), overseeing the preservation of the emirate’s heritage and history whilst inspiring its dynamic, world-leading approach to creating a recognised cultural capital where culture is a driver of social and economic development.
Al Mubarak is accountable for ensuring that Abu Dhabi is a top-of-mind destination for all leisure and business travellers, growing Abu Dhabi’s MICE share, and partnering with global IPs to bring to the emirate the best of international entertainment as well as high profile sporting events including F1, NBA and UFC.
One of the major achievements in Al Mubarak’s journey at DCT Abu Dhabi is the development of Saadiyat Cultural District – a curated destination for inspiration, artistic expression and cultural dialogue that is currently home to Louvre Abu Dhabi and teamLab Phenomena Abu Dhabi, and once finished will house Zayed National Museum, Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi. He serves as Chairman for both Louvre Abu Dhabi and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi.
Al Mubarak champions initiatives to support Emirati youth, overseeing hospitality training and apprenticeship programmes that empower future generations. Additionally, he oversees the Abu Dhabi Arabic Language Centre, which works to advance the Arabic language across scientific, educational, cultural, and creative fields.
Al Mubarak serves as Chairman of Aldar Properties PJSC, the leading real estate developer in Abu Dhabi responsible for some of the most iconic landmarks and pioneering architecture in the emirate, including residential, commercial, and retail assets.
Al Mubarak is Chairman of Miral, the leading creator of immersive experiences in Abu Dhabi, where he has overseen the delivery of major strategic partnerships and entertainment ventures. His leadership has been instrumental in expanding Miral’s portfolio through landmark projects such as Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi™, SeaWorld Yas Island Abu Dhabi, Sphere Abu Dhabi, the second of its kind globally, bringing next-generation immersive entertainment to the region, and the newly announced Disney Resort Abu Dhabi, the first in the Middle East and Africa and the seventh Disney Resort worldwide.
Another milestone in Al Mubarak’s business career was his appointment in 2010 as Chairman of Image Nation, an award-winning film and entertainment company. He led its resurgence as an international film investor and platform for Emirati storytelling.
Al Mubarak is the President of the Abrahamic Family House and a member of the Higher Committee of Human Fraternity, where he is joined by international religious leaders, educational scholars, and cultural leaders across the world, to support and spread the values of mutual respect and peaceful coexistence.
Al Mubarak serves as Vice-Chair on the Foundation Board of ALIPH, the international alliance for the protection of heritage in conflict areas.
He is also Chairman of Aldar Education, Abu Dhabi’s largest and leading education provider.
Al Mubarak is a graduate of Northeastern University (Boston, USA), with a double major in Economics and Political Science.
