Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani: A life of enterprise and impact

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani has spent nearly three decades shaping some of the Gulf region’s most dynamic sectors, from construction and real estate to investment and hospitality. Based in Abu Dhabi, he has built a reputation as an executive who combines long-term strategy with a grounded commitment to community.

His story is not one of sudden fortune or inherited advantage. Instead, it is the product of sustained leadership, disciplined risk-taking and a quiet but unwavering devotion to philanthropy. Through multiple companies, partnerships and initiatives, he has influenced both the economic landscape of the UAE and the lives of individuals who have benefited from his support.

This profile explores the highlights of Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's career and the principles that guide his work today.

A foundation in construction and large-scale development

When Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani co-founded Silver Coast Construction & Boring LLC (SCCB) in 1997, he began what would eventually become one of the UAE’s most notable construction careers. As chairman and co-founding partner, Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani has led the company through continuous expansion, overseeing projects valued at USD 1.35 billion and building a workforce of more than 4,500 employees.

SCCB grew during a period of rapid development across the Emirates, and Awartani’s approach emphasized durable infrastructure, meticulous project management and long-term client relationships. Under Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's leadership, the company became known for delivering complex civil works and major public and private projects that contributed to the nation’s modernization.

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's early years in construction established the operational discipline and regional expertise that would later support his entry into new industries.

Expanding into real estate and investment

Two decades after Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's first major venture, Awartani continued broadening his portfolio with targeted investments. In 2017, he co-founded High Point Real Estate LLC, developing residential properties in Dubai valued at USD 100 million. The company reflects his interest in sustainable, high-quality housing that responds to the needs of a growing population.

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's investment footprint extends even further. In 2013, he helped establish Equalis Capital Ltd, a proprietary investment firm focused on regional and global opportunities. By 2015, he became a shareholder and board member of Global Gate Capital Partners, a firm managing more than USD 2 billion in assets.

These roles positioned him at the intersection of regional development and global finance, an environment where strategic partnerships and diversified portfolios are essential.

Leadership in hospitality and health care

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani’s business interests are not confined to industry and real estate. In 2017, he co-founded Café Milano Abu Dhabi, bringing an internationally recognized dining experience to the capital. The restaurant grew into an influential gathering space, adding dimension to the city’s hospitality sector.

Three years later, in 2020, he became a substantial shareholder in Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi, expanding his contribution to an area closely tied to community well-being: modern, patient-centered health care.

This pattern, entering sectors that have both commercial promise and social value reflects a consistent theme in his career.

Commitment to philanthropy and education

Beyond business, Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani has maintained a strong philanthropic focus. He established a private scholarship program supporting students in pursuit of higher education, an initiative rooted in the belief that long-term development begins with opportunity.

His giving also extends to health care. Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani has made significant contributions to medical institutions, including support for the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C., reinforcing his commitment to improving access to specialized care for vulnerable populations.

These efforts are not publicized as campaigns or branding exercises. They are part of a quieter philosophy that successful leadership carries a responsibility to uplift others.

A new chapter: Yasa Capital

In 2024, Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani co-founded Yasa Capital, an investment advisory firm built on decades of experience in construction, real estate, and financial markets. This most recent venture highlights his continued belief in strategic investment and collaborative growth, offering guidance to organizations navigating increasingly complex global markets.

Yasa Capital represents both continuity and evolution, an extension of his professional legacy and an expression of his ongoing interest in shaping the region’s economic future.

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani: A consistent vision for progress

Across every venture he has launched or supported, Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani has demonstrated a steady commitment to purposeful growth. His career reflects a blend of technical discipline, strategic insight, and a belief in long-term value creation. While his early work established him as a respected leader in construction, his later investments show a broad, interconnected view of economic development, one that spans infrastructure, financial services, hospitality, and health care.

Colleagues describe Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's leadership style as measured and solutions-driven. Rather than pursuing short-term gains, he favors investments that strengthen local industries and contribute to broader community needs. This approach explains Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's involvement in sectors like hospitals, residential development, and education. Each reflects a philosophy that business is most effective when paired with service.

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani’s influence also extends into mentorship. Throughout his career, he has supported young professionals and early-stage ventures, offering guidance on project management, capital strategy, and organizational leadership. Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's work with students through his private scholarship program underscores the same idea: people are the foundation of any sustainable system.

Today, with Yasa Capital building on Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's decades of regional experience, Awartani continues to serve as a figure whose leadership is shaped not only by commercial achievement, but also by a clear sense of responsibility. His professional path offers an example of how ambition can align with impact, an alignment that defines his legacy in the UAE and beyond.

Conclusion

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani’s career reflects a rare balance of vision and responsibility. From large-scale construction projects to investment firms, from hospitality to health care, he has played a role in sectors central to the UAE’s development.

Just as notable is the philanthropic commitment that runs parallel to his business pursuits. Through scholarships, charitable contributions, and community-driven values, he has demonstrated that leadership is not measured solely by financial success, but by the lasting impact it leaves behind.

Shaher Moh’d Ali Awartani's story continues to evolve, marked by a consistent dedication to building, buildings, businesses, and opportunities that endure.