Abu Dhabi has rapidly transformed into a global hub for commerce, culture, and innovation. Behind this transformation are business leaders who combine foresight with determination to build enterprises that shape the city’s identity. Among them is Shaher Awartani, a distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist whose career reflects resilience, ambition, and a deep sense of responsibility toward community development. From construction to finance, real estate to healthcare, his ventures illustrate how visionary leadership can create both economic growth and social progress.
Foundations in Construction
Shaher Awartani began his professional journey in 1997 by co-founding Silver Coast Construction & Boring LLC (SCCB). As Chairman, he has overseen more than USD 1.35 billion worth of projects, while leading a workforce of 4,500 employees. Under his leadership, SCCB has delivered infrastructure and development projects that have contributed significantly to Abu Dhabi’s modernization.
Awartani’s construction philosophy goes beyond building structures. For him, each project is a representation of progress, sustainability, and innovation. His insistence on quality and efficiency has cemented SCCB’s reputation as one of the UAE’s most reliable construction companies. In doing so, he has helped shape the physical landscape of Abu Dhabi while reinforcing the values of trust and excellence in business.
Expanding Horizons: Real Estate and Finance
Never content with limiting his ambitions to one sector, Awartani expanded into real estate with the founding of High Point Real Estate LLC in 2017. The company has since developed residential properties valued at USD 100 million in Dubai. This venture reflects his understanding of the region’s growing demand for modern, high-quality housing and his ability to anticipate market trends.
His entrepreneurial reach extends to finance and investments as well. In 2013, Awartani co-founded Equalis Capital Ltd, a proprietary investment firm, marking his entry into the financial sector. By 2015, he became a shareholder and board member of Global Gate Capital Partners, a firm managing over USD 2 billion in assets. These ventures highlight his adaptability and foresight in navigating both regional and international markets.
Most recently, in 2024, Awartani co-founded Yasa Capital, an investment advisory firm. With this, he reaffirmed his commitment to guiding businesses and individuals toward sustainable financial growth. Each step in his financial career reflects his philosophy of diversification, strategic foresight, and long-term value creation.
Hospitality and Healthcare
Awartani’s entrepreneurial spirit also extends to sectors that directly enrich communities. In 2017, he co-founded Café Milano Abu Dhabi, introducing an internationally recognized dining experience to the UAE capital. This hospitality venture underscored Abu Dhabi’s emergence as a global destination for business and culture.
In 2020, his focus turned toward healthcare with a substantial investment in Reem Hospital Abu Dhabi. This strategic move highlighted his recognition of healthcare as a cornerstone of community well-being. By supporting advanced medical infrastructure, Awartani reinforced his commitment to both social responsibility and sustainable development.
Commitment to Philanthropy
What sets Shaher Awartani apart is not only his ability to build businesses but also his dedication to giving back. He has established a private scholarship program that provides students with opportunities to pursue higher education. For Awartani, investing in education is an investment in the future—a way to nurture the next generation of leaders and innovators.
His philanthropy also extends to healthcare, with notable donations to institutions such as the Children’s National Medical Center in Washington, D.C. These contributions demonstrate his global perspective and his belief in supporting causes that transcend geographical boundaries.
Awartani’s philanthropic vision is guided by the principle that true success is measured not by personal wealth, but by the positive impact one creates in the lives of others. This balance between entrepreneurial ambition and social responsibility has earned him recognition as both a business leader and a humanitarian.
Education and Leadership Values
Awartani holds a bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Toledo, a foundation that has equipped him with the knowledge and skills to navigate complex industries. Yet, his leadership is not defined by academic credentials alone. Integrity, foresight, and resilience are the values that have guided his journey, enabling him to thrive across diverse industries.
His ability to combine strategic vision with ethical leadership has made him a trusted figure in both business and philanthropy. Whether leading a billion-dollar construction company or funding scholarships for young students, Awartani remains consistent in his pursuit of excellence and responsibility.
A Lasting Legacy
Shaher Awartani’s career reflects the broader evolution of Abu Dhabi itself: dynamic, diversified, and future-oriented. His ventures across construction, finance, real estate, hospitality, and healthcare mirror the city’s commitment to innovation and growth. At the same time, his philanthropic initiatives ensure that progress is balanced with compassion and responsibility.
As Abu Dhabi continues to grow as a global hub, leaders like Shaher Awartani stand as architects of its future. His legacy is not only defined by the skyscrapers and businesses he has built but also by the lives he has touched through education, healthcare, and community empowerment.
In an era where the world looks to the UAE for models of progress and resilience, Shaher Awartani represents the best of what leadership can achieve—economic success paired with social responsibility. His story is a testament to the idea that true leadership is about creating lasting value, both for today and for generations to come.
