Moutaz Al-Khayyat, the Chairman of UCC Holding and Group Chairman of Power International Holding (PIH), stands as a towering figure in Qatar’s business landscape. His father, Mohamad Raslan Al Khayyat, established Al Khayyat Contracting and Trading in 1983, laying the groundwork for Moutaz’s remarkable career. Today, Al-Khayyat is recognized for his strategic vision, transforming UCC Holding into a global leader in construction and energy while diversifying PIH into sectors like agriculture, real estate, and telecommunications.
Moutaz Al-Khayyat pursued a degree in Business from the University of the West of Scotland, where he honed his skills in international business and leadership. This academic foundation proved instrumental when, in 2011, he co-founded Power International Holding with his brothers, Ramez and Mohammad. The establishment of UCC Holding marked the beginning of a journey that would redefine construction excellence in the Middle East and beyond.
UCC Holding: Building for Generations
Under Al-Khayyat’s leadership, UCC Holding has evolved from a local contractor into a global powerhouse, ranked #42 in ENR’s Top 250 International Contractors and #10 in the power sector worldwide. Operating in 19 countries, UCC has delivered over 1,200 major projects, including 15 multi-billion-dollar initiatives in oil, gas, and energy. The company’s commitment to quality, timely delivery, and vertical integration has made it a trusted partner for high-profile developments.
One of UCC’s most significant contributions was to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. The company completed 42 projects, including Madinatna and Barahat Al Janoub, which provided accommodation for over 120,000 residents during the global event. These projects demonstrated UCC’s ability to manage large-scale, time-sensitive endeavors with precision.
Beyond sports infrastructure, UCC has delivered transformative projects like The View Hospital, a state-of-the-art medical facility, and Al Maha Island, a luxurious entertainment, leisure, and dining destination in Qatar. In 2024, UCC expanded its global footprint by signing contracts for seven energy projects in Kazakhstan, including two gas treatment plants, a compressor station, a main gas pipeline, and a combined cycle gas turbine power plant with a capacity of 1,100 MW. These initiatives underscore Al-Khayyat’s strategic focus on energy and infrastructure.
| Notable UCC Holding Projects | Description | Impact |
| Madinatna and Barahat Al Janoub | Accommodation for 120,000 residents during the 2022 FIFA World Cup | Supported Qatar’s hosting of a global event |
| The View Hospital | State-of-the-art medical facility | Enhanced Qatar’s healthcare infrastructure |
| Al Maha Island | Luxury entertainment and dining destination | Boosted tourism and leisure in Qatar |
| Kazakhstan Energy Projects | Seven projects, including gas plants and a 1,100 MW power plant | Expanded UCC’s global energy presence |
Baladna Food Industries: A Commitment to Food Security
In 2014, Moutaz Al-Khayyat co-founded Baladna Food Industries, which has grown into Qatar’s largest dairy and beverage producer, supplying 95% of the nation’s dairy products. During the Qatar Diplomatic Crisis (2017-2021), Al-Khayyat orchestrated the airlifting of 4,000 dairy cows to bypass the blockade, ensuring Qatar’s food security. This bold initiative highlighted his ability to address national challenges with innovative solutions.
Baladna’s 2019 initial public offering (IPO) on the Qatar Stock Exchange was a landmark achievement, reflecting Al-Khayyat’s vision for economic diversification. Today, Baladna manages 25,000 cows, produces 270 products, and holds a 70% market share in juices. The company also owns a 20% stake in Egypt’s Juhayna Food Industries and operates Baladna Algeria, a massive operation spanning 117,000 hectares with 270,000 cows, producing 1.7 billion liters of milk annually.
Power International Holding: A Diversified Empire
As Group Chairman of PIH, Al-Khayyat oversees more than 40 companies across diverse sectors, aligning with Qatar’s National Vision 2030. PIH’s subsidiaries include:
- Estithmar Holding: A publicly listed company operating in healthcare, services, real estate, and contracting, with 66 companies, 8 internationally affiliated hospitals, and 6 major tourism projects.
- Baladna: A leader in agricultural food industries, with significant operations in Qatar and Algeria.
- Assets Group: Manages 56 properties, over 5,000 hotel and resort rooms, and prominent malls, excelling in real estate and hospitality.
- TMT Group: A telecommunications leader in Kazakhstan, operating 4G and 5G networks with 10 million subscribers and a 34% market share. Its Tele2 brand won the Ookla Speedtest Award 2022 for the fastest network.
- Aura Group: Operates 32 brands, 52 high-end restaurants, and 5 entertainment theme parks, focusing on lifestyle hospitality.
In 2025, PIH ranked 10th in Forbes’ Top 100 Arab Family Businesses, a testament to Al-Khayyat’s ability to build a diversified, globally competitive conglomerate.
Leadership Philosophy
Al-Khayyat’s leadership is grounded in honesty, hard work, attention to detail, and a relentless focus on quality. These principles have fostered trust with clients and stakeholders, enabling UCC and PIH to secure and execute high-profile projects. His strategic vision emphasizes demand-based investments, calculated risk-taking, and structured growth, transforming PIH into a multifaceted enterprise.
Recognition and Influence
Moutaz Al-Khayyat’s contributions have earned him a spot on the Construction Week Power 100 list, recognizing his influence in shaping the construction industry. His ability to lead complex projects while diversifying into new sectors has positioned him as a key figure in Qatar’s economic growth.
Moutaz Al-Khayyat is more than a businessman; he is a visionary whose leadership has redefined the Middle East’s construction, energy, and agricultural landscapes. Through UCC Holding and Power International Holding, he has built not just infrastructure but also a legacy of innovation and resilience. His commitment to excellence and strategic foresight ensure that his impact will endure for generations.
