SHUAA Capital has appointed Faris Mesmar as Head of Growth & Partnership, bringing an experienced entrepreneur, investor, and ecosystem builder into the Dubai-based financial services group as it continues to strengthen its growth and investment platform.
The appointment marks a new chapter in Mesmar’s career, which has spanned entrepreneurship, venture building, business development, investment, commercialization, and ecosystem development across the UAE and wider region.
According to his professional profile, Mesmar has built extensive experience in the UAE market, working across corporate commercial operations, entrepreneurship, venture development, investment management, and growth initiatives. His background combines experience supporting established organizations with building and scaling new ventures.
In his new position at SHUAA Capital, Mesmar is expected to focus on growth opportunities and strategic partnerships, areas that align closely with his previous experience in developing businesses, supporting entrepreneurs, and connecting organizations across the public and private sectors.
Extensive Experience in Venture Building and Growth
Mesmar is well known within the UAE entrepreneurial ecosystem as the co-founder and managing partner of hatch & boost, a venture builder established to develop and scale startups and innovative businesses.
Through hatch & boost, he worked alongside entrepreneurs to transform early-stage ideas into scalable ventures, combining capital with business development, commercialization, and operational support. His experience has also included senior executive roles across technology and supply chain businesses.
More recently, Mesmar worked with Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development as an advisor, contributing to initiatives supporting entrepreneurship and innovation in Abu Dhabi.
Reflecting on his work with Khalifa Fund, Mesmar said his role involved supporting the development of strategies for the Emirati entrepreneurship ecosystem, building innovation hubs and programs, and connecting the public and private sectors to help Abu Dhabi-based founders achieve sustainable growth.
His professional interests have also extended to investment management, SME development, commercialization, sustainability, and the creation of ecosystems capable of supporting companies from early-stage development through growth.
Joining a Major Regional Investment Platform
Mesmar joins SHUAA Capital as the company continues to develop its investment and financial services activities across the region.
Established in 1979 and headquartered in Dubai, SHUAA Capital operates primarily through two major business segments: asset management and investment banking. Its activities span public and private markets, real estate, debt investments, securities services, and sales and trading.
The company is listed on the Dubai Financial Market under the ticker SHUAA and has built a long-standing presence in regional financial services. Its official corporate profile describes a history extending more than 45 years, with operations supported by relationships across the Middle East and broader investment markets.
SHUAA’s current leadership is headed by Group Chief Executive Officer Nabil Al Rantisi, whose strategy includes driving business growth, strengthening client relationships, and positioning the financial group for long-term value creation.
Focus on Growth and Strategic Partnerships
Mesmar’s appointment brings a background centered on building partnerships and turning growth opportunities into scalable businesses.
His experience connecting investors, entrepreneurs, corporations, and government-backed ecosystem initiatives could complement SHUAA Capital’s activities across asset management, private markets, investment banking, and capital markets.
As Head of Growth & Partnership, Mesmar moves into a position that brings together several areas that have defined his career: investment, commercialization, strategic relationships, entrepreneurship, and business expansion.
The appointment represents another significant step in his professional journey and places him within one of the UAE’s longest-established investment platforms as SHUAA Capital continues pursuing opportunities across the regional financial and investment landscape.
