Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Quotes

Powerful Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair for Daily Growth

About Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair (1933-2018) was an eminent Emirati businessman, philanthropist, and author, renowned for his significant contributions to the UAE's development and education sectors. Born in 1933 in Dubai, Al Ghurair grew up during a period of transformative change in the region. His father, Abdullah Abdul Rahim Al Ghurair, was one of the founding fathers of modern-day Dubai, who played a pivotal role in the city's growth and development. After completing his education in Kuwait, Al Ghurair returned to Dubai and joined his father's trading business, eventually expanding it into a diverse conglomerate with interests spanning real estate, finance, retail, and manufacturing. He is best known for founding the Union National Bank (UNB) in 1976, which later became the National Bank of Dubai (NBD), one of the UAE's leading financial institutions. In addition to his business pursuits, Al Ghurair was deeply committed to education and cultural development. He established the Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair Foundation for Education, an organization dedicated to improving access to quality education for underprivileged children in the UAE and across the region. As an author, Al Ghurair penned several books in Arabic, most notably "The Road to Success" and "My Life Story." These works reflect his experiences, insights, and wisdom gained from a life dedicated to business and service. His quotes, often inspiring and insightful, continue to resonate with readers and audiences alike: 1. "Success is not just about money; it's also about making a difference in people's lives." 2. "Work hard, but don't forget to enjoy the journey." 3. "The secret of success lies in perseverance and patience." Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair passed away in 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire generations of Emiratis and others seeking to follow in his footsteps.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"Success is not measured by what you accomplish, but by the opposition you have encountered, and the obstacles you have overcome."

This quote emphasizes that success isn't solely determined by achievements or outcomes, but rather by the challenges faced and obstacles overcome in the process. In other words, it's not just about reaching the destination, but also about navigating through the difficulties along the way. Overcoming adversity is a key component of success, as it demonstrates resilience, perseverance, and the ability to adapt and grow from setbacks. The more significant the obstacles one overcomes, the greater the sense of accomplishment and success.


"The secret of success lies in the attitude we adopt towards change."

This quote by Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair underscores that adaptability and a positive outlook on change are crucial to achieving success. Change, whether personal or professional, is inevitable and often brings challenges. However, embracing change with an open mind and a willingness to learn can help individuals adapt quickly, seize opportunities, and ultimately, thrive in their endeavors. In essence, the key to success lies in our ability to view change not as a hindrance but as a catalyst for growth and improvement.


"We must remember that every great accomplishment began as a dream in someone's mind."

This quote emphasizes the powerful role dreams play in achieving greatness. It suggests that every significant achievement originates from an individual's imagination, serving as a reminder that aspirations can lead to tangible success if nurtured with determination and persistence. In essence, it inspires us to envision our goals and believe that they are attainable.


"Education is not just about books, it's about building character and instilling values."

This quote by Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair emphasizes that education extends beyond academic knowledge. He underscores the importance of character development and inculcating moral values as essential components of a comprehensive educational experience. In essence, he suggests that a well-rounded individual is one who not only excels in studies but also demonstrates strong ethical standards and a balanced personality. This perspective encourages educators to nurture students holistically, focusing on their intellectual growth as well as personal values and character traits.


"To achieve great things, we must first believe we can and will."

This quote emphasizes that a strong belief in one's own abilities and determination is essential to achieving greatness. It suggests that having the conviction that you can and will accomplish something significant is a crucial starting point for any endeavor, as it fosters the persistence and self-assurance needed to overcome challenges and make progress towards your goals.


One of the main characteristics that differentiates Dubai from other commercial centres is its openness to innovation and the freedoms it grants people and institutions to operate.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Innovation, Other, Grants, Institutions

One of the biggest challenges for the MENA region is unemployment coupled with high population growth rates. The World Bank is committed to supporting infrastructure projects that will help with job creation across the region.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Challenges, Projects, Across, Population Growth

In the U.A.E. we were the least-regulated environment in the region, and over time we are seeing more and more regulation coming in. On the other hand, a central bank can overregulate and choke the economy, and then we will have a dead banking industry.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Dead, Other, Industry, Choke

One way to ease liquidity for banks is that the government can buy all highly rated securities held by the banks. Every single bank in the U.A.E. has some sovereign debts in their portfolios. I am not asking them to buy any junk bonds, rather the high quality U.A.E. government debt.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Some, Ease, Held, High Quality

The Central Bank should have a permanent window for discounting high quality securities where banks could go and discount these. It gives peace of mind to the banks. In the absence of this facility, what banks tend to do is to keep a liquidity cushion for emergency requirements. This is a very expensive way of managing liquidity.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Absence, Discount, Very, High Quality

In the past, the West had tried to export one formula of democracy which should fit to the rest of the world, and they discovered that this doesn't work.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Rest, In The Past, Which, Export

No nation has embraced Total Quality Management, e-commerce and e-government with greater enthusiasm than Dubai. Such innovations have given Dubai a competitive edge and an accelerated growth rate that few could match.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Nation, Could, Given, E-Commerce

Sometimes there are customers who get in difficulty because of situations that are out of their control. These are customers with genuine needs, and the role of the bank is to accommodate these customers, and there is a real need to reschedule the loans of these customers.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Need, Role, Needs, Customers

Banks are concerned the central bank is imposing too many regulations. If the trend continues, we'll swing to heavy regulation. We need to have balanced regulation to encourage the economy.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Concerned, Imposing, Banks, Regulations

I think the market should reward banks that have been transparent in recognising their problems. I think the tendency of banks to hide the problem assets over a period of three or four years should not be allowed.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Think, Reward, Over, Assets

Dubai's world class physical infrastructure has already established it as a major player in terms of trade, tourism and as the leading conference and exhibition venue in this part of the world.

- Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair

Established, Exhibition, Class

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