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Salah Makkouk

Innovation @ Saudia Group

Professional Background

Salah Makkouk is an accomplished professional with extensive experience in innovation, technology management, and startup incubation. He currently serves as the Senior Director of Incubation at Careem, a leading ride-hailing and logistics company based in the Middle East. With a visionary approach to tackling industry challenges, Salah has made significant contributions to driving forward-thinking initiatives in the aviation and technology sectors.

Before his current role at Careem, Salah honed his expertise at Emirates Group, where he occupied several key positions, including Head of Innovation. During his tenure, he was instrumental in promoting Dubai as the Aviation Startup Capital of the World. His responsibilities encompassed identifying strategic investment and acquisition opportunities that aligned with the Group’s vision of innovation.

Education and Achievements

Salah Makkouk holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the distinguished American University of Beirut, where he graduated in June 2001. In addition, he pursued coursework in Business Studies at the Lebanese American University. He further enriched his skill set by studying Design Thinking for Innovation at the University of Virginia.

His innovative mindset led to several key achievements during his time at Emirates Group, highlighted by the launch of transformative programs such as:

  • Intelak: A travel, aviation, and tourism incubator aimed at solution-finding through entrepreneurship and technology.
  • Accelerator Program in Partnership with Dubai Future Accelerators: This initiative aimed to foster innovation by connecting startups with high-impact mentorship.
  • Aviation X LAB: Recognized as the world's first aviation lab under the Dubai Area 2071 initiative, this lab is dedicated to fueling funding ventures to address unprecedented challenges in global aviation.
  • Robotics and Web 3.0 labs: Salah led the establishment of technological laboratories that explored the frontiers of innovation in AI and decentralized technologies.
  • Innovation Office: He successfully set up a governance framework that enabled better management of innovation processes across the organization.

His innovative leadership style and strategic thinking facilitated the establishment and growth of critical units within the Emirates Group, such as the Technology Strategic Partnerships unit, which cultivated collaboration with global technology leaders.

Career Highlights

Salah Makkouk's career journey has been marked by significant advancements and a commitment to innovation. Prior to his impactful roles at Emirates Group, he began his career in IT management with Citibank in Lebanon, later transitioning to Portugal as the IT Director. This foundation in IT management has equipped him with the skills to effectively navigate the complexities of technology in large organizations.

Over the years, Salah has held various noteworthy positions that enhance his professional repertoire, including:

  • General Manager of Innovation at Saudia Group: Leading innovation initiatives to push the boundaries of the aviation sector.
  • Senior Director Incubator at Careem: Streamlining incubation efforts to foster business growth and innovation.
  • Head of Innovation at Emirates: Spearheading initiatives that put Emirates at the forefront of aviation innovations.
  • Incubators & Accelerators Manager at Emirates: Developing startup ecosystems within the aviation industry to encourage entrepreneurship.
  • IT Operations Manager at Emirates: Oversaw technology operations contributing to the efficiency of the group's extensive network.

Personal Insights

Salah Makkouk's diverse career pathway is complemented by a rich personal life. He is a dedicated family man, married with an eight-year-old son. His life experiences span five different countries, allowing him to cultivate a broad worldview and understanding of various cultures. Fluent in three languages, Salah embraces multiculturalism and leverages his linguistic skills in professional settings to enhance collaboration and partnerships.

In summary, Salah Makkouk embodies a rare blend of technical expertise, innovative vision, and leadership prowess. His ongoing contributions to the fields of aviation and technology position him as a key player in driving future advancements in these areas. With his career marked by notable achievements and a commitment to fostering innovation, Salah continues to inspire those around him, demonstrating that strategic thinking and creativity can indeed reshape industries.

Achievements

Highlights

Dec 22 · APEX Media
Investment Strategy: The Challenges of Innovating During a Pandemic - APEX - APEX Media
FTE Airline Passenger Experience Power List 2017 - Future Travel Experience

Related Questions

How did Salah Makkouk establish the Travel, Aviation, and Tourism incubator Intelak at Emirates Group?
What inspired Salah Makkouk's vision for Dubai as the Aviation Startup Capital of the World?
In what ways has Salah Makkouk influenced the technology partnerships at Emirates Group?
How has Salah Makkouk's background in IT management shaped his approach to innovation in the aviation sector?
What challenges did Salah Makkouk face while launching the world's first Aviation X LAB, and how did he overcome them?
How does Salah Makkouk integrate his knowledge of Design Thinking into his incubation strategies at Careem?
What role does Salah Makkouk believe innovation plays in the future of the aviation industry?
In what ways does Salah Makkouk's multicultural background enhance his professional interactions and projects?
How does Salah Makkouk envision the role of startups in shaping the future of travel and tourism?
What lessons has Salah Makkouk learned from leading diverse teams in various countries throughout his career?
Salah Makkouk
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Location

United Arab Emirates