Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor, Chairman of the Al Habtoor Group received President Andrej Kiska of Slovakia in early June. Al Habtoor welcomed President Kiska at his hotel in the President’s hometown of Poprad-Tatry, a ski resort town some 300 km from the capital Bratislava.
Al Habtoor was visiting Slovakia on invitation from President Kiska, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who was elected last year after landslide victory in the country’s election. Kiska, a non-aligned centrist, ran as an independent candidate.
Al Habtoor said, “It was a pleasure to meet President Kiska. I got the opportunity to see some beautiful countryside in Slovakia, and discuss the potential for collaboration. We discussed several business propositions.” He added, “I have made plans to next see President Kiska in Dubai. He is a big fan of the United Arab Emirates, and has visited the country many times. I look forward to welcoming him back.”
President Kiska asked Al Habtoor to consider recruiting Slovak nationals within the Al Habtoor Group of companies. The Al Habtoor Group is currently witnessing rapid expansion – particularly in the hospitality industry in Dubai. Al Habtoor City, a multi-use development is currently under construction, incorporating three five-star hotels alongside three luxury residential towers. Other projects include the Metropolitan Sheikh Zayed Road and the St. Regis Dubai Al Habtoor Polo Resort & Club.
Like Al Habtoor, Kiska is widely regarded as a self-made man. He made his fortune in the consumer credit business before giving most of it away.