Benoy Kurien has been the driving force behind the impressive expansion of Al Hamra.
Serving as the Group Chief Executive Officer at Al Hamra, a prominent lifestyle development and investment company in the UAE, Benoy holds the reins to oversee the operations and assets of this esteemed $1 billion conglomerate.
His journey with Al Hamra commenced in 1998, where he embarked on a path of continuous achievement, swiftly ascending the professional ladder to attain his current esteemed position. His extensive expertise spans diverse domains, encompassing strategic formulation and execution, portfolio expansion across retail, residential, hospitality, leisure, and entertainment.
An embodiment of inspiration, Benoy has played an indispensable role in moulding the trajectory of Al Hamra and its various subsidiaries. He remains meticulously informed about crucial financial and strategic insights, directing his efforts towards fostering the enduring expansion and success of Al Hamra.
Originally hailing from Bangalore, India, Benoy holds a BA in Commerce, Economics, Taxation, and Accounting from St. Joseph’s College of Commerce in Bangalore, India.
Raman Garg holds the role of Group Chief Financial Officer at Al Hamra, boasting a seasoned background in strategic finance and transformative business practices, spanning an impressive three decades. His extensive expertise encompasses various facets, including business ownership, financial stewardship, mergers and acquisitions, restructuring, capital procurement, as well as overseeing commercial and customer operations, and fostering business growth within dynamically evolving landscapes.
Before becoming part of the Al Hamra team, Raman held the position of Head of Portfolio Finance at Sequoia Capital, a prestigious venture capital firm of top-tier standing. During his tenure, he collaborated closely with CEOs and CFOs of a portfolio comprising over 100 companies, implementing substantial enhancements in key strategic and operational indicators to augment shareholder value. He also played a foundational role in establishing India Shelter Finance Corporation Ltd, an innovative micro-home finance company in India.
Raman's professional journey also encompasses significant leadership roles at prominent global corporations, including Max New York Life Insurance, The Coca-Cola Company, PepsiCo, Akzo Nobel, and ITC. He is a certified Chartered Accountant from The Institute of Chartered Accountants of India, a Company Secretary from the Institute of Company Secretaries of India, and is a Cost Accountant from the Costs and Works Accountant of India. He holds a BA in Commerce from St. Xavier’s College in Kolkata, India.
Christopher Hewett is Senior Vice President and Head of Hospitality at Al Hamra, the leading real estate developer and investment company in the United Arab Emirates.
An industry professional with over 17 years experience in the MENA hospitality industry, Christopher oversees the management, growth and development of Al Hamra’s AED 1.5b hospitality and leisure portfolio.
Al Hamra’s hospitality portfolio includes the Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Ritz Carlton Al Hamra Beach Resort, Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort as well as Al Hamra Golf Club, a DP World Tour venue and Al Hamra Marina and Yacht Club.
In addition to his role at Al Hamra, Christopher works closely with key stakeholders in Ras Al Khaimah in developing the wider hospitality and tourism sector.
Christopher is also the Secretary General and Board Member of the UAE Restaurant Group and is an active member of the Hotel Asset Manager Association (HAMA) in the Middle East.
Ahmed Zaki is a seasoned legal professional with over 30 years spanning the judiciary, prosecution, and corporate legal leadership. He currently leads the legal department at Al Hamra, where he plays an instrumental role in driving Al Hamra’s strategic growth, bolstering legal protections, and optimising risk management, legal innovation, and contract oversight. His deep legal expertise and strategic foresight have been integral to Al Hamra’s operational resilience and sustained growth across real estate and infrastructure.
His adeptness in navigating complex legal landscapes and commanding intricate regulatory frameworks and contract governance has played a pivotal role in Al Hamra’s operational excellence and business expansion. Ahmed supports sound decision-making and ensures legal integrity across all facets of the business. Guided by Al Hamra’s core values of integrity, transparency, and accountability, Ahmed is steadfast in promoting fairness and equitable treatment across all client relationships and legal matters.
Earlier in his career, Ahmed served with distinction as a judge and public prosecutor in both Egypt and the UAE, providing him with a unique perspective on regional and international legal systems and their commercial applications. This rare dual-jurisdictional experience enables him to navigate legal challenges with both precision and foresight.
His achievements have earned recognition from several prestigious platforms. Most recently, he was named General Counsel of the Year (Small Team) by LexisNexis Middle East (2025) and In-House Counsel of the Year – Infrastructure & Construction by Legal Community MENA (2023). Under his leadership, the Al Hamra legal Team received the Real Estate & Construction In-House Legal Team of the Year award from Legal Era Middle East (2024). In addition, he was featured among the Most Influential Legal Leaders in the Middle East for 2025 by Middle East Leaders.
Mikah Martin-Cruz is a Chief Marketing Officer & Head of Direct Sales at Al Hamra, the leading real estate developer and investment company in the United Arab Emirates.
An industry professional with over 20 years of extensive experience in Marketing.
He has held positions with DAMAC Properties, Sony, Samsung, Microsoft & Logitech.
