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Portrait of Zahi W. Khouri

Zahi W. Khouri

Pioneering Palestinian Entrepreneur

Born
1938
Born in
Jaffa, Mandatory Palestine
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Why Zahi is here

Foundational Business Ventures in Palestine

Their story

Zahi Khouri is a Palestinian-American entrepreneur who has significantly contributed to economic development in Palestine. Born in Jaffa and raised in a Christian Palestinian family, Khouri's career spans across various international domains, including significant roles in large corporations and the establishment of pioneering business ventures in Palestine.

Milestones

The moments that shaped Zahi’s path.

  1. 1948

    Fled to Lebanon

    Moved with his family during the 1948 Israeli Occupation, becoming Palestinian refugees.

  2. Educational Achievements

    Earned a Master's degree in Engineering from the Stuttgart Institute of Technology and an MBA from INSEAD in France.

  3. Corporate Leadership

    Held executive positions with the Olayan Group both in Saudi Arabia and the United States over a span of two decades.

  4. Return to Palestine

    Moved back to Palestine to engage in entrepreneurial ventures aimed at bolstering the local economy.

  5. Philanthropic and Civic Engagement

    Actively involved in various civic roles, including as Chairman of NGO Development Center (NDC) in Jerusalem.

Legacy

What they built, changed and left behind.

  1. Founding of the Palestinian National Beverage Company

    Launched the company which holds the Coca-Cola franchise in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

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  2. Establishment of the Palestinian Development and Investment Company (PADICO)

    Co-founded the largest Palestinian investment company.

  3. Telecommunications Innovation

    Chaired Jawwal’s board in 2001–2005 and Paltel’s executive committee in 2001–2004.

  4. Support for Palestinian Entrepreneurship

    Key founder of the first innovation fund in Palestine, the Ibtikar Fund.

  5. Civic and Educational Contributions

    Serves on the Board of Trustees at Dar Al Kalima University in Bethlehem and has been a significant voice in various Palestinian development programs.

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