A remarkable entrepreneurial journey exemplifies how vision and determination can transform modest beginnings into multi-sector industrial leadership. Shafeeq Abdurahiman, who grew up in a humble Kozhikode household guided by strong moral principles, has emerged as a defining business figure shaping growth across property, hospitality, and precision engineering sectors in the UAE.
His trajectory began with a fateful encounter with UAE businessman Ibrahim Abdullah Al Harmoudi, who recognized Shafeeq’s potential and encouraged him to pursue opportunities in the Emirates. Arriving in Sharjah in 2005 while still in his late teens, Shafeeq immersed himself in real estate operations, gaining invaluable exposure to negotiation strategies and client management.
The turning point came in 2011 when Ibrahim offered him first rights to acquire the company. Shafeeq honored this trust through a purchase that marked his entrepreneurial ascent, rebranding the operation as Al Maniya—inspired by his admiration for Argentine football—before evolving it into AMR Group. The enterprise now delivers comprehensive property services including management, freehold advisory, development consultancy, and strategic marketing across multiple emirates.
A landmark development occurred with A1 Holding’s acquisition of Cleveland Bridges & Engineering Middle East LLC, a legacy pillar of Dubai’s steel sector established in 1977. The acquisition, announced in the presence of Sheikh Suhail bin Ali Al Maktoum and Dr. Hamad Saeed Al Shamsi (Partner and Chairman of A1 Group), represents a decisive industrial leap. The facility is being transformed into an advanced steel-engineering hub featuring upgraded systems and AI-driven precision, positioning A1 Holding at the forefront of regional infrastructure development.
Today, A1 Holding unifies multiple high-impact verticals including real estate development, hospitality, security services, facilities management, and large-scale workforce accommodation. The group stewards approximately 120 accommodation assets for major organizations across Dubai, while expanding its hospitality footprint with the upcoming ‘Acacia’ 4-star hotel in Ras Al Khaimah and two additional Dubai properties scheduled for 2026.
Shafeeq’s resilience was particularly demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic when he offered his accommodation facilities to the Dubai Government and provided free housing to quarantined expatriates—transforming a global crisis into an act of national service.
The entrepreneur consistently credits the UAE’s clarity, stability, and visionary leadership as the foundation of his success. For twelve consecutive years, he has commemorated UAE National Day by unveiling luxury cars exquisitely decorated in national themes as a moving tribute to the nation and its rulers.
Guided by family values and the enduring principles of his late father Abdurahiman, Shafeeq maintains that success carries inherent responsibility. His vision now focuses on scaling A1 Holding as a major Middle Eastern force while empowering teams, honoring partner trust, and contributing meaningfully to the UAE’s long-term economic vision.