How did Salem Ibrahim Al Saman contribute to transforming Abu Dhabi from a small coastal town into a thriving city?

Arriving in Abu Dhabi in 1961—when the emirate lacked basic infrastructure—Al Saman became part of a generation that helped build its economic foundations. Working closely during the era of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and Sheikh Shakhbout bin Sultan Al Nahyan, he supported early administrative and logistical functions at a time when systems were still informal. In 1965, he established the Salem Al Saman Group, expanding trade across sectors like jewellery, cargo, and travel—key industries that supported the movement of goods and people during Abu Dhabi’s formative years. As a founding member of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, he also played a role in organising the private sector as the emirate transitioned from informal markets to a structured economy. His journey reflects how early merchants not only built businesses but also contributed to the institutions that underpin Abu Dhabi’s growth today. Do you think the role of individual entrepreneurs is still as crucial in shaping cities today, or has that shifted more towards governments and large corporations?

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