In the foreword of “Khalaf Ahmad Al Habtoor: The Autobiography” former US President Jimmy Carter draws similarities between himself and his friend…
Working for peace has been a motivating force in my life. These words could be said of me, just as easily as they could be said of my friend, Khalaf Al Habtoor.
We first met at his beautiful ranch in Khawaneej, Dubai, where we enjoyed a wonderful afternoon. My son Jack and his wife Elizabeth joined me in visiting with Mr Al Habtoor, his children, and grandchildren. As a farmer I enjoyed seeing the estate’s free roaming animals alongside world-class facilities and polo fields. The time we spent with our gracious host was a highlight of our visit to the Emirates, with a good friend and family surrounded by natural beauty.
Since that time, Khalaf Al Habtoor has grown from a friend to a partner. In 1982, Rosalynn and I founded ‘The Carter Center’ in the hopes that it would provide leadership in the areas of peace, human rights, and health. Over the past thirty years we have grown to an organisation that has worked in over ninety-three countries fighting disease, waging peace, and building hope. We are proud to count Khalaf Al Habtoor and the Al Habtoor Group as partners in our work.
Khalaf Al Habtoor has distinguished himself as a man of thought and action. Through his writing, he has promoted a platform of peace. For almost twenty years, his magazine ‘Al Shindagah’ has served as a resource for those who care about the future of the Middle East and the United Arab Emirates. Mr Al Habtoor has been willing to take on all sides and expresses his strong views in a forward-looking manner.
As is well known, this courage to look forward has served Khalaf well in business. The cityscapes of the modern Arab world would not be the same without the many successful projects built under his direction. Dubai, in particular, has been blessed by his vision. But it is through his philanthropy and his writing that Khalaf Al Habtoor continues to build foundations that will last for generations. To read of his life is to take inspiration from his actions.
Jimmy Carter, President of the USA (1977- 1981)