Abdurahman Afia is a globally respected leadership advisor, CEO, and keynote speaker whose life journey reflects resilience and reinvention. Born in the UK and expected to follow a privileged path, he experienced early failure, family estrangement, homelessness, and survived a kidnapping—before making the defining decision to rebuild his life.

He went on to earn an MBA, hold senior leadership roles in higher education, and become a trusted advisor to CEOs, government leaders, and Fortune 500 organisations across Europe and the Gulf. Based in the UAE for over 25 years, Abdurahman brings deep regional insight and a global leadership perspective.

As CEO of Afia Partners, he delivers data-driven leadership programmes that enhance performance, culture, and organisational impact. With millions of followers, he is one of the Gulf’s most influential leadership voices. His forthcoming book, The Unlikely Leader (Wiley), captures his philosophy of leading through adversity.