Yousif Almutawa

Co-Founder & Managing Partner · TURN8

Yousif Almutawa is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of TURN8, a GCC-based platform focused on corporate venture capital, venture building, and innovation-driven growth. With over 25 years of global leadership experience across the United States and the Gulf, Yousif has built a strong track record at the intersection of digital transformation, venture capital, and emerging technologies.

As an entrepreneur, senior executive, and investor, Yousif has led enterprise-scale digital transformations at DP World and Dubai World, co-founded and operated one of the region’s most respected corporate accelerators, and has led the AI-powered smart track for AlSheraa — DEWA’s landmark net-zero headquarters and the world’s most advanced smart building — guiding the project from the ground up through construction, full deployment, and into its launch phase.

Yousif’s philosophy is rooted in the belief that the fastest route to corporate innovation is through deep engagement with the global startup and entrepreneurship ecosystem. He partners with corporations and government entities to design innovation strategies, establish corporate venture capital programs, and activate new venture models that drive sustainable, long-term competitive advantage.

He holds a BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from California State University, Sacramento, USA.

IMPACT AT A GLANCE

Co-founded TURN8, one of the GCC's most active corporate accelerator and venture capital platforms - active since 2016
8+ years as Group CIO at DP World, leading global IT strategy, digital transformation, and corporate innovation for one of the world’s largest port operators
Established and led Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) and accelerator initiatives at DP World, embedding startup-driven innovation at enterprise scale
Seconded as Group CIO of Dubai World — successfully transformed a shared IT services department into a standalone commercial entity (now Dutech)
Leading the AI-powered smart track for DEWA's landmark net-zero headquarters - the smartest and most advanced government building in the world
Advised and mentored startups across the UAE, GCC, and global markets - supporting market entry, scaling strategies, and ecosystem integration
Career spanning 4 telco/infrastructure build-outs, 2 government eGovernment transformations, 1 commercial IT spin-off, and multiple co-founded ventures
Fluent in Arabic, English, and Russian, enabling effective collaboration across global innovation ecosystems and GCC markets

Where Yousif Almutawa Creates Impact

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)

Designing and operating corporate venture capital (CVC) programs for GCC corporations and government entities — from investment thesis and governance to deal flow, accelerator programs, and portfolio management. Advising on venture building models, innovation fund structures, and corporate–startup collaboration strategies.

Smart Building & Smart Cities

Consulting on AI-driven smart building strategy, use case identification, technology selection, and implementation governance. Advising on IoT integration, sustainability mandates, and the intersection of physical infrastructure and digital intelligence for next-generation facilities.

Digital & AI Transformation

Partnering with corporations to define and execute AI adoption strategies, digitise core operations, and build data-driven decision-making capabilities. Drawing on deep experience leading enterprise-wide transformation at DP World, Dubai World, and du Telecom.

Startup Ecosystem & Market Entry

Supporting international startups and technology companies entering the UAE and GCC markets, with a focus on market entry strategy, localization, business development, and access to regional partners, customers, and capital networks.

Selected Clients & Strategic Partners

Worked with leading corporations, government entities, and innovation-driven organizations across the UAE, GCC, and global markets, including:

GCC Government Entities

International Technology Startups

Core Expertise in Venture Capital, AI & Digital Transformation

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) Design & Operations

Corporate Innovation Strategy

Smart Buildings & Smart Cities Strategy

AI & Machine Learning Deployment

Digital Transformation

IT Strategy & Enterprise Architecture

Accelerator Design & Management

Startup Mentorship & Ecosystem Engagement

Blockchain & Web 3.0

IoT & Sensor Networks

Change Management

Board & C-Level Advisory

GCC & UAE Market Entry

Venture Studio & Fund Structuring

Telecommunications Infrastructure

eGovernment & Public Sector Transformation

Sector Focus & Technology Expertise

Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Machine Learning

Smart Buildings & Facilities Management

Corporate Venture Capital (CVC)

Telecommunications Infrastructure

IoT & Connected Devices

Blockchain & Distributed Systems

Port Technology & Logistics

eGovernment & Digital Public Services

Fintech & Digital Payments

Cloud & Mobile Platforms

Energy & Sustainability (Net Zero)

Cybersecurity & Data Protection

CAREER TIMELINE

Smart Building Senior Consultant · Morohub / DEWA, Dubai | 2020 – Present

Leading the AI-driven smart building strategy for DEWA’s landmark net-zero government headquarters – one of the world’s most advanced smart buildings. Managing internal DEWA stakeholders, subsidiaries (Moro, DigitalX, InfraX), external vendors, and on-site contractors. Defining smart building use cases, technology architecture, and scalable digital solutions aligned with corporate innovation strategy.

Managing Partner & Co-Founder · TURN8 Fund, Dubai | 2016 – Present

Co-founded TURN8 as a regional catalyst for corporate innovation and entrepreneurship. Leading the Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) advisory practice – helping corporations design innovation strategies, develop venture models, and establish and manage their own CVC funds, incubators, and accelerators. Also leads business development advisory for international organizations entering the UAE and GCC, startup mentorship, and venture capital activities in advanced technologies.

Chief Information Officer · DP World, Dubai | 2009 – 2016

Led global IT strategy and enterprise-wide digital transformation as Group CIO. Established and led the company’s corporate innovation and Corporate Venture Capital (CVC) initiatives, embedding an entrepreneurial culture within one of the world’s largest port operators. Served on multiple board directorships and led critical business unit transformations.

Group Chief Information Officer · Dubai World, Dubai | 2009 – 2012

Seconded as Group CIO. Initiated and led the transformation of Dubai World’s group IT shared services into a standalone commercial entity — transitioning from CIO to CEO in the process. That entity was spun off and operates today as Dutech.

VP Fixed Access Network Implementation & Executive Director Technology · du Telecom, Dubai | 2006 – 2009

Led the nationwide rollout of fixed telecommunications network infrastructure and oversaw all technology projects related to network planning for new real estate developments across Dubai. Spearheaded end-to-end cross-functional business process integration during the startup phase of the UAE’s second telecom operator.

Program Manager Telecom · Dubai Internet City (seed of du Telecom) | 2003 – 2006

Established the Program Management Office for Dubai Internet City’s telecom unit, which later became du Telecom. Set up the operational model for the initial phase of the national telecom network rollout — taking the business from startup unit to full-fledged telecom operator.

Manager Technology & Information · Dubai eGovernment (now the Dubai Digital Authority) | 2001 – 2003

Responsible for establishing the IT infrastructure and systems integration architecture across government departments. Set up the National Data Center and Network Operations Center (NOC). Created foundational eGovernment services including Single Sign-On, Online Billing, Call Center, and ePayment platforms.

Senior eBusiness Consultant & IT Systems Integrator · Synergex / InterX, California, USA | 1996 – 2001

Built foundational expertise in the US technology industry — from ISP infrastructure and network design to corporate eCommerce, online payments, cybersecurity, online banking, and eBusiness consulting for enterprises across multiple industry verticals. Co-founded InterX, an IT systems integrator serving corporate clients.

Education

California State University, Sacramento, USA

BSc in Electrical & Electronic Engineering, with Power Engineering Certificate

California State University, Chico, USA

Undergraduate Studies in Electrical & Electronic Engineering

Ready to Build What Works?

Work with Yousif Almutawa and TURN8 to design, launch, and scale innovation-driven ventures across the GCC.