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Family HoldingPuts its own capital into companiesLAST VERIFIED Oct 2026 · 7 SOURCES

BoodaiCorp

Kuwaiti family business founded in the mid-1950s that manages a portfolio of direct investments, incl. Jazeera Airways, Alrai Media, City Group and Hilal Cement.

USEFUL FOR Business owners seeking a long-term partner · Co-investors

Family & background

HEADQUARTERS
Kuwait City, Kuwait
FOUNDED
1954

Investment approach

SECTORS
Mobility & LogisticsMedia & EntertainmentIndustrial & ManufacturingSoftware & SaaSReal Estate & PropTechConsumer & E-commerce
GEOGRAPHY
Kuwait
STAGES
GrowthBuyout
ROUTES
Companies (own capital)
STRATEGIES
Direct investmentsPrivate equity

Overview

BoodaiCorp began in the mid-1950s as a trading company supplying equipment to Kuwait's oil industry and now manages a portfolio of direct investments with aggregate turnover above $970 million and more than 6,400 employees. Its holdings span aviation (Jazeera Airways, where it says it raised its stake to 72% in 2026), media, public transport, engineering, construction, trading, IT and real estate. It describes itself as a Kuwait-focused, long-term investor in established businesses with board-level engagement and planned exits. Forbes Middle East lists it among the top 100 Arab family businesses.

Investment thesis

Kuwait focused, diversified, long-term investor in established and profitable businesses with high growth potential, often in sectors with high entry barriers; active engagement through board representation.

Holdings & investments (13)

People

  • Hany Shawky
    Chief Investment Officer · source
  • Jassim Boodai
    Chairman of the Board · source
  • Marwan Boodai
    Vice Chairman of the Board · source
  • Mishaal Al-Usaimi
    Chief Executive Officer · source
  • Ahmad Abdalla
    Chief Operating Officer · source
  • Khaled Helal
    Chief Financial Officer · source
  • Marzouq Boodai
    Corporate Director · source

Frequently asked questions

BoodaiCorp is a family holding based in Kuwait City, Kuwait, founded in 1954.

BoodaiCorp invests its own capital into companies. Its stated asset mix includes direct investments and private equity.

BoodaiCorp invests at Growth and Buyout stages in Mobility & Logistics, Media & Entertainment, Industrial & Manufacturing, Software & SaaS, Real Estate & PropTech and Consumer & E-commerce.

Key people at BoodaiCorp include Jassim Boodai (Chairman of the Board), Marwan Boodai (Vice Chairman of the Board), Mishaal Al-Usaimi (Chief Executive Officer) and Ahmad Abdalla (Chief Operating Officer).

BoodaiCorp's holdings and investments include Jazeera Airways, Gulf Engineering Company (GEC), Alrai Media Group, City Group Company, Boodai Trading Company, Alrai TV, Hilal Cement Company and Kuwait Application Service Provider (KASP), among others.