An accomplished economist, entrepreneur, and financial consultant, Ali Alrawi’s multi-faceted career has driven innovation across Iraq and the Middle East. With an academic foundation that includes a Bachelor’s in Banking and Financial Sciences, as well as a Master’s and PhD in Economics from the University of Baghdad, Alrawi has turned his expertise into a diverse portfolio of ventures. Launching his first e-commerce startup in 2006, he broke ground by bringing global online shopping to Iraq during a period when such services were rare and logistically complex.
Progressing swiftly, he refined his skills in corporate finance at the Iraqi Company for Small and Medium Enterprises, where he advanced to Finance Manager before founding Alfuras Iraq and Alfuras Dubai in 2016. Today, as CEO of Alfuras Group, Ali Alrawi oversees a dynamic conglomerate offering financial consulting, investment training, and digital marketing, alongside interests in hospitality, beauty, and security sectors.
His commitment to financial education is evident in his role as a podcast creator—striving to bridge knowledge gaps and empower a new generation of investors and entrepreneurs through accessible, credible financial media. Guided by a vision to build long-term trust and leverage technology like AI and robotics, Ali Alrawi continues to influence and elevate the regional financial landscape as a trusted advisor and leading innovator.
In an interview with Global Leaders Today, the progressive leader speaks about transforming the financial landscape in the Middle East through innovative consulting, investment education, and cutting-edge technology.
Q. Can you walk us through the key milestones in your professional journey that shaped the founding of Alfuras Group?
I earned my Bachelor’s degree in Banking and Financial Sciences, followed by a Master’s and PhD in Economics, all from the University of Baghdad. During my studies, I launched my first venture in 2006—an e-commerce service that enabled customers in Iraq to purchase products from Amazon U.S. and have them delivered locally, at a time when online shopping and shipping were very challenging. I ran this business until 2012.
Afterward, I joined the Iraqi Company for Small and Medium Enterprises (ICFSME) as an accountant and was later promoted to Finance Manager. In 2016, I founded my own companies—Alfuras Iraq and Alfuras Dubai—to provide financial consulting, investment training, and digital marketing services. Along the way, I also diversified into other sectors, including a restaurant, a café, two beauty centers, and a security systems company. In 2022, I established Aur Real Estate in Dubai. Today, I serve as the CEO of Alfuras Group.
Q. What vision drives Alfuras Group, and how is it redefining brokerage, investment education, and financial media in the Middle East?
Our vision is to build and strengthen long-term trust with clients, positioning ourselves as their lifelong advisors in every financial or business decision. We constantly work on enhancing our capabilities, embracing innovation, and staying aligned with global economic trends, so that our consulting services consistently deliver the best and safest returns in record time.
We prioritize transparency and integrity in all our interactions, ensuring clients feel confident and informed every step of the way. By actively listening and understanding each client’s unique goals and concerns, we tailor our strategies to provide personalized, reliable guidance. Furthermore, we are committed to ongoing education and open communication, empowering our clients to make informed decisions with confidence.
Q. What was your motivation behind starting the podcast, and what kind of impact do you hope to create through it?
Through my work in financial consulting, I realized that a large audience lacks even the basic knowledge of economics and management—despite often having the capital to start businesses. Unfortunately, many lose money due to this gap. This inspired me to create a financial and investment-focused media platform on social media to educate and empower people hungry for such knowledge. Earning my PhD further reinforced my ability to act as a credible advisor and educator in this space, which led to the launch of my podcast.
Q. In your opinion, what key economic trends will define the next decade for regional and global markets?
The digital economy will dominate the coming decade, with technology and artificial intelligence at its core. I believe robotics and AI will play an increasingly critical role not only in auditing and planning but also in execution across industries.
These advancements promise to create sustainable intelligent ecosystems that enhance productivity, foster innovation, and uphold principles of inclusivity, trust, and security. As industries undergo this profound digital shift, companies that embrace these technologies will lead the way in delivering unprecedented efficiency and value
Q. Looking ahead, what is your long-term vision for your ventures, and how do you see yourself continuing to influence the financial ecosystem?
Our long-term vision is to provide clients with the most precise and advanced financial services while keeping pace with rapid global developments. To achieve this, we have built a dedicated team of developers working on innovative programs tailored for Alfuras Group. These solutions leverage artificial intelligence and robotic systems, enabling clients to rely on advanced tools for financial analysis and even automated trade execution.
