Meet the board
Our board is composed of experienced leaders from across the UAE's bottled water industry. Together, they guide the strategic direction of the Bottled Water Business Group, ensuring strong governance, innovation, and sustainable growth for all members.
Chairman's Message
As Chairman of the Bottled Water Business Group, my focus is to strengthen industry collaboration, promote responsible business practices, and support sustainable growth across the sector. BWBG is committed to working closely with stakeholders to address industry challenges, enhance transparency, and represent the collective interests of our members.
Together, we aim to build a resilient, progressive, and well-regulated bottled water industry in the UAE. Our collective expertise and shared vision will drive innovation, ensure quality standards, and create a unified voice that advocates for the sustainable development of our vital industry.
Founder's Note
BWBG was born from a shared belief among our founding families many of whom are second-generation leaders in the bottled water industry that we are stronger when we stand together. Having grown up in family businesses and witnessed the industry's journey from its early, humble beginnings to today's advanced, AI-driven filling and delivery systems, we felt a responsibility to bring our collective experience under one collaborative platform.
Our aim has always been simple: to create a space where bottled water companies can engage openly, support one another, uphold ethical standards, and drive meaningful progress for the entire sector. Through unity and shared values, we hope to continue shaping an industry that honours its past while embracing the future.
Board Members
Meet the distinguished leaders guiding our organization
Mr. Riyas Syed Muhammad
Chairman
Al Agthia Group
Riyas Syed Muhammad is a seasoned commercial executive with over 27 years of leadership experience in the FMCG and bottled water industry. He currently serves as Senior Commercial Director (HOS) at Agthia Group, overseeing leading brands including Al Ain Water, Al Bayan Water, and Rivière Water.
He began his career with Al Bayan in 1998 and joined Agthia in 2015, playing a key role in driving commercial growth and operational excellence. His expertise spans sales and distribution, marketing, manufacturing, packaging, water treatment, and warehousing. Under his leadership, the HOS division achieved No.1 UAE ranking in 2023.
Mr. Mashhood Mahamood
Vice Chairman and Founder
My Desert Spring Pure Water
Mr. Mashhood Mahmood, born and brought up in the UAE, is a seasoned entrepreneur with over 21 years of understanding and experience in the region. Active in business since 2004, he serves as a key director of LIMS Group, the parent organization overseeing a wide range of successful ventures across the UAE.
Under his leadership, companies such as My Desert Springs Pure Water and Rainbow Water operate efficiently within the group. Known for his strong vision and hands-on management, Mr. Mashhood continues to drive growth and innovation across multiple sectors.
Mr. Darwin Dev
General Secretary
Al Wasl Water Purification
Darwin Dev is a Dubai-based entrepreneur and the driving force behind Al Wasl Water, one of the UAE's emerging leaders in premium hydration and smart delivery solutions. As General Secretary of the Bottled Water Business Group, he plays a key role in shaping industry standards, supporting regulatory alignment, and championing innovation across the region's fast-growing water sector.
At Al Wasl Water, Darwin has overseen the company's evolution into a fully digital brand - launching the pioneering Al Wasl Water App, the UAE's first of its kind, offering seamless ordering, exclusive benefits, and a customer-first service model. Under his leadership, the company has expanded its market presence, strengthened operational systems and elevated the customer experience through technology and reliability.
Beyond business, Darwin is an Aerospace Engineer and is also known for his leadership work within men's development, relationship coaching, youth mentorship and creative expression through music - bringing a uniquely human, grounded and purpose-driven perspective to every venture he leads.
Mr. Alex Thomas
Treasurer and Co Founder
Al Ahrar Mineral Water
Alex Thomas is the Group CEO and Managing Director of Al Ahrar Group of Companies, bringing over 20 years of leadership experience across corporate and industrial sectors. He holds a Bachelor's degree in Systems Analysis & Design from Deakin University and a Diploma in International Business from Swinburne University in Melbourne.
A co-founding member and elected Treasurer of the UAE Bottled Water Business Group, he was instrumental in bringing the group under Dubai Chambers. Alex has expanded Al Ahrar's operations, built an inhouse bottling facility, established a privately-owned seawater desalination plant, and continues to drive innovation through premium brands and sustainable water solutions.
Abdulla Falaknaz
Founder
Al Shalal Pure Drinking Water LLC
Abdulla Falaknaz is the CEO and Vice Chairman of Al Shalal Pure Drinking Water LLC, with 11 years of experience across the bottled water industry, legal practice, and banking. He is the Co-Founder of the Bottled Water Business Group and a Board Member of the Tarahum Charity Foundation, actively contributing to a diversified family investment portfolio.
Abdulla has led Al Shalal's expansion to 400+ employees, maintained its Gold Standard rating for four consecutive years, and driven key advancements including the integration of DuPont CCRO technology and the strengthening of sustainability and governance frameworks.
Mr. Aamir Valli
Member and Co founder
Marina Mineral Water
Mr Aamir is a dynamic and visionary leader with over 25 years of vast experience in manufacturing industry. He started his brilliant career by plastic industry in 1996 when he came to UAE having success goals alongwith concrete planning, in a very short time period he became one of the pioneers in the plastic industry due to his optimistic approach and resilience, he was always an empathetic leader with decisive skills.
He started his new venture Marina Mineral Water Co in 2009 with the same zeal and passion, he initiated lot of transitions in this industry as well, he was always dedicated to fostering an organizational culture of excellence empowerment and teamwork.
Moreover, he has started a new trading business with brand name of Future Clan General Trading for import and export of different items.
He is one of the co founders of BWBG and played an important role in the gradual progress of the group along with his peers, he is a humble person and has empathy for everyone.
Mr. Said Nazem
Board Member
Masafi Water
Said Nazem is a distinguished board member at Masafi Water, bringing extensive expertise in the bottled water industry and strategic business leadership. With a strong background in operations and market development, he plays a key role in guiding Masafi's growth initiatives and maintaining the brand's position as a premium water provider in the region.
His contributions to the bottled water sector include implementing sustainable practices, advancing water purification technologies, and fostering industry collaboration through active participation in BWBG initiatives.
Shihaz Sulthan
Board Member and Co Founder
Al Moaserat Drinking Water
Dynamic and visionary CEO with over 19 years of experience leading Ajsons Group and its diversified subsidiaries across drinking water, packaging, travel, and retail industries. Expert in strategic planning, business development, operational management, and brand positioning.
Proven track record in driving sustainable growth, market expansion, and organizational excellence. Oversees Al Moaserat Drinking Water, Al Madina Mineral Water, Metro Travels, Hi Tech Packaging System, and Ajsons Supermarket, ensuring high-quality services, customer satisfaction, and regulatory compliance.
Adept at building high-performance teams and fostering innovation to maintain competitive advantage in challenging markets.