Dr. Hakmi is a renowned entrepreneur, engineer, and philanthropist, best known as the founder and chairman of the Armada Group, a multi-billion dollar conglomerate. Hakmi has grown the Armada Group into one of the largest privately held investment companies in the UAE.

Dr. Hakmi was born and raised in Syria, where he completed his early education at Abd Alhameed Alzhrawi in 1980. He pursued higher education at King Abdul Aziz University in Jeddah, graduating in 1985 with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, achieving a GPA of 4.2 (92%). His academic career continued at the University of Salford in Manchester, UK, where he was awarded an M.Phil in 1986 and a Ph.D. in 1989 for his research on the local buckling of sandwich panels.

Following his Ph.D., Dr. Hakmi joined the University of Salford's Department of Civil Engineering, where he worked from 1985 to 1994. During his tenure, he gained a Research Fellowship and conducted pioneering research on the fire and blast behavior of composites. His work led to the development of a design method adopted in the European recommendations for sandwich panel design (CIB, 2000). He also contributed to the Marine-tech North West program, focusing on the cost-effective use of fiber-reinforced composites offshore.

In the early 1990s, Dr. Hakmi ventured into the IT industry, engaging in the distribution and wholesale of hardware and semiconductors. Simultaneously, he developed a keen interest in real estate. In 2000, he established a real estate development business in the UAE, which evolved into the Armada Group.

Dr. Hakmi's leadership extends beyond his business endeavors. In 2006, he was elected as a Board Member of the Syrian Business Council (SBC) in Dubai and the Northern Emirates. His dedication to the council saw him rise to Vice-Chairman in 2011. He also chaired a committee in 2009 responsible for revising the SBC's articles of association, a task completed successfully with the board's and AGM's endorsement. In recognition of his unwavering support for Al-Karamah SC Football Club, Dr. Hakmi was appointed Chairman of the Board of Honor in 2008. His philanthropic efforts continued as he was elected Chairman of the Board of the Syrian Business Council for Relief and Development in 2012. As Chairman of the Armada Group, Dr. Hakmi emphasizes an opportunistic approach to investing, seeking projects that offer above-average returns and strategic value. He prioritizes partnerships with quality management teams that have proven track records and innovative concepts, reflecting his vision of fostering a luxurious, dynamic environment in all his ventures. Dr. Hakmi's journey from a dedicated student of engineering to a leading business magnate and community leader exemplifies his remarkable blend of academic brilliance, professional excellence, and philanthropic dedication. His legacy continues to inspire and shape the future of the industries he touches.