H.E. Dr. Raul Handa, DBA, COIE, is not your typical entrepreneur, and he never aspired to be. Born and raised in Kuwait and now based in Dubai, Dr. Handa's leadership journey has been shaped by a balance of Eastern values and Western dynamism. As the Founder & CEO of The Forttuna Group, he leads a fast-growing, multi-vertical enterprise with interests spanning awards, entertainment, AI, mentorship, and digital storytelling.
At the heart of Dr. Handa's career lies a simple yet powerful belief: business is about people. This people-first philosophy drives flagship initiatives such as the Forttuna Global Excellence Awards, now recognized across 100+ countries as a beacon of integrity, merit, and impact-driven recognition.
From hosting The FFTB Show, a docu-series spotlighting global changemakers, to nurturing next-generation entrepreneurs through Gen-E and the Forttuna Startup Excellence Program, Dr. Handa's work spans industries while remaining anchored in a singular mission: to empower voices and scale impact.
Dr. Handa's journey has been marked by diverse achievements. He is a Stanford Seed Consultant, a Forbes Business Council Member, a three-time TEDx Speaker, and a Global Business Consultant. His insights on entrepreneurship, leadership, and resilience have inspired audiences across continents, whether speaking at international conferences, leading strategic boardroom discussions, or mentoring young founders over coffee.
In 2025, Dr. Handa's leadership expanded into the sphere of international policy and development when he was appointed as Special Envoy to the Permanent Observer Mission of the Pan-African Intergovernmental Agency for Water and Sanitation (WSA) to the United Nations. This role reflects not only his growing global influence but also his commitment to addressing critical challenges such as water access and sanitation infrastructure across Africa and the Global South. Most recently, he was appointed as a Member of the Royal Institute of International Affairs, also known as Chatham House, further strengthening his engagement with global policy, governance, and international affairs.
Having successfully pursued and received his Doctorate in Business Administration, Dr. Handa is now authoring his debut book, a deeply personal reflection on lessons learned through challenges, business reinvention, and global journeys. Whether addressing a Fortune 500 audience, guiding an emerging startup, or contributing to United Nations level policy discussions, Dr. Handa leads with authenticity, strategic foresight, and human connection.
In recognition of his leadership and expertise, Dr. Handa has been conferred a Doctor of Philosophy in Humane Letters, Honoris Causa, and appointed His Excellency Raul Handa, Commander of The Most Excellent Order of International Experts (COIE), in recognition of his expertise in Business Leadership and Innovation. These distinctions reflect his continued contributions across leadership, innovation, and global engagement.
In a world where industries evolve and paradigms shift, Dr. Handa stands as a force for innovation, inclusion, and global impact.