5th Pillar Holdings Limited

PREFACE

Hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world are not able to fulfill their Islamic duty by performing Hajj - the 5th pillar of Islam. They live in countries with low to middle incomes where saving for Hajj is a major challenge.

To fulfill this need, an initiative was taken by eminent business houses from Kuwait to facilitate millions of low to middle income Muslims aspiring to perform Hajj in various countries.

At 5th Pillar, our goal is to become a ray of hope for these people. We want to reignite their belief that, yes, with the right intention and the right actions, they too can reach the Holy lands of Makkah and Madina. It is our dream to be your partner on this journey from the moment you make a true intention uptil the moment you return home safely.

Preface

Hundreds of millions of Muslims around the world are not able to fulfill their Islamic duties by performing Hajj – the 5th pillar of Islam. They live in countries with low to middle incomes where saving for Hajj is a major challenge.

To fulfill this need, an initiative was taken by eminent business houses from Kuwait and Pakistan to facilitate millions of Middle and Low Middle-income Muslims aspiring to perform Hajj in various countries.

At 5th Pillar, our goal is to become a ray of hope for these people. We want to reignite their belief that, yes, with the right intention and the right actions, they too can visit the Holy lands of Makkah and Madina. It is our dream to be your partner on this journey from the moment you make a true intention until you perform Hajj.

About Us

The Founders have established 5th Pillar as a holding company in Dubai International Financial Center (DIFC), UAE by renowned Kuwaiti business houses to develop Takaful companies and Hajj services value chain in major Muslim population countries and Saudia Arabia.

Starting with Pakistan, the plan is to set up similar operations in Bangladesh, Indonesia, Turkey and Egypt.

The Founders

1. IFA Group (Kuwait Strategic Partner)

IFA Group Kuwait: IFA Group Kuwait is a Kuwaiti based company incorporated in 1974. IFA Group is multi-billion US Dollars consortium of 10 listed Kuwaiti companies with diverse investments in Takaful, Financial Services, Consumer Finance, Technology, Food Services, Hospitality and Real Estate. The group owns multiple hotels in the Middle East, Africa, Europe and USA consisting of about 11500 room keys in the 4 continents providing them with unmatched experience in hospitality sector in particular. To know about the background of the founders, please visit https://www.ifakuwait.com/

2. Yusuf Abdul Rahman Saleh Al-Shaya

Mr. Yusuf Abdul Rahman Al-Shaya is the Founder and Chairman of 5th Pillar Holdings Limited. Mr. Al-Shaya is an accomplished businessman involved in developing, funding and managing several projects including Islamic Finance, Technology, Real Estate, Education and Travel & Tourism.

He is also founder and major shareholder in various companies across the region. Mr. Al-Shaya is a member of the renowned Al-Shaya family which currently owns multi-billion business establishments in the region and globally, combining various renowned global brands within the Al-Shaya business.

3. Mr Abdullah Al Saif

Mr AlSaif is a senior banker and takaful expert with over 30 years’ experience in the Middle East. He has held chairmanships as well as other senior positions in regional banks and insurance / leasing companies such as Kuwait Finance House, Ahli United Bank, Kuwait International Bank, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank, Osoul Leasing & Finance Co, Warid Leasing & Finance Co and Wethaq Insurance Co where he has undertaken their business development including debt & equity funding.

4. Abdulaziz Jasim Burahma

Mr. Abdulaziz Burahma is one of the Founders and the Deputy CEO of 5th Pillar Holdings Limited. Mr. Burahma is a seasoned Kuwaiti Hajj Hamla/Group operator with over 35 years experience. He also has the requisite relationships in KSA to lead the development of Hajj Services Value Chain in KSA. Previously, he worked at Kuwait Finance House for more than 23 years and retired as Director of Internal Audit. Mr. Burahma founded “Mashaer Company for Hajj and Umrah Services” in 2000 where he was Vice Chairman of the board till 2009. He also established “Qibla Company for Tourism and Travel”. Mr. Burahma was board member of “Kuwait Federation for Hajj Groups” from 2012-2017, and the “Kuwait Federation of Travel and Tourism Offices” from 2010 – 2013.

5. Other Founders

In addition to the initial Founders, there are other shareholders from GCC based renowned business families.
Some of the prominent founders are as follows:
– Dr. Ali Saleh Mohammad AlOmair (Former Kuwait Minister of Oil)
– Sulaiman Abdullah Sulaiman AlWaqaian

Other Founders

The other Founders are also highly experienced executives in Islamic Investment Banking, Takaful (Insurance) and Travel in the GCC region. Coming from renowned Kuwaiti family businesses, they bring a valuable experience from their similar business across the GCC region.

Mission & Strategy

Our Mission

To make the 5th pillar of Islam i.e., the Hajj affordable and attainable to millions of Muslims in the major Muslim populated countries.

Our Strategy

5th Pillar’s mission will be achieved through maintaining full control over Hajj Services Value Chain in target Countries:

Development of Saving Platforms in each target country.
Development of Travel Services in each target country.
Development of Hajj services in Makkah & Al-Madinah i.e., accommodation, transportation, and catering services.

Management and Advisors

Management

Yusuf Abdul Rahman Saleh Al-Shaya – Chairman

Saleh Saleh Naser Al Selmi – CEO

Abdulaziz Jasim Burahma – Deputy CEO

Mirza Baseer Baig – Executive Director Strategy & Investments

Razi Qureshi – Director Strategy & Investments

Advisors

Ernst & Young (EY)

Financial Advisor

Trowers & Hamlins

Legal Advisor – UAE

ASAR – Al Ruwayeh & Partners

Legal Advisor – Kuwait

Hourani & Partners

Legal Advisor – Saudi Arabia

Dr. Eisa Zaki Eisa

Shari’ah Advisor

Crowe MAK Ltd

Auditors

5th Pillar Ecosystem

5th Pillar Family Takaful Limited

The Takaful company has been formed, registered and has begun operations from Karachi, Pakistan.

5th Pillar Travel Limited

The travel company has been established by the name of 5th Pillar Travel Limited and has begun operations from Karachi, Pakistan.

5th Pillar Saudia Arabia

The legal structure of Saudi Arabia Operation is being formulized to start setting up operational infrastructure for setting our customers.

5th Pillar Foundation

Lawyers have been appointed to set up 5th Pillar Foundation in Pakistan which will be used for raising funds from Kuwait and Pakistan for organizing Hajj Al-Shukar Program and other Philanthropic activities.

5th Pillar Family Takaful Limited

The Takaful company has been formed, registered and has begun operations from Karachi, Pakistan.

5th Pillar Travel Limited

The travel company has been established by the name of 5th Pillar Travel Limited and had begun operations from Karachi, Pakistan.

5th Pillar Saudia Arabia

The legal structure of Saudi Arabia Operation is being formulized to start setting up operational infrastructure for setting our customers.

5th Pillar Foundation

Achievements to Date

5th Pillar Family Takaful Limited in Pakistan

5th Pillar Family Takaful Limited is a new entrant into the Family Takaful sector of Pakistan which is supported
by eminent business houses from Kuwait and Pakistan. Biggest achievements so far are:

Largest FDI in Takaful sector of Pakistan
Foreign shareholders own 68% of 5th Pillar Takaful and 32% is held by Pakistani interests
Largest initial paid up capital of Rs 2.00 billion in Pakistan’s Takaful sector history
Highest initial credit rating “A+ Stable outlook” from Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA)
Licensed by the SECP to underwrite Shariah Compliant Family Takaful business in Pakistan
State of the art IT platform to support business operations throughout the membership lifecycle
Upcoming customer engagement mobile app/web portal to provide 24/7 information and assistance to members from the comfort of their homes

To understand the business better, please visit https://5thpillartakaful.com/

5th Pillar Family Takaful Limited is a new entrant into the Family Takaful sector of Pakistan which is supported
by eminent business houses from Kuwait and Pakistan. Biggest achievements so far are:

Largest FDI in Takaful sector of Pakistan
Foreign shareholders own 68% of 5th Pillar Takaful and 32% is held by Pakistani interests
Largest initial paid up capital of Rs 2.00 billion in Pakistan’s Takaful sector history
Highest initial credit rating “A+ Stable outlook” from Pakistan Credit Rating Agency (PACRA)
Licensed by the SECP to underwrite Shariah Compliant Family Takaful business in Pakistan
State of the art IT platform to support business operations throughout the membership lifecycle
Upcoming customer engagement mobile app/web portal to provide 24/7 information and assistance to members from the comfort of their homes

To understand the business better, please visit https://5thpillartakaful.com/

5th Pillar Travel Limited in Pakistan

Our biggest objective is to make your pilgrimage tours more easily possible by prioritizing your comfort and peace of mind.
We specialize in Pilgrimage Tours where we facilitate all Makkah, Madinah management and services
along with hotels on our own with the support of 5th Pillar Saudi Arabia
We also facilitate in retail and corporate travel services where we also offer “PRICE MATCH” Facility from
any online and offline hotel management association/platform.

To understand the business better, please visit https://5thpillartravel.com

Our biggest objective is to make your pilgrimage tours more easily possible by prioritizing your comfort and peace of mind.
We specialize in Pilgrimage Tours where we facilitate all Makkah, Madinah management and services
along with hotels on our own with the support of 5th Pillar Saudi Arabia
We also facilitate in retail and corporate travel services where we also offer “PRICE MATCH” Facility from
any online and offline hotel management association/platform.

To understand the business better, please visit https://5thpillartravel.com

5th Pillar Saudi Arabia

Hajj and Umrah services in Makkah / Madinah are critical elements for completing 5th Pillar’s Hajj Services Value Chain. The establishment of 5th Pillar for Hajj & Umrah Services is currently in progress.
Mr. Abdulaziz Burahma is leading this initiative. He is a seasoned Kuwaiti Hajj Hamla operator with over 35 years experience. He also has the requisite relationships in KSA to lead the development of Hajj Services

5th Pillar Bangladesh

5th Pillar view Bangladesh as a fundamental component of its business plan due to its prominence in the Islamic world and its fast-growing economy. In 2024, approximately 350,000 Bangladeshi travelers visited Saudi Arabia for Umrah and other purposes. The trend is expected to increase in 2025, as Umrah costs are notably lower than Hajj, making it a more popular choice among Bangladeshis. Additionally, the Saudi government is promoting religious tourism, aiming to attract 3 million Bangladeshi tourists in its Vision 2030.
In collaboration with a local Strategic Partner (TSI), 5th Pillar Travel was incorporated on 28 April 2025. The CEO joined from 01 June 2025 who is an experienced executive from Biman Air, specialized in digital sales & Hajj operations management.
The company’s further capitalization is currently in progress for implementing its business plan. The company’s core focus would be Bangladeshi Umrah market. The company is working with 5th Pillar Arabia to secure requisite support for its business development.

Hajj Al-Shukar Program

5th Pillar Hajj Al-Shukar Program

5th Pillar has a global vision to make Hajj affordable and attainable with structured savings mechanism for millions of Muslims in the Muslim majority countries beginning from Pakistan.
Despite that, there are millions of underprivileged Muslims who will perhaps never be able to afford to save.
5th Pillar feels compelled to somehow make their dream fulfilled and came up with Hajj Al-Shukar Program. Through this initiative 5th Pillar will send some of these underprivileged people on Hajj at its own expense.
Under this initiative, around $250,000 has been raised in two consecutive years and 43 Hajjis were sent in 2022 while 53 Hajjis in 2023 respectively. The Hajj Al-Shukar was arranged and managed by 5th Pillar Travel which also provides a vital experience to 5th Pillar team in developing and strengthening its end-to-end value chain in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia.

2022

2023