Josef Kleindienst

Chairman of Kleindienst Group | Bringing The Heart of Europe to the UAE Josef Kleindienst, the founder and chairman of Kleindienst Group, is an Austrian entrepreneur who is breaking the barriers of "what's possible" and envisioning a better world at The Heart of Europe. Josef innovates, invents, and is bringing to life dream island destinations which go beyond real estate brick and mortar to champion engineering marvels, sustainable ecosystems, global foreign direct investments, and never-seen-before experiences. With more than 38 years of experience in building a real estate empire, Josef is spearheading one of the world’s most innovative projects currently under development: The Heart of Europe, a $5 billion USD sustainable six-island dream destination within the UAE's World Islands. This project highlights the world's first Floating Seahorse Villas and underwater living experience, a climate-controlled Raining Street, Coral Institute (the largest privately-owned marine life rehabilitation centre), and the world's first adults-only, five-star party hotel on an island. The Heart of Europe is a car-free, noise-free, microplastic-free, pollution-free destination that practices zero discharge. Once complete, The Heart of Europe will include more than 20 hotels and resorts, over 4,000+ keys for residents and tourists, more than 50 yearly attractions, create more than 4,000 jobs, and result in a destination of choice for a vacation getaway, a second home, or for people to live forever. Josef has led Kleindienst Group into the No.1 European developer in the UAE with a focus on restoring corals and marine life; shipbuilding and maritime transportation; business growth and attracting FDI; as well as creating extraordinary experiences that help people from around the globe find a place where they can live, thrive, and “forget to die”. Josef’s entrepreneurial journey began in Austria in 1985, where he founded his company before expanding to the Middle East in 2003. Under his leadership, the Kleindienst Group has grown from a small operation to a diverse conglomerate of businesses, including property development, construction, hospitality, and shipbuilding, with more than 1,500 employees. As the leader of the Austria Business Centre, he is committed to bringing FDI and investments into the UAE, while creating opportunities for Austrian business leaders, investors, and organizations. He enjoys skiing and spending time with his wife and young daughter.