< Previous40 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS LAW With a wealth of advisory expe- rience backing his creden- tials, prior to assuming his current position, Johnston engaged in consultancy work with regulators and policy makers across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. His involvement included signi cant projects funded by reputable institutions such as the World Bank and the European Bank of Recon- struction and Development. Notably, he previously held the position of DFSA's chief executive from 2012 to 2018 and this reappointment positions him for his new role, e ective from 1 September 2022. Additionally, since January 2022, Johnston has been an active contributor to the DFSA's Legislative Committee. His earlier tenure with the DFSA saw him in the capacity of managing director, leading the in uential Policy and Legal Services Division. Previously, Johnston extended his expertise to the Australian Securities and Investments Commission, serving as the executive director of Financial Services Regu- lation. This followed his role as a special advisor with the Hong Kong Securities and Futures Commission (HKSFC), solidify- ing his global involvement in regulatory matters. Key milestone achieved On 13 February 2023, Johnston achieved a remarkable mile- stone by being appointed as the vice chair of the Africa and Middle East Regional Committee (AMERC). This prestigious designation automatically inducts him as a board member of the esteemed International Organisation of Securities Commissions (IOSCO), a globally recognised institution responsible for setting the highest standards in securities regulation. In the realm of nance and regulation, AMERC plays a pivotal role by bringing together 42 prominent nan- cial market regulators from the region. Their collective e orts focus on fostering collaborative discussions, information exchange, and the promotion of crucial matters related to capital market development and regulatory practices. This significant appointment of Johnston as the vice chair of AMERC stands as a testament to the impressive accomplish- ments of the DFSA and underscores the DFSA's integral role in shaping the future of regional and global nancial markets. With this accolade, Johnston's leadership and expertise are acknowledged, marking a new chapter in the journey of DFSA's commitment to upholding the highest levels of regulatory excellence. The DFSA's collaborative spirit, dedication to trans- parency, and pursuit of global best practices are now further empowered through his role on the prestigious IOSCO board. This recognition serves as a beacon of inspiration for the nan- cial community, reinforcing the importance of harmonious global cooperation in the world of securities regulation. About DFSA The DFSA operates as the autonomous regulator overseeing nancial services carried out within or from the Dubai Interna- tional Financial Centre (DIFC). Within its jurisdiction, the DFSA holds a comprehensive regulatory authority that encompasses a range of nancial activities which encompass asset manage- ment, banking and credit services, securities, collective invest- ment funds, custody and trust services, commodities futures trading, Islamic nance, insurance, and other instruments. 33. IAN JOHNSTON CEO DUBAI FINANCIAL SERVICES AUTHORITY (DFSA)arabianbusiness.com 41 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS TECHNOLOGY Aserial entrepreneur and global keynote speaker, Abu-Sheikh is one of the top tech entrepre- neurs in the MEA region known for his unconventional leadership. In his current role at Astra Tech, he spear- headed the launch of the Ultra-app platform which consolidates multiple products, consumer technologies, and services to address platform fatigue. The transformation of BOTIM Under Abu-Sheikh’s visionary, Astra Tech successfully acquired BOTIM, which he has transformed into an Ultra app, a versatile platform offering an extensive range of services such as bill payments, groceries, ntech solutions, remittances, peer-to-peer money trans- fers, government services, pharmacy services, retail o erings, and more. About Astra Tech Founded in 2022, Astra Tech strategically acquired in uential platforms including PayBy, a UAE Central Bank-licensed ntech platform, Rizek, an on-demand home services plat- form, and BOTIM, the MENA region's premier communica- tions platform. In 2023, Astra executed a seamless integration of Rizek and PayBy into BOTIM, giving rise to the world's inaugural Ultra app. This innovative application presents users with streamlined home, e-commerce, and fintech services that outpace competitors in speed by threefold. Astra Tech emerges as a significant addition to the burgeoning tech landscape of the MEA region. With a substan- tial backing of $500m from diverse investors and partners, earlier this year, Astra's PayBy reached a notable milestone by securing a Mastercard principal membership license which positioned it as a pioneer among Middle East ntech players. This partnership with Mastercard empowers Astra Tech to introduce Botim branded Mastercard digital and physical cards to its vast user base across the Botim. These cards o er authorisation services and feature prepaid multi-currency options. Additionally, Astra operates as an authorised acquirer, leveraging Mastercard's suite of products, including Payment Gateway, Tap on Phone, and advanced Fraud and Cyber Security solutions. The Botim prepaid multi-currency card enjoys acceptance in over 200 countries, supporting both the UAE Dirham as well as the US Dollar, with plans to incorporate more curren- cies in the future. 34. ABDALLAH ABU-SHEIKH Founder and CEO ASTRA TECH42 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 35. ALISHA MOOPEN 36. HATEM DOWIDAR Deputy managing director ASTER DM HEALTHCARE Group CEO E& Since 2013, Moopen has held the role of direc- tor at Aster DM Healthcare, overseeing operations in both India and the GCC region. A chartered accountant from the Insti- tute of Chartered Account- ants of Scotland with a back- ground with Ernst & Young, she holds degrees from the University of Michigan in Finance and Accounting, as well as Global Leadership and Public Policy Change from Harvard University, both in the US. Beyond her responsibilities at Aster DM Healthcare, Moopen also stands as the first female Chapter Chair of YPO's Dubai Chapter, facilitating Assuming leadership at Etisalat Group (now e&), Dowidar commenced his role as group chief operating o cer in September 2015. He quickly the ranks and subsequently was appointed as the CEO, International of Etisalat Group in March 2016. His in uence extends to the boards of subsidiaries across diverse countries, encompassing significant markets such as Morocco, Egypt, and until very recently, Pakistan. Backed by diverse expe- rience, Dowidar's profes- sional journey commenced in AEG/Deutsche Aerospace (Daimler Benz Group) in connections among chief executives from over 130 countries. With a fervent commitment to women's empowerment and mental health, she advocates passionately for diversity in the workforce, valuing the strength found in differ- ences. Notably, Moopen initiated the Women in Leadership programme at Aster DM Healthcare, an initiative fostering growth and leadership opportuni- ties for talented female employees, ultimately breaking through the glass ceiling. Aster DM Healthcare provides an extensive range of healthcare services, span- ning primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary care. This expansive network encompasses 30 hospitals, 125 clinics, 20 labs, and 157 PECs (Pharmacy, Emer- gency, and Clinic). In a recent development, Aster DM Healthcare has introduced the Medcare Royal Hospital in Al Qusais. This state-of- the-art medical facility featuring 126 beds is the fourth Medcare Hospital in Dubai and the fifth in the entire UAE. Egypt, followed by a transi- tion into marketing at Procter & Gamble. Notably, he embarked on his associ- ation with Vodafone Egypt in 1999 as the marketing direc- tor (CMO), eventually ascending to the role of CEO from 2009 to 2014. A trail- blazer across various leader- ship positions, Dowidar has a robust history of accom- plishments within Vodafone Group and its subsidiaries, including . His roles encom- passed group core services director, CEO of Vodafone Malta, CEO of Partner Markets with partnerships spanning over 45 markets, and regional director Emerging Markets. Presently, Dowidar holds esteemed positions as a board member in entities of prominence, including Etihad Etisalat Company (Mobily), Maroc Telecom, Etisalat Misr (Etisalat Egypt), and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce & Industry. Past affiliations encompass GSMA (Global System for Mobile Communications), Etisalat Nigeria, Attijariwafa Bank Egypt, Barclays, and Vodacom Africa. HEALTHCARETECHNOLOGYarabianbusiness.com 43 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS INVESTMENT Established in 1982 by Dr. Saad F. Al Khayyat, Al Khayyat Investments (AKI) is a diversi ed business with operations across MENA. With over a decade in the industry, Al Khayyat spear- heads his family enterprise, driving growth and transformation that sets AKI apart as a new breed of family business. Expansion Today, AKI spans nine countries including the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Jordan, and Iraq, o er- ing premium products and services within six industries: retail, healthcare, consumer goods, fitness and lifestyle, contracting, and automotive. AKI expanded its businesses across the region. This involved the successful introduction of BinSina Pharmacy’s agship store in Oman, the expansion of its Be t brand in the GCC, and the launch of its fashion brands in KSA. Furthermore, AKI continues to invest in its Iraq operations, covering health- care and FMCG sectors. Key achievements In 2022, AKI Pharma secured a prominent position among the top three distributors in the UAE, with its exceptional year-on- year growth of 68 percent making it the fastest-growing in the region. Equally notable was BinSina Pharmacy’s distinction of being the rst ecommerce licensed pharmacy in the UAE, while AKI MedLab attained the third spot among leading suppliers of medical equipment, devices, laboratory essentials, and medical disposables. Meanwhile, AKI Consumer Goods (food and non-food) ranked among the top three largest UAE FMCG suppliers and has established itself as one of the top go-to-market partners in the country, while AKI’s Gulf Contracting and Landscaping (GCL) has emerged as an industry leader nationwide in contracting services. AKI Environmental Services were awarded a seven-year contract with TADWEER to deliver, maintain, and wash waste containers across Abu Dhabi. In addition, AKI’s integration of new technological capa- bilities and automation has empowered the company to manage inventory tracking and distribution more e ciently than ever before. AKI’s groundbreaking of a state-of-the-art ful lment centre in the UAE will also add to its capabilities, enabling doubled storage and dispatch capacity, and subsequently supporting AKI’s expansion plans.” Roadmap AKI’s strategic investments target sectors that are integral to today’s societies. For example, Al Khayyat elaborated on AKI’s role in the healthcare industry, saying: “AKI has maintained its position at the forefront of the healthcare industry due to our deep understanding of customer and patient needs. With integ- rity, excellence, and a people-centric view, it becomes much easier to not only tackle challenges but to soar to unprece- dented heights.” Amid the recent global challenges, Al Khayyat believes that there were valuable insights that emerged. “The success of organisations in the region, particularly in the UAE, can in part be attributed to the forward-thinking approach of both the business community and public sector leaders. The prioritisation of long-term development over short-term gains has led to more resilient economies and soci- eties. We are committed to helping deliver the region’s ambi- tions in a diversi ed knowledge economy,” he said. 37. ZAID S. AL KHAYYAT Managing director AL KHAYYAT INVESTMENTS (AKI)44 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS In her present role at the educational platform, Lectera. com, and the Women’s Empowerment Council (WEC), Semeshkina is a thought leader in the fields of edtech, women's empowerment, and personal growth. Additionally, she is a venture investor, a producer of educational courses, and a popu- lar blogger. With a deep entrepre- neurial spirit, she is also recog- nised as an international expert in creating and promoting high-tech brands from the ground up. Semeshkina is also the author of numerous scienti c publications and studies in the eld of media economics, with experience as a researcher and a lecturer at the leading educational institutions. Backed by robust experience She embarked on her career trajectory at age 18, delving into the realms of marketing and public relations, where she has amassed more than a decade of experience. Over her career, she has adeptly steered the promotion of numerous prominent international brands within the global market. Demonstrating her adept leadership skills, she has e ectively managed and guided international teams comprising over 1000 professionals. Her adeptness extends to crafting impactful marketing communications for signif- icant projects spanning Switzerland, Germany, the UAE, and CIS countries. This extensive exposure has forged her expertise in launching and nurturing large-scale international start- ups, a ecting their transformation into thriving and lucra- tive ventures. Transitioning her focus in 2017, Semeshkina directed her energies towards entrepreneurial endeavours and bespoke consulting services providing to major global enterprises, speci cally in the realms of marketing and the strategic development of corporate and personal brands. About Lectera.com As an entrepreneur, Semeshkina is deeply engrossed in the establishment and expansion of Lectera.com, an inter- national educational platform. Under her purview, a glob- ally distributed team of experts representing 25 countries has converged to drive this initiative. She is intricately involved in steering all facets of product development, brand enhancement, educational content curation, and the holistic operations of the Lectera group, headquartered in the US and the UAE. With a global reach, Lectera.com imparts knowledge to a diverse student body of over 3 million from 60 countries. The platform’s comprehensive EDUCATION 38. MILA SMART SEMESHKINA CEO and founder LECTERA.COMarabianbusiness.com 45 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS curriculum, available in English, German, Spanish, Hindi, and Russian, underscores its status as a preeminent global educational entity. She is also recognised for her philanthropic endeav- ours; she established the Women’s Empowerment Council in 2021. This organisation is dedicated to amplifying women role models and fostering women’s empowerment. Anchored in Dubai, this community encompasses over 30,000 women, garnering acclaim for its prominent event, the Women’s Empowerment Convention (WE Convention), a key event in the MENA region and one of the world’s best women’s conferences, embodying Semeshkina’s vision. Diversity and equality As a female founder at both Lectera and WEC, Semeshkina says that they take immense pride in being organisations that were established by a woman. “Right from day one, we have consciously ensured that a significant number of senior managerial positions are held by women,” she says. “This foundational commitment underscores our belief in women’s capabilities and leadership within the corporate realm.” Also in 2023, Lectera took a signi cant step forward by o ering select courses, particularly those centred on entrepreneurship and female leadership, free of charge to all WEC members. This pivotal initiative stands as a testa- ment to their commitment to amplifying women’s access to education, resonating on a global scale. “By extending this opportunity to thousands of women around the world, we contribute to bridging the educational gap and fostering empowerment across borders.” Expansion In 2022, Semeshkina reveals that Lectera took a signi cant step forward, marked by signi cant growth and expansion. She adds, “In terms of student enrolment, we achieved a double-digit monthly growth rate, and to date, our numbers have surpassed two million individuals from over 60 coun- tries actively engaging with the platform. Our catalogue of courses swelled to encompass more than 250, e ectively catering to a most-demanded array of learning preferences and professional requirements.” Turning to the Women’s Empowerment Council, 2022 witnessed a surge in their membership, coupled with meticulous preparations for the landmark WE Convention. This agship event resonated as it was held successfully in Dubai in March 2023, she says. “Bridging social media channels and in-person inter- actions during the conference, we brought together a vibrant community of like-minded women and men, all driven by the common pursuit of mutual empowerment for enhanced living.” Rapidly gaining prominence, the WE Convention emerged among the world’s leading women’s conferences. With sights set on the future, Semeshkina remains reso- lute in sustaining this momentum. “Plans are underway for the second WE Convention, scheduled for April 2024,” she says. “Our commitment is unwavering, as we endeavour to elevate standards and continue fostering a space where women empowerment thrives.” Roadmap for challenges One of the key challenges Ms Semeshkina faced was navi- gating the ever-evolving landscape of remote work and virtual interactions, a long-lasting impact from the global pandemic. “This presented hurdles in maintaining the same level of engagement and work collaboration that in-person settings facilitate,” she says. “Another challenge arose from the dynamic nature of the education sector, with the rapid advancements in technology, artificial intelligence and shifting learning preferences required us to constantly adapt our educa- tional offerings to meet the changing needs of our students effectively.” To overcome these challenges and more, they have laid out a comprehensive roadmap. “Embracing technology as an enabler, we are enhancing our virtual collaboration plat- forms to recreate the sense of teamwork and connection that physical environments foster. Investing in cutting- edge communication tools and fostering a culture of remote inclusivity has been pivotal.” In response to the evolving educational landscape, she says, “Essentially, our roadmap to overcome the challenges of 2023 revolves around harnessing technology, adapting swiftly, and prioritising growth through the attraction of new students. With these strategies in place, they are poised to navigate any uncertainties and continue our trajectory of growth and empowerment.” Lectera imparts knowledge to a diverse student body of over 3 million from 60 countries46 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS Recognised as one of the top 10 most in uential gures in the blockchain industry globally, Reinhardt stands as an epitome of a blockchain technol- ogy expert. His achievements extend beyond his triumphs as a prosperous entrepreneur, encom- passing roles as a seasoned busi- ness coach, esteemed economist, adept startup developer, and accomplished venture capitalist. Throughout the recent years, he has orchestrated an impressive array of coaching seminars, surpassing a remarkable count of one thousand. These seminars have attracted a staggering audi- ence, with approximately half a million individuals bene ting from his insights. Renowned for his visionary mindset, Reinhardt has been the driving force behind the inception and triumphant launch of more than 20 impactful international startups. A challenging beginning that moulds exceptional leadership During his upbringing, the family of Reinhardt immigrated to Germany where they faced nancial challenges, relying on social bene ts for support. This upbringing instilled in him the core values of perseverance and hard work, which eventually paved the way for his mastery in attracting investments and launching successful ventures. Drawing from the lessons learned during those challenging times, Reinhardt transformed into an adept professional capable of navigating the intricacies of securing investments and starting new enterprises. Ventures backed by a mission Each startup fostered by Reinhardt carries a profound mission, a mission to reshape the world and elevate the well-being of everyday individuals. He says: “The allure of innovation and the brilliant minds driving it have always been my driving force. Witnessing others’ accomplish- ments has consistently fuelled my own inspiration.” His ventures go beyond conventional success, aiming to induce tangible positive changes that reverberate across societies. Reinhardt’s multifaceted expertise, ranging from blockchain intricacies to economic insights, positions him as a transformative force in the realm of technology and innovation. Passionate about social responsibility Driven by a desire to give back, Reinhardt established the Alex Reinhardt Academy, a platform aimed at guiding others toward achievement by merging his personal jour- TECHNOLOGY 39. ALEX REINHARDT Venture investor, expert in blockchain technology SMART BLOCKCHAINarabianbusiness.com 47 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS ney with the insights of global leaders spanning nance, business, and soft skills. With an extensive reach, the Acad- emy has reached out to over 500,000 individuals, o ering comprehensive courses and training. His latest book You’re Number One: How to Become a Leader in 30 Days and Remain One has proven to be a wellspring of inspiration for count- less individuals seeking to make impactful changes in their lives. This publication translated into ve languages has not only garnered global recognition but has also emerged as a bestseller, resonating with readers worldwide and empowering them to drive transformative change. Diversity and greener environment Smart Blockchain technology emerges as a conscientious and environmentally considerate alternative, presenting a marked departure from energy-intensive procedures such as Bitcoin mining. Built upon the bedrock of Delegated Proof-of-Stake (DPoS), the Smart Blockchain framework embraces an exceedingly energy-frugal mechanism, e ec- tively curbing its ecological impact in a substantial manner. In stark contrast to the resource-intensive nature of traditional blockchain models, Smart Blockchain’s innova- tive approach underscores its commitment to sustainabil- ity and ecological equilibrium. Its adoption of the DPoS protocol, characterised by its judicious allocation of network validation responsibilities to a select group of participants, not only ensures the expeditious validation of transactions but also upholds its dedication to minimis- ing energy expenditure. This is underscored by the technology’s capacity to process transactions and maintain the integrity of the block- chain while concurrently abiding by environmentally sound principles. Also, through its pioneering employment of DPoS, it not only demonstrates the viability of eco-friendly alternatives in the blockchain domain but also sets a compel- ling precedent for future technological developments that resonate with the ethos of a greener tomorrow. Navigating challenges and forging ahead According to Reinhardt, in the year 2022, the blockchain industry persisted in its growth trajectory despite the setbacks of bankruptcies and regulatory gaps. He adds, “In response to the mounting mistrust within the industry, we unveiled a visionary solution, namely the Smart Block- chain.” Rallying his team, they embarked on an unrelenting mission to create a remedy anchored in transparency, secu- rity, and stringent regulations. The culmination of their tireless e orts materialised in 2023, as Smart Blockchain emerged onto the scene, not only setting new benchmarks but also rejuvenating con dence within the sector. Reinhardt reveals that the Smart Blockchain presents itself as a dynamic and adaptable blockchain platform, bestowing users with the remarkable capability to seam- lessly establish decentralised networks and proprietary tokens. “The elegance of its design extends further, enabling the e ortless integration of these elements into pre-existing products, revolutionising the synergy between technology and innovation,” he says. Creating awareness about blockchain Nevertheless, the resurgence of trust within the realm of blockchain transcends the boundaries of technological innovation alone. In order to authentically restore faith, it becomes imperative to comprehensively educate individ- uals about the underlying principles that constitute the bedrock of blockchain technology. Acknowledging this pivotal aspect, the Smart Blockchain initiative spearheaded by Reinhardt and his dedicated team aspires not only to rede ne the parameters of technological progress, but also to illuminate users about the expansive and transformative potential that blockchain holds. Moving from the trials and tribulations of the year 2022 to the dawn of the Smart Blockchain era in 2023, the jour- ney, in Reinhardt’s words, “Stands as a testament to the remarkable ingenuity and unwavering determination of the human spirit.” The narrative artfully portrays how chal- lenges, often perceived as stumbling blocks, possess the remarkable ability to serve as springboards for ground-breaking ideas. Moreover, it eloquently showcases how teams forti ed with determination and resilience can orchestrate paradigm shifts within industries by resolutely tackling obstacles head-on. Within the tapestry of the Smart Blockchain’s evolution, a luminescent thread of progress is interwoven, symbolising the limitless capacities of tech- nology to introduce far-reaching and positive transforma- tions, thereby rekindling trust amidst the nebulous back- drop of uncertainty. Reinhardt's book has proven to be a wellspring of inspiration for countless individuals seeking to make impactful changes in their lives48 September 2023 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 40. YASSER ABDUL MALAK 41. GHAITH AL GHAITH Chairman and CEO NESTLE MENA CEO FLYDUBAI Appointed to his current role on 1 January 2022, Abdul Malak has o v er tw o decades of experience with Nestlé where he has held multiple senior leadership positions across key regions. Previously, he was appointed as the CEO in Nestlé Turkey from April 2021 to January 2022 where he delivered robust results and helmed expansion projects that led to the company’s growth in the country. Over the years, he has held several leadership positions at Nestlé, includ- ing the CEO for Nestlé’s Ahands-on leader with decades of commer- cial aviation experi- ence, Al Ghaith was selected by the Dubai government to head budget carrier Flydu- bai since it launched on 1 June 2009. With several achievements to his name, he has implemented prod- ucts and pioneering tech- nologies to improve the passenger experience, while ensuring that costs remain low. Responsible for Flydu- bai’s strategic direction, Al Ghaith collaborates closely with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the group’s chairman. Prior to this role, for 14 years, he was the executive vice president Northeast Africa region based in Egypt until he was assigned the role of Dairy Category Head Zone Europe Middle East and North Africa in 2018 at the Nestlé headquarters in Vevey, Switzerland. Nestlé operates 24 food & beverage factories across the 19 countries of the MENA region; and provides direct employ- ment to over 15,000 people. Abdul Malak embarked on his career trajectory with Nestlé in KSA in 1999. Following his rst assign- ment, he moved to their regional head office to helm the MAGGI business as the senior brand manager until mid-2003. This was followed by an appointment as the global marketing advisor for the food business in Switzerland. In 2005, he w a s promoted to lead the food business in the Southeast Africa region. Three years later, he returned to the Middle East as the busi- ness executive o cer food prior to his assignment as the country manager. for commercial operations worldwide for Emirates. He joined Emirates as a management trainee in 1986 and in 1988, transitioned to deputy passenger sales manager for the UAE and next to deputy manager for overseas development and marketing. He became the UK and Ireland’s area manager in 1991, and then general manager for commercial operations for North America and Europe in 1993. Dubai’s agship budget airline ydubai is on track to continue expansion with an additional 150 new aircraft that are joining its eet by 2029 as Dubai Inter- national Airport looks set to achieve pre-Covid-19 tra c levels by the end of 2023. The airlines now y to more than 110 destinations in 53 countries and are constantly adding new cities to their network as it continues to grow. Over 70 million passengers have chosen to flydubai, making flydubai the second largest carrier, by passenger numbers, operating out of Dubai International (DXB). INDUSTRYAVIATIONarabianbusiness.com 49 100 MOST INSPIRING LEADERS 42. AHMED AL QASEER 43. ESSA KAZIM CEO/executive director SHUROOQ Governor DIFC Appointed to his current role at Shurooq in February 2023 by royal decree by Dr. Sheikh Sultan bin Muham- mad Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah, Al Qaseer joined Al Qasba Development O ce in 2006 as the busi- ness development manager and later in 2008, was promoted to the role of director of business devel- opment. He helped steer Al Qasba to transform into the well-liked leisure and tour- ism destination it is today. Underpinned by his highly successful track record with Al Qasba, Al Qaseer was instrumental in the estab- In addition to his current role, Kazim holds several important positions including the chairman of Borse Dubai, deputy chair- man of the Supreme Legis- lation Committee in Dubai, and member of the Securi- ties and Exchange Higher Committee and Dubai Supreme Fiscal Committee. He embarked upon his career trajectory as a senior analyst in the Research and Statistics Department of the UAE Central Bank in 1988. He later transitioned to the Dubai Department of Economic Development, where Kazim served as the director of Planning and Development in 1993. He lishment of the Sharjah Investment and Develop- ment Authority (Shurooq) in 2009. In 2010, he was appointed as the director of Shurooq's property manage- ment responsible for managing Shurooq’s prop- erties and its operations, sales, and leasing. In 2011, Al Qaseer was promoted to chief operating o cer and was responsible for the operational execution of its portfolio of projects and destinations. He now over- sees the management and operational execution of all multi-sectoral projects under Shurooq’s portfolio, including tourist and herit- age destinations across the emirate. The driving force behind the transformation of Sharjah, Shurooq is an independent government entity that fosters collabora- tions and connects corpora- tions, investors, and entre- preneurs with the right opportunities. To ensure successful outcomes, the authority identi es, evalu- ates, and pursues tourism, investment, and herit- age-related infrastructure projects. further advanced and was appointed as the direc- tor-general of Dubai Finan- cial Market from 1999 to 2006 and subsequently assumed the role of chair- man from 2007 to 2021. Kazim has received an honorary Doctorate from Coe College and holds a master’s degree in Econom- ics from the University of Iowa, a master's Degree in Total Quality Management from the University of Wollongong, and a bache- lor’s degree from Coe College. Recently, Kazim has been actively involved in numerous o cial advisory committees and boards, both regionally and globally. He is a member of the Higher Board of Directors of the Dubai International Finan- cial Centre (DIFC), chairman of the DIFC Authority Board of Directors, chairman of the DIFC Investments Board of Directors, and a board member of Nasdaq Dubai, Free Zones Council, and Nasdaq. Additionally, he holds a prominent position on the Board of e& and his in uence extends to educa- tion as well. INVESTMENTFINANCENext >