< Previous40 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 FADI GHANDOUR Executive Chairman Wamda Capital In 1982, Ghandour ushered in a new era of logistics in the MENA region by launching Arab Amer- ican Express, later branded as Aramex which specialised in the delivery of parcels originating from the US to countries in the Middle East. His entre- preneurial foresight and innovative spirit positioned him as a key player in the thriving startup landscape of the MENA region. Throughout his tenure, Aramex evolved into a leading logistics power- house within emerging markets, boasting a global presence with 250 offices spanning across 90 countries. Notably, Ghan- dour achieved significant milestones by taking Aramex public twice, initially on Nasdaq, ushering in a historic moment for the Arab world, and subsequently on the Dubai Financial Market. Upon his strategic exit from the company, he divested his remaining 10 percent stake to Boson Ventures Corporation. As a founding investor in Maktoob, one of the region’s pioneering tech companies, he catalysed MENA’s tech ecosys- tem, culminating in Yahoo's ground-breaking acquisition of Maktoob in 2009. He continues to contribute his expertise as an active member on the Aramex board. Diversifying his entre- preneurial pursuits, he has been involved in founding, invest- ing in, and launching several companies and non-profit organ- isations across digital technology, hospitality, fitness and wellness, and security sectors. Noteworthy among his endeavours is the establishment of Wamda Capital, a venture capital firm with a $75m growth fund dedicated to nurturing and fostering entrepreneurship ecosystems throughout the MENA region. Moreover, Ghan- dour holds strategic roles on the boards of leading entities within the financial and entrepreneurial landscapes, including Abraaj Capital and Endeavor Jordan, while providing advisory support to the Suliman S. Olayan School of Business at the American University of Beirut. A committed philanthropist, he founded Ruwwad Al-Tanmeya, a social enterprise uplifting displaced communities in Lebanon, Palestine, Jordan, and Egypt, and co-founded the Al-Riyadi sports club in Jordan. About Wamda Cultivating innovation in the MENA region, Wamda is a dynamic platform and ecosystem dedicated to fostering inno- vation and nurturing burgeoning startups. Empowering emerging entrepreneurs with the essential resources and support, the platform plays a key role in equipping these ventures to thrive in the ever-evolving business terrain. At the heart of Wamda’s mission lies Wamda Capital, a crucial component of the organisation that serves as a venture capital fund, providing crucial financial backing to early-stage and growth-stage startups across MENA. By offering financial support, Wamda empowers these start-ups to turn innovative ideas into sustainable businesses, laying the groundwork for long-term success. Wamda is also deeply committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem through mentorship programmes and networking initiatives. By linking start-ups with experi- enced mentors, industry experts, and potential investors, Wamda facilitates access to guidance, strategic partnerships, and additional funding to fuel their growth trajectory. INVESTMENTarabianbusiness.com 41 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 TELECOMS FAHAD AL HASSAWI CEO Du In his current role at du, a prominent player in the tele- communications sector, Al Hassawi began his transform- ative journey with the company at its inception in 2006. Initially holding the position of executive vice president of Human Resources from April 2006 to December 2009, his scope of responsibilities extended across diverse business units. Al Hassawi’s strategic oversight encompassed enterprise and consumer engagement, branding, communication, govern- ment relations, and the enhancement of customer experiences. Noteworthy achievements include spearheading strategic part- nerships, amplifying network experiences, and elevating customer engagement standards. In the ever-evolving landscape of the ICT sector, he leads telecom operations within du’s digital lifestyle and innovation divisions with finesse. His multifaceted responsibilities involve steering infrastructure development, implementing cutting- edge technological advancements, managing network invest- ments, and driving the ongoing expansion of 5G capabilities. Furthermore, beyond his operational endeavours, Al Hassawi remains steadfast in nurturing the growth of the next gener- ation of Emirati entrepreneurs and business leaders, empha- sising the importance of fostering local talent. Al Hassawi’s visionary leadership guides du through a digital transformation journey aimed at enhancing customer experiences and unlocking the full potential of the company’s operational capacities. His thought lead- ership extends to the development of Emirati talents, significantly shaping the industry’s trajectory. With a rich back- ground that includes leadership roles at esteemed organisations like Emirates, Al Hassawi brings a wealth of experi- ence and expertise to the telecommuni- cations sector, poised to drive innova- tion and excellence in the industry. About du In March 2024, du, part of Emirates Integ rated Telecommunications Company (EITC), announced a part- nership with Microsoft to drive innovation in the digital land- scape of the UAE. Through the integration of Generative AI technology powered by Microsoft Azure and Azure Open AI Service, du aims to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience across its operations. This collaboration will focus on leveraging Generative AI to optimise call centre analytics and agent response times, delivering personalised solutions, and elevating the overall customer service standards. Through this collaboration, du seeks to streamline its go-to-market strategy, positioning itself as a leader in the UAE’s digital realm. In April 2024, du introduced du Pay to revolutionise digi- tal financial services across the UAE. Licensed by the Central Bank of the UAE, du Pay offers an array of digital financial and payment services, ranging from international money trans- fers to mobile top-ups and bill payments. The platform supports salary deposits through IBAN, serving as a versatile account available in six languages. With aims to establish a strong foothold in the international money transfer market, du Pay prioritises simplicity and customer-centric experiences. Among its standout features are the options for international money transfers to over 200 countries at competitive rates, peer-to-peer transfers within the UAE, and the provision of a unique IBAN for direct fund deposits.42 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 With a solid reputation for building companies and high-calibre teams, Al Bannai was appointed at the start of 2022 as the executive chair- man of the board of directors at EDGE and secretary general of ATRAC. He previously held the role of CEO and Managing Director of EDGE from 2019 to 2022. He went on to launch Axiom, a mobile phone retailer in 1997, which grew from only four employees to one of the region’s largest phone distributors and retailers. In 2014, Prior to his role at EDGE, Al Bannai’s entrepreneurial spirit is showcased through his founding of DarkMatter 2.5, a significant player in the regional tech industry with substantial annual turnovers and employee bases. He is also the secretary general of the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC) which unifies Abu Dhabi and the UAE’s initiatives throughout the entire national technology landscape, spanning strategy, investment, research, and appli- cation, in order to achieve breakthroughs that resonate globally. Also a member of the Board of Trustees for the Khalifa Univer- sity of Science, he has been at the helm of the team responsible for driving policy and regulation for agile decision-making; defining Abu Dhabi’s research strategy across academia and industry; and consolidating funds for efficient investment. Al Bannai is also a board member at the United Arab Emirates University and board member of the UAE Space Agency. With a strong focus on mission support and intelli- gence, he leverages his vast experience in developing compre- hensive security technology solutions that harness innovative advancements to address modern security challenges. Having earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance from Boston University (USA) and a Master’s Degree in Commerce and Finance from City University in the UK, Al Bannai’s career trajectory and influential presence have cemented his status as one of the most prominent and inspiring businessmen in the Middle East region. In April 2024, a federal decree issued by President Sheikh Mohamed appointed Al Bannai as the adviser for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs. The UAE’s commitment to advancing technology is underscored by its global standing in innovation. About EDGE EDGE, headquartered in Abu Dhabi, is a prominent global leader in military supply, catering to diverse defence industries. As an advanced technology conglomerate, EDGE seamlessly integrates over 20 entities into four primary clusters – plat- forms and systems, electronic warfare and cyber technologies, and missiles and weapons. By incorporating cutting-edge industry 4.0 technologies and fostering a culture of digitisa- tion, EDGE elevates the standards of quality within the defence and advanced technology industries. Through its innovative approach, EDGE endeavours to spearhead significant progress in multiple sectors by embrac- ing emerging technologies. Its strategic operational focus spans across five key business sectors, encompassing electronic warfare, cyber defence, and the development of advanced weaponry systems. With a commitment to continuous advance- ment and technological innovation, EDGE is dedicated to shaping the future landscape of defence and technology indus- tries on a global scale. TECHNOLOGY FAISAL AL BANNAI Chairman EDGEarabianbusiness.com 43 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 EDUCATION FAISAL ALAYYAN President and CEO Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT) With over two decades of experience in capacity development, project management, and plan- ning within the education sector, Dr. Alayyan leads the Higher Colleges of Technology (HCT), the largest higher education institution in the UAE. Through his visionary leadership, HCT has launched numer- ous initiatives focused on empowering students to maximise their potential and make meaningful contributions to their communities. Driven by his leadership, HCT has earned a reputation for excellence, innovation, and is poised for further growth and expansion. Prior to his current role, he held the position of vice pres- ident at Rabdan Academy, where he was instrumental in estab- lishing the institution as an independent educational entity endorsed by the Abu Dhabi Executive Council. Emphasising the development of national capabilities, he facilitated the qualification of Emiratis across various sectors including safety, emergencies, crises, defence, security, and disaster management. Throughout his career, Dr. Alayyan has held leadership roles in prominent governmental entities such as Khalifa University, the Critical Infrastructure & Coastal Protection Authority, and the Tawazun Economic Council. In addition to these roles, he serves on the boards of several significant organisations and businesses. Noteworthy roles include an advisory board membership at the College of Education at UAE University, Emirates Reit, CERT, as well as a board member- ship at Emirates Schools Establishment. About Higher Colleges of Technology The Higher Colleges of Technology is the largest higher education institution in the UAE, renowned for its leadership in applied and technological education. HCT is a community of more than 23,000 students and 2,000 staff based on 17 modern, technology-enhanced campuses in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Dubai, Fujairah, Madinat Zayed, Ras Al Khaimah, Ruwais and Sharjah. The inaugural student-led space mission, HCT-SAT 1, has been initiated by the HCT in collaboration with the Moham- med Bin Rashid Space Centre (MBRSC). This Earth-observa- tion CubeSat project, with a unit size of 1U (10cm x 10cm x 10cm), is scheduled for launch by the end of 2024. Through this partnership, MBRSC’s engineers are sharing comprehen- sive knowledge and mentorship with the students throughout the satellite's life cycle, encompassing critical phases such as design, development, assembly, testing, and operational management. The joint efforts of MBRSC and HCT transcend the mere launch of the payload, focusing on an educational journey that empowers students and faculty through specialised training and robust support in CubeSat curriculum. A diverse team of 34 HCT students from various engi- neering disciplines are collaborating on this interdisciplinary project. Guided by nine dedicated HCT faculty members, the students are gaining practical experience that will equip them with essential skills to further the UAE’s National Space Programme. This initiative aims to provide HCT students with advanced knowledge in space sciences, reinforcing the importance of space research in advancing human progress and showcasing the UAE’s strategic achievements in space exploration.44 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 GHADA ALRUMAYAN Group Chief Marketing and Communications Officer (GCMO) ROSHN Group With a wealth of experience spanning over a decade in the communications sector, Alrumayan excels in fostering sustainable relationships across governmental and private sectors, enhancing organisational reputation as well as outreach. In her current role overseeing one of the largest residential property develop- ments in KSA, Alrumayan’s media strategy expertly navigates the complexities of a large-scale company, utilising a diversified approach that effectively leverages both established and emerging media channels to promote ROSHN’s new sustainable, quality-fo- cused residential communities. A key component of her strategy involves utilising ROSHN’s prominent sponsorship activities to elevate brand recognition and achieve the company’s communi- cation objectives. Notable partnerships include KSA’s inaugural Formula 1 events in Jeddah, the Riyadh Season, and the Saudi Pro League, contributing to significant media efforts in 2021. Prior to her work at ROSHN, Alrumayan held the role of senior vice president of Public Relations, Communications, and Events at Riyad Bank, where she spearheaded the development and execution of the bank's communication strategies, solidifying its reputation for expertise and transparency among stakeholders. Her tenure at the Olayan Group involved managing strategic partnerships and the supply chain department, while her role at Olayan Financing Co. focused on corporate communications. Alrumayan’s diverse career in communications includes roles such as corporate communications manager at Saudi Hollandi Bank, marketing manager at Kempinski Hotels, director of Social Development at Atheeb Group, and roles at Etihad Atheeb Telecom Co. and King Faisal Specialist Hospi- tal and Research Centre. Throughout her professional journey, she has demonstrated a deep commitment to building strong relationships and driving impactful communication strategies across various organisations. About ROSHN Group ROSHN Group, owned by Saudi's Public Investment Fund (PIF), is the leading real estate developer in the nation. They are known for creating integrated living environments that feature accessible green spaces, sports amenities, and cycling infrastruc- ture. Through the use of advanced technology and sustainable practices, ROSHN is spearheading large-scale construction projects across KSA. Their ambitious plans include the develop- ment of over 400,000 homes, 1,000 educational facilities, and 700 places of worship by 2030, covering a land area exceeding 200 million sq m. ROSHN has set a precedent with the successful early deliv- ery of the SEDRA community in Riyadh, spanning 35 million sq m, followed by the completion of the ALAROUS community in Jeddah, covering 4 million sq m. Currently, they are working on various projects, including the innovative MARAFY canal project. Beginning in February 2024, MARAFY will connect residential areas in Jeddah to the Red Sea via an 11km canal. The project will complement the ALAROUS community with a mix of retail, leisure, and hospitality offerings to appeal to the residents of the community. MARAFY aims to enhance Jeddah’s liveability and align with the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. REAL ESTATEarabianbusiness.com 45 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 AVIATION GHAITH AL GHAITH CEO Flydubai Backed by over 35 years of experience in the aviation industry, Al Ghaith was appointed to his current role to launch the budget airline in 2008 prior to its offi- cial start of operations in Dubai in 2009. With a focus on enhancing the passenger experience and maintaining cost-effectiveness, he has implemented innovative products and technologies. As the driving force behind flydubai’s stra- tegic direction, Al Ghaith works closely with Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, the group’s chairman. Before leading flydubai, he served as the executive vice-pres- ident for commercial operations worldwide at Emirates for 14 years. His journey with Emirates began as a management trainee in 1986, and over the years, he held various roles, contributing to the airline’s growth. Al Ghaith’s strategic vision and deep understanding of the aviation industry have played a key role in shaping the success of flydubai. About flydubai During the summer of 2023, flydubai carried more than 4 million passengers between June and mid-September, up 30 percent on the same period of 2022. It operated 32,000 flights across a network of 120 destinations in 52 countries, a 22 percent increase on the number of flights during the same period last year. flydubai’s expansive network and finan- cial accomplishments under Al Ghaith’s leadership testify to the airline’s significant contributions to the aviation sector, further solidifying his position as a distinguished player in the industry. On 18 January 2024, flydubai inau- gurated direct flights to Mombasa, Kenya, marking its expansion to 12 destinations in 11 African countries. Flydubai’s African network encom- passes Addis Ababa, Alexandria, Asmara, Cairo, Dar es Salaam, Djibouti, Entebbe, Hargeisa, Juba, Mogadishu, Mombasa, and Zanzibar. The introduction of direct flights to Mombasa is a milestone as it establishes flydubai as the first UAE national carrier to offer non-stop flights from Dubai to the coastal city in southeast Kenya. In March 2024, flydubai revealed its plans to launch services to two destinations in KSA. This includes the resump- tion of flights to Al Jouf and the initiation of operations to Red Sea International. Commencing from 18 April, flights to Al Jouf Airport (AJF) and Red Sea International Airport (RSI) will operate twice a week from Terminal 2 at Dubai Interna- tional (DXB). Red Sea International Airport (RSI) was estab- lished to offer a convenient pathway for guests traveling to The Red Sea. By the year 2030, the Red Sea is expected to encom- pass 50 resorts, featuring up to 8,000 hotel rooms and over 1,000 residential properties spread across 22 islands and six inland sites. Notably, flydubai has established a network of 129 destina- tions across 58 countries, served by a modern fleet of 86 Boeing 737 aircraft. In the early months of 2024, the airline has already launched services to Langkawi, Mombasa, and Penang, with plans to add flights to Basel, Riga, Sochi, Tallinn, as well as Vilnius later in the year.46 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 GOVERNMENT HAMID AL ZAABI Director General Executive Office of Anti-Money Laundering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (EO AMLCTF) In his founding role at theExecu- tive Office of Anti-Money Laun- dering and Counter-Terrorism Financing (EO AMLCTF), the UAE’s primary authority for combat- ing financial crime, Al Zaabi shapes the national strategy and policy for anti-money laundering and coun- ter-terrorism financing, ensuring the implementation of the National Strat- egy and Action Plan. The EO AML/ CTF plays a crucial role as a national champion and safeguard, overseeing the development of a sustainable and resilient AML/CFT system in the UAE. Enhancing investor trust Al Zaabi has represented the UAE at Financial Action Task Force (FATF) plenaries since 2010, most recently leading the national delegation. As part of the Higher Committee Overseeing the National Strategy on Anti-Money Launder- ing and Counter Terrorism Financing, he guided the UAE through the FATF’s International Cooperation Review Group process, resulting in the country’s delisting in Febru- ary 2024. Under his leadership, the national AML/CFT system was strengthened, leading to improved compliance with FATF Recommendations and formal observer status at the Asia/Pacific Group. Analysts have highlighted that the UAE’s removal from the FATF’s grey list is set to instil a greater sense of trust and confidence among investors in the UAE, leading to a boost in sustainable capital inflows, foreign direct investment, and portfolio flows. It is also anticipated to bolster the expansion of both the domestic banking and financial sectors, along with the international financial free zones. With the UAE’s adherence to international laws and conventions, it is poised to attract wealthy global investors and foreign businesses, encouraging them to invest more comfortably in the country. Moreover, the asset and wealth management activities of UAE-based family offices are projected to reap significant benefits from this shift. In February 2024, Al Zaabi was honoured with the Order of Zayed II First Class by Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, UAE President, in recognition of his role in the UAE’s removal from FATF’s list of ‘Jurisdictions under Increased Monitoring’. Backed by a wealth of experience Before establishing the EO AML/CTF, Al Zaabi held senior positions in national security for over two decades, focusing arabianbusiness.com 47 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 on financial crime, counterterrorism, and the financing of terrorism. He contributed to various high-level strategic projects as a member of senior national committees and task forces, including the UAE’s successful hosting of Expo 2020 Dubai and the government’s response to Covid-19. Frequently engaged in influential international forums, Al Zaabi’s role as a member of the National Committee for Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terror- ism and Illegal Organisations has provided him with a signif- icant platform to shape and contribute to the global dialogue surrounding financial security and regulatory compliance practices. Of particular significance is Al Zaabi’s instrumental involvement in representing the UAE during critical FATF meetings held in Paris in 2019. During these gatherings, he played a key role in discussions and strategic deliberations concerning the Mutual Evaluation Report of the UAE, demon- strating his exceptional capabilities in navigating complex regulatory frameworks and advocating for robust AML/CFT measures. His contributions have not only reinforced the UAE’s commitment to international standards but have also underscored his profound dedication to advancing the collec- tive efforts in combating financial crimes on a global scale. Al Zaabi, an influential figure in the domain of anti- money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT), is widely acknowledged as a distinguished thought leader within the international security and finan- The fines imposed by UAE regulatory authorities in the field of AML/CFT between January and October 2023 reached $67.85m cial landscapes. He is a sought-after speaker at prestigious conferences and seminars worldwide, where he shares his expertise on AML/CFT practices, leadership, and effective management. Furthermore, Al Zaabi has represented the UAE Government with exceptional distinction at distin- guished events such as the Crans Montana Forum and other high-level gatherings. He has solidified his standing as a leading spokesperson for the UAE's continuous endeavours in combatting financial crime and championing global financial integrity. He is a graduate of the UAE Government Leadership Programme and holds two master’s degrees: One in Senior Leadership Development from the International Business School and another in Human Resources Management from Abu Dhabi University. He earned a BA in Legal and Police Sciences from the Police College, Abu Dhabi. Combatting fi nancial crimes stands as a paramount national priority, and we remain steadfast in our commitment to sustain these eff orts into the future 48 May 2024 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 An international businessman, philanthropist, and entrepre- neur based in the UAE, follow- ing Aboud’s brief stint in the media industry, in 1994, he adeptly iden- tified the potential for international trade in Dubai and launched his trading company. Over the course of around three decades, his modest automotive trading venture evolved into a thriving conglom- erate encompassing various sectors and operating in over 10 countries. Today, leading a workforce of over 2,500 employ- ees, his group is headquartered in Dubai with additional offices in Egypt, Jordan, Turkey, Belgium, and Australia. The conglomerate’s diverse portfolio spans industries such as retail, hospitality, media, food, digital marketplaces, auto- motive, and more. In 2008, the Group introduced Live Point Art Production, followed by Crystalbrook Collection, a hotel development and management company in Australia, and the establishment of Grandiose Supermarket in 2016, offering hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores across the UAE. Aboud also spearheaded GAG's venture into digital e-commerce with the launch of the B2B marketplace BuyGro in 2020 in the UAE, catering to buyers from cafes, grocery stores, and restaurants. About Ghassan Aboud Group The Ghassan Aboud Group oversees a range of established businesses, including the renowned food and grocery retail chain, Grandiose, Olive Country, Gallega Logistics, Galean Healthcare, and the eB2B platforms BuyGro and BuyParts 24. Additionally, the group owns and operates the Crystal- brook Collection of hotels and resorts in Australia. Their auto- motive division operates in over 100 countries, offering a wide array of auto products. Notably, the group has collaborated in two significant public-private partnerships with the Abu Dhabi Ports Group to establish leading hubs in the food sector (Abu Dhabi Food Hub-KEZAD) and the automotive sector (Global Auto Hub). Demonstrating their commitment to sustainability within the hospitality industry, the group has introduced the innova- tive #responsibleluxury initiative. Through this initiative, the company has reimagined their services to provide guests with a sustainable approach to luxury. Crystalbrook Collection has successfully adopted environmentally friendly practices, such as eliminating plastic usage throughout the guest experience at their hotels. As the first hospitality group in Australia to achieve 100 percent waste-free bathrooms, all amenities are either biodegradable or recyclable. The Abu Dhabi Food Hub-KEZAD serves as an exclusive marketplace designed to streamline domestic and international food trade. Positioned strategically between Dubai and Abu Dhabi, the KEZAD project covers 3.3 km2 and is a joint venture between the Abu Dhabi Ports Group and the Ghassan Aboud Group. In collaboration with Rungis, it aims to be a future-focused supply chain platform and a vital component of the UAE's food security agenda. Expected to become the largest integrated ecosystem for trading all food commodities in the region, the hub will accom- modate traders, government facilitators, private commercial service providers, logistics service providers, as well as value- added service providers. DIVERSIFIED GHASSAN ABOUD Founder and Chairman Ghassan Aboud Group (GAG)arabianbusiness.com 49 100 MOST INFLUENTIAL ARABS 2024 BANKING HANA AL ROSTAMANI Group CEO First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) Since assuming her current leadership role at FAB in 2021, Al Rostamani has been driving innovation and transformative initiatives within the banking sector. With a distinguished career spanning more than 25 years, she has emerged as a trailblazer and shattered barriers as the first female CEO of a UAE-based bank. Under her leadership, FAB is strategically advancing towards sustainable growth and prosperity. A significant mile- stone was marked during COP28 in Dubai, where FAB unveiled plans to offer over $135bn in sustainable and transi- tion financing by 2030. This pledge underscores Al Rostam- ani’s unwavering commitment to responsible and ethical banking practices. As the head of one of the world's largest and most reputa- ble financial institutions, with assets exceeding $300bn, Al Rostamani is positioned as a transformative leader reshaping the banking landscape. Her steadfast dedication to fostering a culture of innovation, diversity, and inclusion within FAB serves as a prominent example of her leadership as a pioneer- ing female CEO in the UAE banking industry. In her current role as chair of the Global Council on the Sustainable Development Goals, Al Rostamani focuses on development goal 7, ‘Affordable and Clean Energy’. She also serves as a board member of prominent organisations such as Buna, aimed at enhancing investment ties among Arab econ- omies. Additionally, she holds positions on the boards of the Institute of Inter- national Finance (IIF), the Interna- tional Institute for Management Devel- opment (IMD), and the executive board of the US-UAE Business Council. Prior to her appointment in January 2021, Al Rostamani ser ved as the deputy group chief executive officer and group head of Personal Banking at FAB. In this capacity, she led the transforma- tion of FAB's consumer banking segment, emphasising a customer-cen- tric and digital-first approach. With prior experience in diverse roles within First Gulf Bank, Citi- bank, and AW Rostamani Group, both domestically and inter- nationally, she brings a wealth of expertise and insight to her current leadership role at FAB. About FAB In January 2024, FAB successfully completed the issuance of a five-year $800m Sukuk at US Treasury +85bps, resulting in an all-in yield of 4.779 percent. This milestone signifies the first Sukuk issued globally in 2024 and serves as the initial offering in the region for the year. With a focus on diversity, the allocation of this Sukuk saw 76 percent directed towards dedicated Islamic investors and 38 percent towards interna- tional counterparts. This issuance reinforces FAB's position as a leading provider of Islamic finance and a trusted partner for investors on a global scale. In March 2024, a significant partnership between Mastercard and FAB was announced, heralding an exclusive long-term global collaboration that extends their longstand- ing relationship in the EEMEA region. This transformative agreement, covering key markets such as the UAE, KSA, Oman, and Egypt, will unite these industry frontrunners to drive advancements in the digital payments landscape across the region. Next >