Abdulla Bin Sougat named CEO of DIFC Lifestyle

The Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) today announced the appointment of Abdulla Bin Hamad Bin Sougat as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of DIFC Lifestyle Group, the Dubai International Financial Centre's (DIFC) new division, which develops and manages lifestyle properties.

His Excellency Dr. Omar bin Sulaiman, Governor of DIFC, said: "Bin Sougat will bring to DIFC Lifestyle Group his rich industry experience in leading the implementation of innovative projects and concepts. I am confident that under his stewardship DIFC Lifestyle Group will develop into a pre-eminent provider of luxury lifestyle offerings. DIFC Lifestyle Group will contribute significantly to the development of both Dubai and DIFC as a professional hub and a lifestyle destination."

In his new role, Bin Sougat and his team will seek to translate the DIFC Lifestyle Group's mission into reality. Leveraging the strengths of his vastly experienced team comprising experts in lifestyle management, he will implement a strategy that will enable DIFC Lifestyle Group to expand its global portfolio and its offerings.

Speaking on his new appointment, Bin Sougat said: "I am honoured to accept the new role and will work hard to develop a premium luxury lifestyle destination in Dubai. I am excited about the opportunities the creation of DIFC Lifestyle Group will bring in premium retail, high-street fashion, art and culture. I will be working closely with my team and DIFC's leadership to develop lifestyle properties that meet the tastes and preferences of customers who demand nothing but the most premium experiences. DIFC Lifestyle Group's first property is based within the Gate District and the Gate Village in DIFC. Combining upscale retail outlets, high-street fashion boutiques, fine-dining restaurants and contemporary art galleries, DIFC Lifestyle Group has created a unique lifestyle environment within the business district. With DIFC's continued development, DIFC Lifestyle Group is set to expand its offering in DIFC to include five-star hotels, exhibition facilities, theatres and residential facilities.

Prior to joining DIFC Lifestyle Group, Bin Sougat served as Managing Director of the Bin Sougat Group of Companies for over seven years. In this role, he played a vital role in the expansion of the shopping centre and the real estate division of the group. He also contributed to developing the vision and strategy and identifying new opportunities for ensuring the group's commercial growth .

Bin Sougat was recently selected as a member of the Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Leadership Programme. He is also on the Board of Waqf, Young Arab Leaders, Middle East Container Company, Al Mawakeb School, and Emirates Investment.

An active member of several private and government philanthropic organizations, Bin Sougat is an alumnus of the University of Miami in the US, holding a bachelors degree in Business Administration with a major in Computer Information Systems, as well as a Master's in Business Administration, with a specialization in Marketing and International Business