Dubai International Financial Centre announces the appointment of Abdulla Al Awar as Chief Executive Officer of DIFC Authority

Abdulla Al Awar succeeds outgoing CEO Nasser Alshaali who is leaving to pursue a career in the private sector, after a three year tenure at DIFC.

Welcoming the appointment, His Excellency Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, Governor of DIFC, said: “Abdulla has been an integral part of DIFC since its inception in 2004, and a key player in its growth and development as an internationally recognized centre. This new role recognizes Abdulla’s capabilities and commitment to DIFC.”

“As we enter a new phase of an even more integrated global economy, I am confident that Abdulla’s experience and knowledge will help him achieve new milestones, especially in service excellence, which will help steer DIFC closer towards achieving its vision of shaping tomorrow's financial map as a global gateway for capital and investment”, added Dr. Bin Sulaiman.

Mr. Al Awar said: “I am honored to have been selected for this position at this critical juncture of our progress, and grateful for the vision and support shown by HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, President of DIFC to future business leaders. I am excited about the challenges and opportunities of this role and look forward to supporting DIFC’s mission of creating sustainable growth in the region through a vibrant financial services cluster.”

David Eldon, Chairman of the Board, DIFC Authority stated, “I would like to congratulate and welcome Abdulla to his new position. We are confident in his capable leadership and ability to build and further improve DIFC’s position among the leading financial centres of the world.” 

Wishing outgoing CEO Nasser Alshaali a successful future in the private sector, Dr. Omar commented, “We thank Nasser for playing a pivotal role in building DIFC into a globally recognized player. Today, DIFC has become the largest International Financial Services Industry cluster in the region between Singapore and Europe with more than 780 firms.

Commenting on his departure Nasser Alshaali said: “During the past four years at DIFC, I have witnessed the region’s prominence in the global economy rise in a way unprecedented in modern history. With Dubai and the UAE’s financial industry in the lead, and supported by DIFC’s infrastructure, Abdulla will take this city within a city to new heights”.

In his recent role as Managing Director of DIFC Authority, Abdulla was responsible for overseeing the management of the body of DIFC, charged with developing overall strategy for the centre. His responsibilities included attracting financial institutions to operate in DIFC as well as the creation of an ideal platform for non-financial & professional service providers that support the constant development of the financial sector.