25 Leadership Development Leaders at UAE Employers

Last updated: August 2026

In 2026, leadership development in the United Arab Emirates reaches well beyond a training calendar. It sits inside talent pipelines, culture, succession, Emiratisation, employee experience and the everyday choices that help people lead through change.

This directory brings together 25 people working across leadership development, talent, learning, culture, human capital and organisational change at UAE employers across banking, aviation, energy, technology, logistics, real estate, education, hospitality, retail and government.

The names reflect the public shape of the work in August 2026. Some roles are broad people portfolios, while others sit directly inside training, talent or development. Together they show how capability building is becoming part of the organisation's operating system.

Why leadership development leaders matter

Leadership development is often treated as a course catalogue, but the people responsible for it usually sit much closer to the organisation's core choices. They work with talent pipelines, succession, culture, Emiratisation, performance, learning, organisational design and the practical habits that help leaders make better decisions under pressure.

That mix matters in the UAE, where employers are growing across sectors while also building national capability and preparing people for a more digital economy. The strongest examples are practical: career paths, mentoring, high-potential programmes, leadership academies, workforce planning and talent systems connected to real work.

This is a working directory. The profiles focus on the remit and contribution that make each person relevant to leadership development.

1. Homaid Al Shimmari

Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer, Mubadala

Homaid Al Shimmari is Deputy Group CEO and Chief Corporate & Human Capital Officer at Mubadala, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Mubadala identifies Homaid Al Shimmari as responsible for career growth, talent acquisition, learning and development, performance and Emiratisation. That is why Homaid belongs in this directory. Explore Mubadala's talent work.

2. Nadia Bastaki

Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer, Etihad Airways

Nadia Bastaki is Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer at Etihad Airways, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Etihad's Emiratisation work connects its development programmes with the remit of Dr Nadia Bastaki, Chief People & Corporate Affairs Officer. That is why Nadia belongs in this directory. Explore Etihad's people work.

3. Yousuf Al Falasi

Vice President, Emiratisation and Government Partnerships, Emirates Group

Yousuf Al Falasi is Vice President, Emiratisation and Government Partnerships at Emirates Group, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

The Emirates Group's employee-lounge work places Yousuf Al Falasi in the role of Vice President, Emiratisation and Government Partnerships. That is why Yousuf belongs in this directory. Explore the Emirates Group's people work.

4. Amira Al Falasi

Senior Vice President, HR Emirates Group Training & Development, Emirates Group

Amira Al Falasi is Senior Vice President, HR Emirates Group Training & Development at Emirates Group, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

The Emirates Group's employee-lounge work names Amira Al Falasi as Senior Vice President, HR Emirates Group Training & Development. That is why Amira belongs in this directory. Explore the Emirates Group's people work.

5. Eman Abdulrazzaq

Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Emirates NBD

Eman Abdulrazzaq is Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Emirates NBD, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Emirates NBD's Ruwad programme is a two-year leadership development journey, and the bank identifies Eman Abdulrazzaq as Group Chief Human Resources Officer. That is why Eman belongs in this directory. Explore Ruwad at Emirates NBD.

6. Farida Rafi

Chief Human Resources Officer, Emirates Islamic

Farida Rafi is Chief Human Resources Officer at Emirates Islamic, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Farida Rafi describes employee experience at Emirates Islamic as an integrated strategic priority within culture and leadership. That is why Farida belongs in this directory. Explore Emirates Islamic's people work.

7. Bushra Al Shehhi

Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

Bushra Al Shehhi is Group Chief Human Resources Officer at ADIB, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

ADIB's High-Flyer Development Program used executive mentorship, cross-functional training and strategic innovation assignments to accelerate high-potential employees. That is why Bushra belongs in this directory. Explore ADIB's High-Flyer programme.

8. Hamda Al Shamali

Chief People and Intellectual Capital Officer, Mashreq

Hamda Al Shamali is Chief People and Intellectual Capital Officer at Mashreq, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Mashreq places Hamda Al Shamali in the Chief People and Intellectual Capital Officer role. Her remit connects strategic human capital with employee engagement, making Hamda a strong fit for this directory. Explore Hamda's role at Mashreq.

9. Fatima Al Afeefi

Chief People & Impact Officer (Acting), du

Fatima Al Afeefi is Chief People & Impact Officer (Acting) at du, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

du identifies Fatima Al Afeefi as Chief People & Impact Officer (Acting), with the function connected to people development and learning work. That is why Fatima belongs in this directory. Explore du's people work.

10. Ali Al Mansoori

Group Chief People & Culture Officer, e&

Ali Al Mansoori is Group Chief People & Culture Officer at e&, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

e& identifies Ali Al Mansoori as Group Chief People & Culture Officer, responsible for talent strategy, HR, learning and development and organisational development. That is why Ali belongs in this directory. Explore e&'s senior management.

11. Smaël Auam

Group Chief People Officer, DP World

Smaël Auam is Group Chief People Officer at DP World, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

DP World says Smaël Auam drives its global people strategy, including leadership development, culture and talent frameworks. That is why Smaël belongs in this directory. Explore Smaël's role at DP World.

12. Marwan Al Jassmi

Executive Vice President, People & Sustainability, DP World GCC, DP World

Marwan Al Jassmi is Executive Vice President, People & Sustainability, DP World GCC at DP World GCC, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

DP World describes Marwan Al Jassmi's remit as including human capital strategy, organisational development, talent management and workforce planning for DP World GCC. That is why Marwan belongs in this directory. Explore Marwan's role at DP World.

13. Bayan Al Hosani

Group Chief People and Communications Officer, Aldar

Bayan Al Hosani is Group Chief People and Communications Officer at Aldar, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Aldar links Bayan Al Hosani's people strategy with attraction, development and retention, including Future Talent and High Potential programmes. That is why Bayan belongs in this directory. Explore Aldar's talent work.

14. Shorouk Al Redha

Chief People Officer, Aldar Education

Shorouk Al Redha is Chief People Officer at Aldar Education, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Aldar Education says Shorouk Al Redha joined in April 2024 as Chief People Officer to lead the people agenda and strategy. That is why Shorouk belongs in this directory. Explore Aldar Education's people work.

15. Shaloo Kulkarni

Chief People Officer, Masdar

Shaloo Kulkarni is Chief People Officer at Masdar, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Masdar describes Shaloo Kakkar Kulkarni's remit as human capital strategy, a high-performance culture, talent development and organisational transformation. That is why Shaloo belongs in this directory. Explore Shaloo's role at Masdar.

16. Sultan Al Ghaithi

Group Chief Human Resources Officer, AD Ports Group

Sultan Al Ghaithi is Group Chief Human Resources Officer at AD Ports Group, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

AD Ports Group identifies Sultan Al Ghaithi as Group Chief Human Resources Officer, with the role connected to workforce and skills building. That is why Sultan belongs in this directory. Explore AD Ports Group's youth work.

17. Frederic Chardot

Chief Human Resources Officer, Jumeirah Group

Frederic Chardot is Chief Human Resources Officer at Jumeirah Group, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Jumeirah says Frederic Chardot joined in 2024 and leads talent acquisition, engagement and organisational development. That is why Frederic belongs in this directory. Explore Frederic's role at Jumeirah.

18. David Henderson

Group Director HR, Al-Futtaim

David Henderson is Group Director HR at Al-Futtaim, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Al-Futtaim identifies David Henderson as Group Director HR, while its people material links the function with human capital, career development, skill building and Emiratisation. That is why David belongs in this directory. Explore Al-Futtaim's people work.

19. Viviana Alberu

Chief Human Capital Officer, Majid Al Futtaim

Viviana Alberu is Chief Human Capital Officer at Majid Al Futtaim, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Majid Al Futtaim identifies Viviana Alberu as Chief Human Capital Officer, and its returnship programme gives a concrete example of skills and career re-entry work. That is why Viviana belongs in this directory. Explore Majid Al Futtaim's talent work.

20. Maymee Kurian

Group Chief Augmented Human Capital Officer, G42

Maymee Kurian is Group Chief Augmented Human Capital Officer at G42, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

G42 describes Maymee Kurian's experience across organisation design, strategic talent and performance management and HR and culture transformation. That is why Maymee belongs in this directory. Explore G42's leadership.

21. Meshari Al Bannai

Chief People Officer, Dubai Airports

Meshari Al Bannai is Chief People Officer at Dubai Airports, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Dubai Airports says Meshari Al Bannai shapes its culture and the systems, processes and development programmes supporting the airport operator's vision. That is why Meshari belongs in this directory. Explore Meshari's role at Dubai Airports.

22. Abdulaziz Almoosa

Group Chief Human Resources Officer, Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

Abdulaziz Almoosa is Group Chief Human Resources Officer at ADCB, based in Abu Dhabi. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

ADCB says Abdulaziz Almoosa was appointed Group Chief Human Resources Officer in 2024 and is responsible for human capital strategy, career pathways and learning opportunities. That is why Abdulaziz belongs in this directory. Explore ADCB's executive management.

23. Fatma Hussain

Group Chief People Officer, Dubai Holding

Fatma Hussain is Group Chief People Officer at Dubai Holding, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Dubai Holding says Fatma Hussain leads the Group's effort to foster a people-driven culture that empowers employees. That is why Fatma belongs in this directory. Explore Fatma's role at Dubai Holding.

24. Shaikha AlBlooshi

Chief People Officer, Etihad Water and Electricity

Shaikha AlBlooshi is Chief People Officer at EtihadWE, based in Dubai. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

Etihad Water and Electricity announced Shaikha AlBlooshi as its first Chief People Officer in May 2025 as part of a refreshed leadership structure. That is why Shaikha belongs in this directory. Explore EtihadWE's leadership.

25. Mohamed Al Ameeri

Chief Human Resources Officer, National Bank of Fujairah

Mohamed Al Ameeri is Chief Human Resources Officer at NBF, based in Fujairah. That puts this person close to the decisions that shape how a large UAE employer grows capability, supports leaders and turns strategy into day-to-day behaviour.

NBF announced Mohamed Al Ameeri as Chief Human Resources Officer in August 2025, highlighting organisational transformation, talent development and Emiratisation. That is why Mohamed belongs in this directory. Explore Mohamed's role at NBF.

What leadership development looks like in the UAE

Reading the profiles together, three patterns stand out. First, the language of learning is expanding. Many organisations now place leadership development beside culture, talent, workforce planning, Emiratisation, employee experience or organisational transformation rather than treating it as a standalone training function.

Second, the most useful development work is connected to a real pathway. High-potential programmes, executive mentoring, cross-functional assignments, career development, national talent initiatives and learning opportunities give people a chance to practise leadership in work that matters.

Third, the role is increasingly shaped by change. Artificial intelligence, new business models, growth across markets and the need to build local capability are changing what employers need from their leaders. The people in this directory sit in the part of the organisation where those pressures become practical choices about skills, culture and behaviour.

The common thread is practical capability. Leadership development works best when it is close to the decisions, relationships and responsibilities people must handle in the real organisation.

Conclusion

The people in this directory show how broad leadership development has become inside major UAE employers. It now touches talent pipelines, learning, culture, performance, organisational design, Emiratisation, employee experience and the ability to lead through technological change.

Use the names as a practical starting point for thinking about your own organisation. Good development work begins with a clear need and a real chance for people to practise what they are learning.

About the Author

Jonno White is an Australian leadership consultant, keynote speaker and Certified Working Genius Facilitator. He helps leaders build organisations people would move cities to work at, with practical work that lasts beyond the session.

Related Reading

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A note for leaders navigating change

If your leadership team is growing quickly, navigating change or building stronger habits of ownership, I help leaders turn big ideas into practical work people can use on Monday morning. Contact Jonno White at jonno@consultclarity.org about a keynote, workshop or facilitated leadership session.