Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC), Dubai's international financial hub, has appointed Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar as chief executive officer of DIFC Authority, one of  the main bodies of DIFC.

Al Awar was previously Managing Director of DIFC Authority, and succeeds outgoing CEO Nasser Alshaali who is leaving to pursue a career in the private sector, after a three year tenure at DIFC.

'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,” said Dr Omar Bin Sulaiman, governor of 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.

Al Awar said: 'I am honoured to have been selected for this position at this critical juncture of our progress, and grateful for the vision and support shown by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, president of DIFC to future business leaders.

“I 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, 'We are confident in Abdulla’s capable leadership and ability to build and further improve DIFC's position among the leading financial centres of the world.'

Dr Bin Sulaiman added: '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.”

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. – Reuters