Maher Al Kaabi

Maher Al Kaabi, a visionary leader, and a seasoned banker with over 30 years of experience in the Banking, IT industry and Family Business. He has extensive expertise in Board Membership, Islamic Banking, Wholesales & Consumer Banking, Risk Management, Finance, Operation & Technology, Sales & Distribution and Business Development. He also has deep knowledge in innovation and trends in the generation and utilization of data sets and of new technologies. Serves on board of several startup companies, a Chairman of Board of Governance of a Star International School and co-founder of Blink.

Works extensively with various ministries in future technologies, circular economy, and sustainability of family businesses by training NextGen on Venture Studio Module.

He is on the advisory board of:

• UAE Ministry of Climate Change and Environment
• Middle East Energy
• MENA Power Projects

Mr. Maher is a sought-after keynote speaker and panelist who shares his expertise and insights on various topics at events covering various topics (FinTech, Building Digital Economy (AI, metaverse, blockchain, web3, etc.), Circular Economy, Renewable Energy, Sustainability, Sustainability of Family Businesses (supervise venture studio program for UAE NextGen’s), Banking & Finance, Corporate Governance, and Investments).

He is an advisor to the Group Chairman of Al Serkal Group of Companies (165+ year old family) and serves as an Independent Board Member. He advises the Board on developing a more structured governance model and reviewing and refining the structure of the group with the objective of creating a more flexible, robust and efficient organization that will be better placed to respond to future business opportunities. He also applies his expertise in transitioning businesses digitally.

Alserkal Group are the co-founder of several entities such as Etisalat, 1st local bank Emirates NBD, DEWA, SEWA, CBD, Dubai Insurance, Pepsi (DRC). It also has the O&M contract for Dubai Metro, Smart Mobility (On-Demand), agent of Etihad Rails, Alserkal Avenue. It plays a pivotal role Environmental & Sustainability vertical with companies including Blue, Envirol Plant (the only plant in the Middle East to treat FOG), and soon will be opening one of the largest Bio-fuel plant in UAE.

Previously he was the Group Head of Islamic Banking at Emirates National Bank of Dubai. In that role he led the development of the Islamic Banking business across the ENBD local, regional and international branches. He was an active member of the Islamic Banking Committee and liaised with the local regulatory authorities to create and launch a number of innovative Shari’ah compliant products and services for clients. Additionally, he has also double hated as Group Head Chief Operating Officer for Wholesale Banking.

Previously he served as the Chief Risk Officer at Dubai Bank. He has established the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Framework at the bank which encompassed all aspects of risk including Credit Risk, Market Risk, Operational Risk and Fraud Risk. I also devised and implemented a risk strategy focused on key areas including Business Continuity, Regulatory Compliance, Quality Assurance and Governance.

Previously he worked at Citigroup for about 15 years where he has assumed various senior roles both locally and internationally.

Maher’s other areas of expertise vary based on his professional background in Strategy, Human Capital Development, Engineering, etc., clubbed with soft skills of being a Multiplier, passionate, self-starter, team builder, innovative, etc.

He is currently doing his doctorate in the field of AI driven sustainability.