Abdulla Mohammed Al Awar is the CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC). In this capacity, he oversees the Centre’s work and collaborates closely with DIEDC’s multiple stakeholders to implement the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy’ strategy through enabling private and public sector organisations to innovate and promote sharia-compliant economic products and services ranging from Islamic finance to halal food and lifestyle, among others.

Prior to his current role, Al Awar was the CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from 2009 to 2012. Al Awar has served as member of several committees and boards in Dubai including the Economic Committee of the Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Free Zones Council, Bourse Dubai and the Investment Committee of the Emirates NBD Real Estate Fund.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder, US. He is also a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, an executive education program conducted in affiliation with Cranfield University, UK, IMD and INSEAD.