Humaid Mohammad Obaid Alqutami

Leadership Background

H.E. Humaid Mohammad Obaid Alqutami was elected Chairman of the Board of Directors of Islamic Arab Insurance Company (Salama) on 2 July 2026, succeeding Essa Ali Bin Salem Alzaabi. The appointment marked a leadership change at the Dubai-listed Takaful insurer, following the company's capital restructuring and execution of its strategic priorities.

Alqutami brings leadership experience across government, healthcare, education and financial services. He currently serves as Secretary General of the Emirates Insurance Federation and the Gulf Insurance Federation and is a Member of the Chartered Insurance Institute (UK).

Education

Al Qutami holds a master's degree in administration (1985) from Western Michigan University.

Career History

• UAE Minister of Health (2006-2009)
• UAE Minister of Education (2009-2014)
• Chairman of the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources
• Director General of Dubai Health Authority
• Chairman of Commercial Bank of Dubai (2018-2024)

He also previously served as a member of the Executive Council of the Government of Dubai. He served as the former General Manager of Emirates Institute for Banking and Financial Studies.

What Humaid Mohammad Obaid Alqutam could bring to Chairman of Salama

Alqutam's appointment signals a shift toward institutional governance and risk management as Salama emerges from restructuring. His extensive background as a minister and chairman of major institutions positions him to strengthen board oversight and strategic direction. His experience leading transformative initiatives in healthcare—including mandatory health insurance expansion affecting millions—demonstrates capability to implement complex regulatory change. His tenure at Commercial Bank of Dubai and leadership at the Federal Authority for Government Human Resources suggest familiarity with financial governance, HR strategy, and stakeholder management across both public and private sectors, relevant to Salama's evolution toward sustainable growth.