Essa Ali Bin Salem Alzaabi

Essa Ali Bin Salem Alzaabi was appointed Chairman of the Board of Directors of Islamic Arab Insurance Company (Salama) in October 2025, marking a significant leadership transition for one of the UAE's leading Takaful providers. Alzaabi brings more than two decades of leadership experience across the public and private sectors with a strong background in human capital development, entrepreneurship and institutional transformation.

Career History

• Senior Vice President - Support Services at Dubai Chamber of Commerce & Industry (since April 2013)
• Deputy General Manager at Emirates Institute for Banking and Finance (October 2009 to May 2013)
• Vice President of Human Capital at Dubai World Trade Centre (August 2006 to October 2009)
• Manager at the Dubai Tanmia Office under The National Human Resources Development and Employment Authority (October 2000 to July 2006)

Education

Alzaabi completed the Executive Development Program at Harvard Business School in 2012, focusing on Managing Strategically and Leading for Results. He obtained a General Management Certificate from Cranfield School of Management in 2008, and attended the University of Louisville.

Notable Achievements

At Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alzaabi launched the Dubai Startup Hub. His appointment to Salama followed shareholder approval of the company's recapitalisation plan, aimed at enhancing solvency and strengthening regulatory capital.

What Alzaabi could bring to Salama

Alzaabi's extensive background in institutional transformation and human capital development positions him to advance Salama's strategic priorities during a critical recapitalization period. His experience launching entrepreneurial initiatives at Dubai Chamber, combined with his regulatory expertise from roles at the Emirates Institute for Banking and Finance, equips him to drive operational excellence and sustainable growth while navigating the company's restructuring toward profitability and market leadership.