Omar Hafeez

Omar Hafeez is Group Head of International Banking at First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB), where he leads the bank's international franchise across key markets in the Middle East, Americas, Europe, Asia and beyond. He is a 21-year Citi veteran who most recently served as the bank's chief executive for North Africa, Levant, and Central Asia.

Hafeez started his career in Pakistan in 1994, where he went on to serve as Corporate Bank Head between 2004 and 2007. Following a 13-year stint at Citi Pakistan, he led the bank's franchises in Tanzania and Nigeria respectively, then assumed leadership of the bank's Global Subsidiaries Group for North America. He holds the qualification from the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales.

Hafeez is responsible for expanding FAB's international footprint as the UAE's global bank, driving strategic expansion and fostering alignment across the bank's key business lines. His appointment marks a milestone in FAB's ongoing transformation under CEO Hana Al Rostamani, who has been steering a strategic overhaul to ramp up the bank's global footprint and strengthen its financial and advisory services.

Career history

• Group Head of International Banking, First Abu Dhabi Bank (2025–present)
• Head of North Africa, Levant and Central Asia, Citi (2023–2025)
• Head of Global Subsidiaries Group for North America, Citi
• Leadership roles at Citi in Tanzania and Nigeria
• Corporate Bank Head, Citi Pakistan (2004–2007)

What Omar Hafeez could bring to his role as Group Head of International Banking at FAB: With nearly three decades of banking experience spanning emerging markets in EMEA, North America, and Asia, combined with his proven track record of growing businesses and deepening client relationships across Pakistan, Tanzania, Nigeria, and Japan, Hafeez is well-positioned to execute FAB's strategic expansion into new markets. His background in franchise development and regional management suggests he can effectively drive the bank's ambition to strengthen its position as a global corridor bank while managing complex cross-border operations across the bank's 20-market footprint.