H.E. Dr. Mohamed Omar Abdulla

Former UAE Ambassador to Singapore

Withholding a wealth of experience and knowledge that spans over four decades focusing on key areas of economic development, human resources and banking. Worked with leading institutions and held key positions with government authorities in Abu Dhabi - UAE and also sat as a Board Member in different organizations in the UAE. He holds a bachelor degree in Law and Sharia from Kuwait University, holds a Doctorate in Philosophy, from University of Northampton in the UK, after successfully defending the thesis entitled: An exploration into factors and influences toward increased effectiveness of Public Sector Boards (PSBs) in Abu Dhabi.

Experience

UAE Ambassador to Singapore June 2016 – August 2020

On June 2016, he was posted as the UAE Ambassador to Singapore.

Department of Economic Development (DED) June 2015

Advisor to the Chairman of DED

Appointed on June 07,2015 as an advisor to the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED).

Department of Economic Development (DED) March 2007 – June 2015

Undersecretary of the DED

On March 28, 2007 appointed as Undersecretary of the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (DED) wherein, led the restructuring of the department and oversaw the drafting of the Law No. (2) of 2009 on the establishment of the Department of Economic Development that was a cornerstone in delivering the Abu Dhabi 2030 Economic Vision. By drafting the first five-year Economic Strategic Plan (20082012), it was the solid foundation for several initiatives to meet the development objectives of the Economic Vision, empowered rapid development and growth in government services, strengthened Abu Dhabi’s competitive advantages, raised level of economic performance, and increased effectiveness by identifying the needs for sectors to grow.

Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry May 1997 – March 2007

Director General of Abu Dhabi Chamber

Served as the Director General during years at the Chamber, He oversaw the major and key transformation of the Chamber to serve its strategic objectives towards empowering and supporting the private sector effectiveness and competitiveness to contribute to sustainable economic growth. Dr. Mohamed oversaw key strategies to support member businesses, promote the Emirate internationally, and foster partnerships between the public and private sectors in the framework of amended Law No. 27/2005 establishing by that a new chapter in the Chamber’s journey.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi November 1993 – May 1997

Chief Human Recourses Office, Assistant General Manager

At the request of National Bank of Abu Dhabi, He returned and joined the team at NBAD by leading their Human Resources department and his mandate was to establish a comprehensive HR Strategy that caters to the banks strategic goals locally and internationally to be the “leading bank”. The strategy was successful in meeting its targets, attract and retain high caliber team and oversee their development and motivation to lead the bank towards its long-term strategic goals.

National Drilling Company (NDC) April 1989 – October 1993

Finance Manager

Joining National Drilling Company, a subsidiary of ADNOC, as a Finance Manager, Dr. Mohamed oversaw the transition of the company by drastically changing and upgrading the policies and procedures in HR, Finance, IT, and Internal Audit to capacitate for the company’s expansionary goals in oil drilling while maintaining high levels of organization excellence and efficiency.

National Bank of Abu Dhabi January 1978 – March 1989

Branch Manager

Despite the background in Law and Sharia, Dr. Mohamed began his career in the banking industry and joined NBAD as an employee in 1978 and rapidly proved his high capabilities and dedication to assume higher roles in the bank. Dr. Mohamed assumed the role of Branch Manager of the second largest branch at that time for NBAD and headed the expansion of its client base and profitability until 1989.

Publications

Smart Transformation: A Roadmap for World Class Government (March 2011) Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan

Dr. Mohamed co-authors with three other pioneers in publishing the book on government transformation, inspired by the best practices and smart transformation of governments in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates as a whole.