Dubai’s International Humanitarian City appoints new CEO

Under the direction of Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Board of Directors of International Humanitarian City (IHC), the world’s largest and busiest logistics hub for humanitarian aid, today announced the appointment of Moosa Al Hashemi as its new CEO.

Al Hashemi has over 16 years of solid management and executive experience having previously held the positions of Director of Engagement at Expo 2020 Dubai and Chief Commercial and Investment Officer at Manazel Real Estate, as well as Head of Delivery Unit in the Executive Office of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum and Performance Development Manager and Senior Industrial Engineer with Emirates Airlines.

Al Hashemi graduated from the University of Colorado with a Bachelor’s Degree in Industrial Engineering and a Minor’s Degree in Management.

Al Hashemi will be responsible for driving the IHC to the next level, building on the solid foundation and momentum previously achieved by the organisation’s management and team. In his capacity as CEO, he will oversee the strategic direction of the IHC as well as the day-to-day management and implementation of the organisation’s long and short term plans. In addition to his core responsibilities, he will also work closely with the IHC’s Board of Directors to uphold HH Sheikh Mohammed’s founding vision to position the organization at the forefront of the global humanitarian scene.

"I am extremely honored to serve as the IHC’s CEO. Since its inception in 2003, and thanks to the vision and direction of His Highness Sheikh Mohammad, the organisation has grown from strength to strength, and I am privileged to have this opportunity," stated Al Hashemi. "The IHC is an organisation that reflects the giving spirit and generosity of His Highness and the people of Dubai and the UAE, and it is fueled by the people who are committed to making a difference. I look forward to working closely with the IHC’s Board of Directors as well as my team to best serve the network and create lasting change for those in need."

Al Hashemi succeeds Shaima Al Zarooni, who has stepped down from her position as CEO, following the announcement of her marriage and move to the United States. She has been transferred back to the Office of HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein to support HRH Princess Haya as a UN Messenger of Peace, whose portfolio is to oversee Hunger and Poverty.

Al Zarooni was appointed in 2011.

In her capacity, and under the direction of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed, Al Zarooni successfully led her team to be among the first to respond to recent global conflicts and emergencies in Gaza, Pakistan, Nepal, Haiti, and Greece, to name but a few.

During her time, the IHC benefited from a three-fold growth in both capacity and membership and an almost five-fold increase in funding for humanitarian aid provided through the organization itself. Al Zarooni is credited for having relocated the IHC – more than 60 reputable international humanitarian agencies and non-for-profit organizations – to Dubai World Central as well as developing and implementing a new strategy to further position theIHC as a leading global logistics hub.

"I am very proud to welcome Moosa Al Hashimi as CEO of the IHC, I believe his experience, and knowledge and his ‘can-do’attitude will take the IHC to new heights," said IHC Chairperson HRH Princess Haya. "His Highness Sheikh Mohammed constantly reminds us of the duty to help those in need, and to improve the speed at which we react and the service levels that we provide all the time. The IHC Board and I feel absolutely confident that Moosa will achieve this."