Meet The Team | ADNEC Group

H.E. Falah Mohammad Al Ahbabi

Chairman ADNEC Group

The visionary leadership of H.E. Falah Al Ahbabi has helped drive the rapid pace of growth, innovation and transformation in Abu Dhabi Emirate. With more than 20 years of extensive experience in leading government organisations, H.E. has successfully established the highest level of corporate governance in the region, unifying entities that help firmly in positioning Abu Dhabi at the forefront of global business, innovation and positive change.

His excellency Falah Al Ahbabi is the Chairman of the Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Company (ADNEC). Prior to taking on the leadership position at ADNEC, he was the Chairman of the Department of Municipalities and Transport (DMT), formerly known as the Urban Planning Council (UPC) since 2007. H.E. Falah Al Ahbabi has extensive years of experience in the fields of management, governmental services, maritime, aviation, infrastructure, urban planning, investment and technology. He holds a Degree in Management from California State University, USA.

As Chairman of DMT, H.E. Falah Al Ahbabi managed the urban planning and transport sectors, three municipalities and its affiliate entities including the Abu Dhabi Integrated Centre (ITC), all of which have combined assets over AED 65 billion with more than 9,000 employees. He has been instrumental in the creation of the DMT’s ‘Complete Sustainable Communities’ initiative – a comprehensive suite of policies, regulations and manuals, which enables planners to design communities that meet the diverse needs of both current and future generations and enhance the quality of life. He is also responsible for the creation, management and implementation of the emirate-wide framework plans within the Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

Aiming at continuous development, H.E. has also overseen the digitalization of the DMT’s services and systems, enabling customers and investors to access the Department’s services digitally anytime, anywhere. In addition, he set a strategy for Abu Dhabi transportation sector to lead the charge towards best transport operations, by providing a pioneering model for the sector.

He was also the Chairman of Tadweer, Abu Dhabi’s Waste Management Centre, Abu Dhabi Housing Authority, and ZonesCorp, the largest operator of purpose-built economic zones in the United Arab Emirates.

Most recently, H.E. Al Ahbabi was appointed Chairman of AD Ports Group, the region's leading logistics, industry and trade facilitator, covering ports, industrial cities, free zones, maritime, logistics and digital. The AD Ports Group portfolio comprises 11 ports and terminals in the UAE and Guinea, and over 550 square kilometres of industrial zones within the Khalifa Industrial Zone Abu Dhabi (KIZAD). H.E. Al Ahbabi serves as the Chairman of the Emirates Heritage Club. He also sits on the boards of Environment Agency - Abu Dhabi and Modon Properties (Modon).

H.E. Falah managed the land, air and maritime transport networks of Abu Dhabi in a pivotal sector that supports the economic and sustainable development of the emirate. In recognition of Abu Dhabi’s achievements in the urban sector – reached under H.E.’s direction – the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) chose the capital to host the 10th World Urban Forum in February 2020. He has been part of significant milestones in managing the urban development model, which has contributed to a boost in infrastructure and subsequently helped Abu Dhabi to be ranked as the best city to live in the Middle East and North Africa for two years in a row 2021-2020, according to The Economist’s Annual Intelligence Liveability Index. His efforts in developing the land and maritime transport sectors during the global pandemic contributed to strengthening Abu Dhabi’s position as a leading hub in trade and logistics, and better serving humanity by focusing on the future support of global health services, in addition to establishing Abu Dhabi ports as a leading centre for the distribution of vaccines, medicines and medical supplies, through world-class cooling and cryogenic storage facilities.

Before joining the DMT, H.E played a pivotal role in establishing the first helicopter academy in the Middle East. He was also involved in the launch of the Yahsat satellite whilst working with the Mubadala Development Company. Other highlights of his career include achieving the privatization of Government services and a global experience in utilities.

Anas Jawdat AlBarguthi

Vice Chairman

Anas Jawdat AlBarguthi is Chief Operating Officer at ADQ. He oversees ADQ’s, human capital, IT, digitization and cybersecurity; and corporate services, procurement and experience and engagement.

He is also the Chairman of Abu Dhabi Media Company, Q Market Makers (QMM) and Vice Chairman of Abu Dhabi Exhibition Center and Board Member at Abu Dhabi Shipbuilding Company.

He has more than 20 years of experience in leadership positions in government, semi-government and private sectors in the UAE and UK. Throughout his career, Anas has worked in corporate governance, legal and management advisory, portfolio management, organizational transformation, and process innovation.

Anas previously held various senior positions including Assistant Secretary General and Executive Director at Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council. He was also the Executive Director at Emirates Meteorology Institute (EMI) and the role of a Senior Investment Manager at Mubadala Aerospace Division. Anas also served as a board member at ADASI.

Anas holds a master’s degree in International & Comparative Business Law (LLM) from London Guildhall University, and bachelor’s degree in Law from Amman Private University.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri

Board Member, Managing Director & Group CEO

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri has contributed to strengthening ADNEC Group’s business position in the business and leisure tourism sectors locally and internationally, becoming a key enabler in supporting Abu Dhabi’s economy, alongside enhancing the group’s businesses and innovative competitiveness across seven clusters: Venues, Events, Hotels, Food & Beverage, Services, Tourism and Media.

With more than 22 years of extensive combined experience in both government and private sectors, he is a board member of ADNEC Group, Eltizam Group, Chairman of ExCeL London, and Deputy Chair of Abu Dhabi Media.

Humaid holds a Master’s degree in Strategy and National Security Studies from the National Defence College in Abu Dhabi, a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Glasgow in the UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the United Arab Emirates University.

Marcos de Quadros

Board Member

Marcos de Quadros is Chief Financial Officer at ADQ, where he leads the Accounting, Financial Planning and Analysis, Treasury and Tax functions.

He currently serves as a board member for Louis Dreyfus Company, Birgi-Mefar, ADQ Aviation and Aerospace Services LLC, ADNEC & Senaat. He is also a member of the Investment Committee at Daman.

Previously, Marcos served as Group Chief Financial Officer for the AW Rostamani Group and as Chief Financial Officer for Al Futtaim GE Finance in the UAE.

His earlier career in Brazil included serving as Chief Financial Officer of GE Capital Bank in Brazil and other finance roles in Banco Itau, Merrill Lynch and ABN Amro Securities. His career spans the management of start-ups, turnarounds, cost reduction initiatives, acquisitions and divestitures. Additionally, he has experience in Operations, Investments and IT.

Marcos holds bachelor degrees in Business Administration from Mackenzie University and Civil Engineering from Sao Paulo Estate University. He concluded post-graduation studies in Accounting and Controllership from Sao Paulo Estate University. He also completed the Wharton Advanced Management Program.

Iman Al Qasim

Board Member

Iman Al Qasim is Executive Vice President Human Capital at Emirates Global Aluminium (EGA). A Human Resources leader and change agent with particular expertise in organisational transformation.

She has over 20 years of experience in industries including Finance, Energy, Automotive, and Retail and in both Government and multinational organisations. Before joining EGA, she was the Group Human Resources Director at Emirates National Oil Company ENOC.

Earlier in her career, she served as Executive Director of Human Capital at Mubadala Investment Company, Deputy Vice President Human Resources at Dolphin Energy, and Human Resources Director at General Motors Middle East.

Gerald Lawless

Board Member

Gerard Lawless joined Jumeirah Group in 1997 and helped establish it as one of the premier luxury hotel brands in the world. Taking on the challenge of launching Burj Al Arab, the world’s most luxurious hotel, after the successful introduction of Jumeirah Beach Hotel to an eager travelling public. Mr Lawless went on to become President and Group Chief Executive Officer of the Jumeirah Group. He then led the development of the group for the next twenty years.

At the beginning of 2016, having served at the helm of the Jumeirah Group, Mr. Lawless assumed a new leadership position responsible for tourism and hospitality in Dubai Holding, the Group’s parent company. During this period, he served as Chairman of the World Travel and Tourism Council. He has now retired from these roles and continues to reside in Dubai.

Roque Solabarrieta

Board Member

Roque Solabarrieta is an Executive Director at ADQ, focusing on ICT, tourism and real estate sectors. Roque is a seasoned Telecom, Media and Strategy Consultant with a demonstrated track record in strategy, transformation and operations across the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. Roque joined ADQ in October 2019.

Prior to joining ADQ, Roque worked for 10 years at Etisalat Group (2009-2019) in numerous roles. Roque’s last position at Etisalat was Chief Operating Officer for e-Vision, media arm of Etisalat Group. Prior to this role, Roque led Etisalat Group Strategy unit for numerous years.

Before joining Etisalat, Roque worked as a Strategy consultant from 2006 – 2019 in Europe and Middle East for Capgemini UK and Booz & Company Middle East. Before its engagement in the Strategy Consultant field, Roque worked for Primus Telecommunications in UK and USA from 1999 until 2005 as business development Director.

Roque currently serves as a member on the Board of Directors of ADNEC Group, ExCel London, twofour54, Abu Dhabi Media, StarzPlay Arabia, and MIZA. Previously, Roque engaged in several other board roles, including Etisalat Nigeria, eVision, Eltizam Group, and Image Nation.

Roque holds an MBA from Helsinki School of Economics, Finland and a bachelor’s degree in Commercial Engineering from Universidad Adolfo Ibanez, Chile.

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri

Board Member, Managing Director & Group CEO

Humaid Matar Al Dhaheri has contributed to strengthening ADNEC Group’s business position in the business and leisure tourism sectors locally and internationally, becoming a key enabler in supporting Abu Dhabi’s economy, alongside enhancing the group’s businesses and innovative competitiveness across seven clusters: Venues, Events, Hotels, Food & Beverage, Services, Tourism and Media.

With more than 22 years of extensive combined experience in both government and private sectors, he is a board member of ADNEC Group, Eltizam Group, Chairman of ExCeL London, and Deputy Chair of Abu Dhabi Media.

Humaid holds a Master’s degree in Strategy and National Security Studies from the National Defence College in Abu Dhabi, a Master’s degree in International Accounting and Financial Management from the University of Glasgow in the UK, and a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the United Arab Emirates University.