Fadhel Al Ali appointed chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank
Fadhel Abdulbaqi Al Ali has been appointed chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank, taking the helm of the UAE’s largest Islamic lender as it continues expanding its international presence and financial operations.
The appointment became effective on September 30, 2026, with Al Ali succeeding Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani, who stepped down as chairman and board member earlier in September for personal reasons.
More than three decades of leadership experience
Al Ali brings more than 30 years of experience across banking, investment, corporate governance, real estate and hospitality.
He currently serves as chairman of the Dubai Financial Services Authority and Majid Al Futtaim Capital, while also sitting on the board of Egypt’s Commercial International Bank.
His wider roles include membership of the Higher Committee for the Development of the Economic and Financial Sector and the Financial Stability Council.
Earlier in his career, Al Ali served as chief executive of Dubai Holding and held senior positions at First Abu Dhabi Bank, including deputy chief executive and group chief operating officer.
A new chapter for Dubai Islamic Bank
DIB’s board said Al Ali’s leadership experience and record in institutional management would support the bank as it continues strengthening its position in Islamic finance.
The board also thanked Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani for his contribution to the bank’s development and transformation during his tenure.
DIB said its long-term strategy remains unchanged, with a continued focus on governance, financial discipline and sustainable growth.
One of Dubai’s biggest financial institutions
Founded in 1975, Dubai Islamic Bank describes itself as the world’s first full-service Islamic bank.
Today, it is the largest Islamic bank in the UAE by assets and is listed on the Dubai Financial Market.
The group has grown to more than $115 billion in assets and has a market capitalisation exceeding $18 billion.
Its network includes more than 540 branches across the Middle East, Asia and Africa, serving over 11 million customersand employing approximately 12,000 people.
Expanding beyond the UAE
DIB’s international presence now stretches well beyond Dubai.
The bank operates across markets including the UAE, Pakistan, Turkey, Indonesia, Kenya, Sudan and Bosnia.
Its expansion strategy has also included acquisitions and minority investments.
DIB previously acquired Noor Bank, owns a stake of almost 25 per cent in Indonesia’s Panin Dubai Syariah Bank, and recently acquired a 25 per cent minority stake in Turkey’s T.O.M. Group.
Strengthening Dubai’s Islamic finance sector
Al Ali’s appointment comes as Dubai continues developing its position as a major international centre for Islamic finance.
With decades of experience spanning some of the UAE’s most important financial and investment institutions, his move to DIB places him at the head of one of the country’s largest banking groups.
For Dubai Islamic Bank, the leadership change marks the beginning of a new chapter as the lender continues pursuing international growth while maintaining its position at the centre of the UAE’s Islamic banking sector.
