Seasoned industry leader assumes responsibility for ports, logistics, and free zones across GCC markets.
Dubai: Global trade and logistics leader DP World has named Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan as CEO and Managing Director for its GCC operations, entrusting the long-serving executive with one of the group’s most strategically significant regions.
Al-Hassan assumed the position in February 2026, where he now oversees DP World’s integrated operations across the Gulf. His responsibilities include supervising ports and terminals, economic zones, marine services, logistics, and trade solutions throughout the region.
The appointment positions him at the heart of the company’s regional expansion strategy, covering major markets such as the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.
Expanding trade infrastructure across the GCC
In his new role, Al-Hassan is responsible for advancing trade infrastructure across the region, with a focus on enhancing supply chain efficiency and transparency for cargo owners using DP World’s network.
His mandate also includes expanding end-to-end logistics solutions and strengthening the company’s footprint across ports, terminals and free zones that facilitate trade flows throughout the Gulf Cooperation Council region.
The Gulf Cooperation Council remains a critical hub for global shipping routes, linking Asia, Europe, and Africa through key logistics corridors anchored by the United Arab Emirates’ port infrastructure.
From finance leadership to regional chief
Al-Hassan takes on the new position after serving as Chief Financial Officer for DP World’s GCC operations from 2021 to 2026.
During that time, he managed the company’s regional financial strategy, overseeing areas such as capital allocation, treasury management, tax planning, and investment governance.
His role also covered corporate finance and business development, along with oversight of legal and corporate services functions at DP World.
Two decades of global experience
Al-Hassan brings more than 23 years of international experience across sectors including logistics, treasury, banking, real estate and healthcare.
His career has taken him through several major global financial centres such as Dubai, Washington, D.C., London, and Hong Kong.
Since joining DP World in 2010, Al-Hassan has held several senior roles across the company’s global operations.
These included leadership positions in group treasury and business development at the company’s corporate headquarters, followed by a stint as Deputy Chief Financial Officer at London Gateway in the United Kingdom.
He later served as Chief Financial Officer for DP World’s Asia Pacific region in Hong Kong, where he oversaw financial operations across one of the group’s largest international networks.
Board roles across the region
Alongside his executive duties, Al-Hassan currently sits on the boards of several companies in the United Arab Emirates and Oman
His previous board experience also includes roles linked to DP World’s operations in South Korea, Thailand, Vietnam, and the Philippines.
