DP World appoints Ahmad Yousef Al-Hassan as CEO and Managing Director for GCC

DP World has appointed Ahmad Yousef Al‑Hassan as Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director for the GCC, expanding his leadership responsibilities across one of the company’s most strategically important regions.

In his new role, Al-Hassan will oversee an integrated portfolio that includes ports, terminals, economic zones, digital platforms and logistics operations across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman and Upper Gulf markets.

The appointment follows the transition of Abdulla Bin Damithan to Chairman of the Ports, Customs & Free Zone Corporation in February 2026.

Announcing the leadership change, DP World said Al-Hassan will lead the company’s GCC operations as it continues to focus on supporting customers and maintaining safe, reliable and efficient trade flows across the region.

Al-Hassan has been with DP World since 2010 and most recently served as Chief Financial Officer for the GCC region. During his tenure, he has held several senior leadership roles, including positions within the Group Treasury and Business Development teams at the company’s headquarters and an international assignment as Deputy CFO at DP World London Gateway in the UK. He also previously led the finance function for DP World’s Asia Pacific region from Hong Kong.

Commenting on his appointment, Al-Hassan said he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the business in the region and emphasised the importance of resilience and partnership in maintaining global trade operations.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to lead DP World in the region. At times like this, resilience and partnership matter more than ever, and our priority remains to support our people, serve our customers and keep trade flowing,” he said.

Al-Hassan also thanked Bin Damithan for his leadership and for building strong momentum for the company’s regional operations.

With more than two decades of finance and business leadership experience across Dubai, London and Hong Kong, Al-Hassan has worked across financial planning, treasury, project finance, debt restructuring, corporate transformation and investment strategy. His sector experience spans real estate, banking, healthcare and logistics.

He currently serves on the boards of several companies in the UAE and has previously held board positions in South Korea, Thailand and the Philippines within DP World’s global network.

Recently, DP World has also announced a broader leadership transition at the group level, appointing Yuvraj Narayan as Group CEO, following the resignation of long-time CEO Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem.