Biography

Dr. Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi

Dr. Hamed Bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi was born in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates into an eminent culture and arts oriented Emirati family with profound influence in the development of the United Arab Emirates.

His father, H.E Mohamed Khalifa Bin Yousef Al Suwaidi, is a Diplomat and former Advisor to Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates. He is also the founder of Bin Yousef Group – a holding group active in multiple sectors including financial investments, asset management, real estate, shipping, travel, and entertainment. He is the second child to Khalifa Bin Yousef Al Suwaidi, a statesman who played a significant role in the creation of The United Arab Emirates and in the economic and political development at the time in Abu Dhabi.

His Mother, Mouza Bint Ahmed Bin Khalifa Al Suwaidi, is the eldest child to H.E Ahmed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, the Personal Representative of the UAE President, who was the first to read the historic statement of the founding of the United Arab Emirates on December 2, 1971 and the first UAE Foreign Minister for several years until he was appointed to his current post.

Education:


Dr. Al Suwaidi attended Al Nahda National High School in Abu Dhabi. He subsequently attended Wycliffe College in Gloucestershire, UK, where he achieved his A-levels. Thereafter, he graduated in 2004 from Regents University, London, with a dual degree (BBA) in International Business and a BSc (Hons) in Business Administration. He also earned a Post Graduate Diploma in Finance & Banking and an MSc in Strategic Business from the University of Portsmouth, UK. In 2014, he completed his PhD in Economics & Finance from the University of Portsmouth with research titled “Stated Preferences for Future Management Developments in the Hospitality Sector, A Case Study of The Emirate of Abu Dhabi, UAE”.

Banking Career:


Dr. Al Suwaidi began his career in September 2004 with The National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD) where he honed his experience for thirteen years. He lastly occupied his position as the Regional CEO Middle East & Africa as the bank’s chief representative in the region and actively contributed to the merger and integration between National Bank of Abu Dhabi and the First Gulf Bank into First Abu Dhabi Bank, FAB, now known as the largest bank in the Middle East and North Africa.

  1. 2004
  2. 2007
  3. 2009
  4. 2010
  5. 2012
  6. 2013
  7. 2013
  8. 2014
  9. 2014
  10. 2015
  11. 2016
  12. 2017

  1. Started banking career as a Credit Analyst in the International Banking Division

  2. Promoted to a Senior Credit Analyst

  3. Worked as Business Development Manager

  4. Served as a Senior Manager – Europe in the International Banking Devision

  5. Led a delegation representing the United Arab Emirates in Hungary to discuss the economic development, cultural and tourism matters between the two countries

  6. Met László Kövér, Acting President of Hungary and the current Speaker of the National Assembly of Hungary, where the visit has greatly contributed in strengthening the economic relations and achieving economic balance between Hungary and the UAE. The meeting has also resulted in initiating the potential collaboration with University of Pécs

  7. Made a special trip to Albania and met with the President of Chamber of Commerce, the Minister of Health, Minister of Economy, Minister of Education, the Minister of Culture, and Tourism and Youth exploring potential Emirati opportunities for investments and developments. In addition to meeting the Mayor of Tirana and former Minister of Foreign Affairs

  8. Served as the Executive Director of Gulf & International & Deputy Regional CEO – Gulf & Africa

  9. Introduced a seat for NBAD to be part of the International Banking Division Head Office with the UAE-UK Joint Governmental Business Council

  10. Served as the Regional CEO Middle East & Africa, actively contributed to the merger and integration between National Bank of Abu Dhabi and the First Gulf Bank into First Abu Dhabi Bank, FAB

  11. Strategically worked on positioning the National Bank of Abu Dhabi as a contributor in the UAE’s commercial and investment relations with other countries in the world

  12. Actively contributed to the establishment of First Abu Dhabi Bank, FAB

Personal and Family Business


Dr. Al Suwaidi manages a portfolio of self and family asset management in real estate and financial investments in addition to Household operations.

In 2010, he was appointed as Vice Chairman and Managing Director of Bin Yousef Group which is founded and fully owned by his father, H.E Mohamed Khalifa Bin Yousef Al Suwaidi, a holding group active in multiple sectors including financial investments, asset management, real estate, shipping, travel and entertainment.


Al Emarat United

With strong family roots in trading, business, and state policy, Dr. Al Suwaidi carried forward the task of growing the family brand with connections across borders particularly between the UAE and the UK. In 2014, he started and chaired Portsmouth Limited Abu Dhabi, with UK representation. It is a general trading firm promoting local and foreign investors in the region with several associations across borders. The establishment of Portsmouth Limited (now known as Al Emarat United Limited) was derived from Dr Al Suwaidi’s strong international professional network in various industries and markets and potential negotiation and international relations skills. His mission has been to combine all of these elements to continue the family’s brand and legacy, one that started from the late Khalifa Bin Yousef Al Suwaidi, to rise up to the challenges of the 21st century. The company’s name reflects his belief in the strength of the family’s trading roots in the ports of the Gulf.

Dr Al Suwaidi’s passion to his culture and his country has encouraged him to further promote the Emirate of Abu Dhabi as a powerful brand in its tourism and culture at a national and international level.

He has greatly contributed in strengthening the joint relation between the UK and the UAE and is one of the initial founders of the UK-UAE Year of Culture which was announced in November 2016 by His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and HRH Prince Charles, The Prince of Wales - The Patron of UK-UAE Year of Culture.

The Abu Dhabi Arts Society

In 2019, he founded The Abu Dhabi Arts Society, ADAS, under the influence of his upbringing in an environment full of thought and creativity and was natural to appreciate the arts. Encompassing visual arts, poetry, and music, ADAS aims to shed light on traditional and emerging artists from the region and bring together a community of artists, collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts for private events and social gatherings.

Under ADAS, Dr. Al Suwaidi created the first-ever Emirati tartan which was designed by himself and and Ken MacDonald. The AlSuwaidi tartan is made up of the traditional Pan-Arab colours that form the UAE's flag. Along with the tartan, the Abu Dhabi tie was specifically designed by Dr. Al Suwaidi carrying the emblem of the Emirate of Abu Dhabi. The custom made patriotic necktie reflects an authentic image of Abu Dhabi. The tie is manufactured by Benson & Clegg one of the oldest silk weavers in England. The tie is one of the personally manufactured collection which also includes cufflinks and lapel pin.

Dr. Hamed bin Mohamed Al Suwaidi has also founded several other organizations such as the Al Suwaidi Foundation and Ousha Bint Khalifa Al Suwaidi Foundation.

Philanthropy


Dr. Al Suwaidi dedicates a significant amount of time to philanthropy, volunteer work, and community wellbeing.

Over the years, he has been an active member of several projects that aim to give back to the community by supporting young leaders, local artists and collaborating with nonprofit organisations in the UAE and the UK such as Make a Wish Foundation, The Prince’s Trust, the Gifford Wood Appeal, Lombard Appeal, the Commemorations of Waterloo Battle 200th Anniversary, the 90th Anniversary of The Kate Kennedy Procession of St. Andrew’s University, the Scottish Tartan Association and most recently Al Faraj Fund.

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Initiatives

One of Dr. Al Suwaidi’s greatest initiatives has led him to found The Abu Dhabi Arts Society. Encompassing visual arts, poetry, and music, ADAS aims to shine a light on traditional and emerging artists from the region and bring together a community of artists, collectors, scholars, and enthusiasts for private events, social gatherings, and openings. As chairman of the Abu Dhabi Arts Foundation, Dr. Al Suwaidi was influenced by his upbringing in an environment full of thought and creativity and was natural to appreciate the arts.

The Al Suwaidi Foundation was founded by Dr. Hamed bin Mohamed Khalifa Al Suwaidi, in 2019 to manage the enduring legacies of the late family members and to undertake projects designed to preserve the cultural and artistic heritage of the United Arab Emirates.