Hamad Buamim to step down as president and CEO of Dubai Chambers

Dubai Chambers has announced that Hamad Buamim, its president and CEO, is stepping down after 16 years of service.

He will continue to support Dubai Chambers for the next three months.

According to the state news agency, WAM, Hassan Al Hashemi, VP of International Relations – Dubai Chambers, has been appointed to the role of president and CEO in an acting capacity.

Hamad Buamim stated, “Dubai Chambers today serves over 320,000 members in a wide range of economic sectors. This would not have been possible without the unwavering support of our leadership and the guidance of the Dubai Chambers Board of Directors. As I move to pursue new interests including advisory and non-executive positions, I thank the leadership and the Dubai Chambers team for their dedication and commitment to achieve exceptional growth and to widen our geographic outreach.”

Abdul Aziz Al Ghurair, chairman of Dubai Chambers, said: “In a remarkable career at Dubai Chambers, Buamim not only accomplished several milestones that catalysed business growth but also sparked innovation across the organisation. We thank him for elevating the profile of Dubai Chambers, resulting in Dubai transforming into an important hub for business.

“Buamim’s sterling accomplishments have played a fundamental role in the onward journey of the Dubai Chambers as we focus on delivering our leadership’s vision to strengthen international trade, boost local business, and accelerate the transition to the digital economy. We wish him the very best in his future endeavours and are privileged to have his continued support to the Dubai Chambers.”

Buamim’s achievements as president and CEO include growing the membership of Dubai Chambers by over four times from 80,000 to over 320,000, making Dubai Chamber one of the top ten chambers in the world and the largest membership-based organisation in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region.

He launched 12 international offices and strengthened the focus of Dubai Chambers on emerging markets, including Latin America and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He played a key role in unlocking partnerships with African nations and positioning Dubai as a global gateway to Africa. He established the Dubai Association Centre, within the chambers, and attracted more than 80 international Associations.

Buamim also established the Dubai Centre for Responsible Business, the first organisation in Dubai focused on corporate social responsibility initiatives by businesses.