Ahmad Bin Byat

Ahmad Abdullah Juma Bin Byat, born on July 1, 1962, is a prominent Emirati business leader and influential figure in Dubai’s economic and technological development.

He currently serves as the Founding Chairman and CEO of Zaina Investments LLC, a private family office, and is the Vice Chairman of the Dubai Chamber of Digital Economy. He has held numerous pivotal roles that have shaped Dubai’s strategic vision and business landscape over the past three decades.

His past positions include chairman of Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (du), CEO and Vice Chairman of Dubai Holding, and Director General of Dubai Creative Clusters Authority. He played a key role in establishing and managing major entities such as the Dubai Real Estate Corporation (Wasl), Emirates Central Cooling Systems Corporation (EMPOWER), and the Dubai Education Council.

His contributions extend to governance and strategic planning where he served as secretary-general of the Dubai Executive Council and was instrumental in the formulation of the Dubai Strategic Plan 2015.

He also chaired the Dubai Urban Planning Committee and was a key figure in the development of Dubai’s telecommunications regulations, helping to establish the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and introducing competition in the telecom market.

His leadership extended to Smart Dubai initiatives and involvement with the Dubai 10x Council to advance future technologies and innovation.

In addition to his executive roles, he has been a member of various boards and committees, including the board of trustees for Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government and Zayed University, the Dubai Free Zone Council, and the Emirates Investment Authority.

His career began at Etisalat where he contributed to major milestones such as the transition from analogue to digital networks and the launch of internet and mobile services in the UAE.

He also served on the founding board of Thuraya Telecommunications Company, overseeing the launch of the first handheld-to-handheld satellite mobile phone call in the region.