Dubai developer Nakheel appoints new CEO

Dubai-based developer Nakheel has appointed Naaman Atallah as its chief executive officer.

Atallah, who was most recently working as the CEO of Piramal Realty in India, also previously served as the CEO of Dubai Properties. He was also a former COO at Qatari Diar and was earlier the COO of Emaar Properties.

The new CEO replaces Sanjay Manchanda stepped down from his position on March 1, 2020 to pursue new opportunities.

Read: Dubai developer Nakheel cuts salaries by up to 50%, CEO steps down

The developer also appointed Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani as its new chairman in January to replace Ali Rashid Lootah, who resigned after roughly 10 years in the role.

Read: Dubai developer Nakheel appoints new chairman

Nakheel’s developments across Dubai span 15,000 hectares, and include projects such as Palm Jumeirah, The World, Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Park, Jumeirah Village, Al Furjan, The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Village, Dragon City, International City and the upcoming Deira Islands.

Its retail arm includes The Pointe – which recently inaugurated the world’s largest fountain, as well as Nakheel Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall and Dragon Mart. Upcoming projects include Souk Warsan, Al Khail Avenue and The Circle Mall.

Nakheel Hospitality’s project portfolio comprises Premier Inn Ibn Battuta Mall, Avani Ibn Battuta, ibis Styles Dragon Mart and Premier Inn Dragon Mart, with the Riu Dubai – the first project to be completed at Deira Islands – set to open next month. The St. Regis Dubai – The Palm, part of the Palm Tower project, and Nakheel’s second joint venture, the Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai, are scheduled to open in 2021.

Meanwhile its residential leasing projects include 17,000 villas and apartments at The Gardens, Discovery Gardens, Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan, Nad Al Sheba Villas, Palm Jumeirah, Badrah, Veneto and International City.

Mohammed Ibrahim Al-Shaibani, chairman of Nakheel, said: “As we enter a new phase in our growth, Naaman Atallah’s extensive experience and proven track record will be key in further enhancing Nakheel’s position as a world-leading, customer-focused organisation that plays a pivotal role in the growth of Dubai’s real estate sector.”