Former governor of Dubai’s DIFC dies

Abdullah Mohammed Saleh, who served as governor of the Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) and as the former vice chairman of Emirates NBD passed away this week.

The senior banker was in a coma for the past few months, according to local media reports.

UAE Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum offered his condolences on Saleh’s death.

Saleh was one of the founders of National Bank of Dubai (NBD) in 1963 and served as its managing director from 1982 to January 2004.

He later served as the bank’s chairman from 2005 until NBD’s merger with Emirates Bank International. He was then appointed as vice chairman of the merged entity, Emirates NBD, the largest lender in Dubai.

Saleh also served as the chairman of the Dubai Financial Service Authority (DFSA) from June 2007 to August 2011 and the same year, he was appointed governor of DIFC. He remained in that role until 2013 but he remained a member of the higher board of DIFC.

He also held senior roles in International Octane Limited, MARSH INSCO and Dubai Transport Company (DUTCO).

Saleh also served as an advisor on financial matters to the late Ruler of Dubai Sheikh Rashid Bin Said Al Maktoum.