Saleh Al Abdooli Saleh Al Abdooli had power thrust upon him in 2016 when he was appointed the new chief executive officer of telecommunications giant Etisalat Group. Having already run the group’s UAE operations for four years, Al Abdooli was well placed to take the reins vacated by former CEO Ahmad Julfar, and his temporary replacement Hatem Dowidar… Saleh Al Abdooli had power thrust upon him in 2016 when he was appointed the new chief executive officer of telecommunications giant Etisalat Group. Having already run the group’s UAE operations for four years, Al Abdooli was well placed to take the reins vacated by former CEO Ahmad Julfar, and his temporary replacement Hatem Dowidar but his task is not an easy one, with increased competition for the company’s international operations including Egypt and Pakistan. However, his position at the head of one of the UAE’s most powerful companies has helped Al Abdooli edge Etisalat closer towards the industry’s coveted 5G technology, which he expects to deploy commercially by 2020. CEO, Etisalat Group Origin:UAE Residence:UAE Sector:Telecoms