Dubai Tourism Executive and Leadership Team

October, 2026

Leadership Overview

Dubai Tourism has 4 executives leading key functions including policy development, regulatory governance, economic strategy, and corporate performance.

Committed to global excellence in travel experiences, Dubai Tourism advances the United Arab Emirates as a premier destination through strategic tourism planning, cultural promotion, and the delivery of world-class visitor accommodations and events.

Leadership Roles at Dubai Tourism

  • Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector - Farid Karmostaji
  • Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance - Sahia Ahmad
  • Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy - Essa Hadher
  • Corporate Strategy & Performance Acting Chief Executive Officer - Yousuf Lootah
  • Farid Karmostaji - Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector

    Farid Karmostaji, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector at Dubai Tourism, directs the formulation of comprehensive frameworks governing regional hospitality standards. Karmostaji analyzes complex market data to refine tourism policies, ensuring alignment with the broader economic objectives of the United Arab Emirates. By evaluating industry trends, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector identifies growth opportunities that enhance visitor engagement and infrastructure development. Farid Karmostaji maintains rigorous oversight of economic studies, providing actionable insights that support long-term sustainability for the tourism sector. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with government stakeholders to streamline regulatory processes. Through the application of data-driven methodologies, the Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector optimizes the competitive positioning of the region, ultimately fostering a robust environment for international travel and investment within the hospitality landscape.

    Sahia Ahmad - Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance

    Sahia Ahmad, the Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance at Dubai Tourism, architects the legal and operational frameworks necessary for maintaining high-quality standards across the hospitality industry. Ahmad oversees the implementation of compliance protocols, ensuring all travel accommodations and event providers adhere to regional mandates. By managing the regulatory landscape, the Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance mitigates operational risks while promoting transparency for international visitors. Sahia Ahmad coordinates with internal departments to harmonize governance practices, facilitating seamless interactions between private sector partners and public authorities. This executive function requires constant monitoring of legislative shifts to maintain the integrity of the tourism ecosystem. Through the enforcement of strict quality controls, the Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance secures the reputation of the United Arab Emirates as a safe, reliable, and premier destination for global travelers seeking diverse cultural experiences.
    Sahia Ahmad

    Essa Hadher - Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy

    Essa Hadher, the Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy at Dubai Tourism, drives the long-term financial planning and market expansion initiatives that define the regional tourism footprint. Hadher evaluates macroeconomic indicators to forecast travel demand, enabling the organization to allocate resources toward high-impact tourism activities and events. By architecting strategic partnerships, the Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy expands the reach of the United Arab Emirates into emerging global markets. Essa Hadher collaborates with the Board to align fiscal objectives with the overarching mission of increasing visitor volume and expenditure. This leadership role involves identifying innovative revenue streams within the hospitality sector to ensure sustained growth. Through the execution of targeted economic programs, the Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy strengthens the competitive advantage of the region, ensuring that tourism remains a primary pillar of the local economy while delivering exceptional value to international guests.

    Yousuf Lootah - Corporate Strategy & Performance Acting Chief Executive Officer

    Yousuf Lootah, the Corporate Strategy & Performance Acting Chief Executive Officer at Dubai Tourism, manages the organizational efficiency and operational output of the entire entity. Lootah monitors key performance indicators across all departments, ensuring that strategic goals translate into measurable success for the hospitality and travel sectors. By streamlining internal processes, the Corporate Strategy & Performance Acting Chief Executive Officer enhances the agility of the organization in responding to shifting market dynamics. Yousuf Lootah facilitates cross-functional communication, aligning the efforts of various teams to achieve unified corporate objectives. This leadership role involves rigorous assessment of project outcomes to drive continuous improvement in service delivery and visitor satisfaction. Through the implementation of performance-based management systems, the Corporate Strategy & Performance Acting Chief Executive Officer optimizes the operational capacity of the organization, ultimately securing the status of the United Arab Emirates as a leader in global tourism excellence.

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    Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dubai Tourism Top Executives and Leadership Team

    Who leads Dubai Tourism?
    Dubai Tourism is led by Farid Karmostaji (Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector), along with executives such as Sahia Ahmad (Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance) and Essa Hadher (Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy).
    Who is part of Dubai Tourism’s executive team?
    The executive team of Dubai Tourism includes leaders such as Farid Karmostaji (Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector), Sahia Ahmad (Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance), Essa Hadher (Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy) and other senior executives.
    How many executives does Dubai Tourism have?
    Dubai Tourism has 4 executives leading key business areas.
    What roles are included in Dubai Tourism’s leadership team?
    The leadership team of Dubai Tourism includes roles such as Deputy Chief Executive Officer - Policies and Economic Studies Sector, Chief Executive Officer, Regulatory Policy & Governance, Chief Executive Officer, Economic Strategy, Corporate Strategy & Performance Acting Chief Executive Officer.