Municipal Council Chairman
The Chairman seeks to improve the quality of life and well-being in the city of kalba within its strategic vision. It is committed to launching initiatives that support humanitarian causes for the local community. It uses all possible means of communication with the community members in order to touch on the issues of direct concern to them and to identify their needs and aspirations.
Chairman’s Message
“Our municipal council culture cultivates passionate, talented problem solvers and responsiveness. We work hard to gain a deep understanding of our city’s businesses and needs, and our city’s challenges are treated with urgency and respect, as we work relentlessly to meet or exceed the expectations.”
Chairman’s Goals for the Municipal Council:
- Enhance Local Services: Improve and expand services for the local community in Kalba, including developing infrastructure, enhancing health and education services, and improving the city’s overall environment.
- Promote Sustainable Development: Enhance sustainable development in the city through projects and programs that contribute to preserving natural resources and the environment.
- Strengthen Local Governance: Improve the level of local governance and increase the transparency of local affairs in the Municipal Council.
- Promote Social Cooperation: Encourage cooperation and communication between Municipal Council members and the local community to ensure a better response to community needs.
- Support Economic Projects: Support and promote local economic projects and attract investments to enhance economic development in the city.
- Promote Culture and Heritage: Preserve local culture and heritage, and support cultural and artistic events in the city.
Achieving these goals reflects dedication and a desire to improve the standard of living and the local environment for the residents of Kalba, ensuring its sustainable development.
Chairman’s Background
Dr. Obaid Saif Hamad Ali Al Zaabi is the Chairman of the Municipal Council of Kalba since 2022. In addition to his responsibilities as the head of the Municipal Council, he has a broad background and diverse experiences in various fields, including international, federal, and local responsibilities, such as:
- Chairman of the Emerging Financial Markets Committee.
- Former Chief Executive Officer of the Securities and Commodities Authority.
- President of the Arab Federation of Securities Markets (IOSCO) and its Vice President.
- Vice President of the International Organization of Securities Commissions.
- Vice Chairman of the Middle East and North Africa Corporate Governance Committee at the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.
- Vice Chairman of the Financial Regulation Committee.
- Member of the Advisory Board for Sustainable Finance at the Financial Regulatory Authority of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
- Member of several technical committees at the Islamic Financial Services Board in Malaysia.
- Membership in the Financial Consultants Institute of the United States.
Experiences:
- He has over 30 years of experience in accounting, banking, finance, and investment in the United Arab Emirates, including significant roles in institutions such as the Central Bank, Dubai Islamic Bank, and the Securities and Commodities Authority.
Academic Field:
- Faculty member at several universities, indicating his dedication to teaching and guiding future generations in business and finance.
- Presented papers at various specialized conferences, reflecting his active role in transferring knowledge and experience to academic and professional audiences.
- Authored numerous peer-reviewed scientific books and articles, contributing to academic and scientific advancements in his specialized fields.
- Evaluator for the Best Doctoral Thesis in Administrative Sciences in the Arab world, demonstrating his commitment to encouraging academic research and quality in higher education.
- Evaluator for master’s and doctoral certificates, showing his appreciation for the importance of assessing and improving academic programs.
Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Banking and Finance from Durham University, United Kingdom, in 2006.
- Master of Business Administration with honors in 2000.
- Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting in 1989.