Making It: A chat with Mashreq Group CEO Ahmed Abdelaal

Mashreq's Ambitious Vision: Digital Dominance and Strategic Expansion Under Ahmed Abdelaal

After more than five years at the helm of Mashreq, Group CEO Ahmed Abdelaal has solidified his reputation as a visionary leader in the regional banking industry and beyond. His tenure has been marked by an ambitious expansion strategy, including the launch of Mashreq Oman and Mashreq Neo in Egypt, as well as the rollout of a digital banking platform for corporate clients across Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar.  

In a recent in-depth interview, Abdelaal shared his perspectives on the road ahead, emphasizing the importance of resilience and adaptability in a year fraught with uncertainties. He delved into Mashreq's strategic objectives, his leadership philosophy, and his views on emerging trends in the financial sector.

Abdelaal revealed that 2025 will be a pivotal year for Mashreq, focused on delivering on key strategic goals: continuous innovation, regional expansion, and crafting exceptional client experiences. With a strong presence in the corridors connecting the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region to Asia, the US, and Europe, Mashreq aims to become the dominant digital player in the region, embracing concepts like banking as a service, open finance, and embedded finance.

"Focusing on driving client experience — and client excellence — is key," Abdelaal stated, underscoring the central role of customer satisfaction in Mashreq's plans. To achieve this, the bank has structured its organization for collaboration, rapid decision-making, and, crucially, innovation and efficiency.

Mashreq's agility positions it to capitalize on emerging opportunities, including those often overlooked, such as the Indian market. With the UAE's free trade agreements and increased capital flows between the two nations, India has become a key focus. Mashreq has developed a cutting-edge solution with India's seven largest banks, enabling clients to digitally open bank accounts without a physical presence in India.

Closer to home, Abdelaal sees significant potential in sustainability and ESG initiatives across the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. He believes these three key geographies will continue to complement each other, driving regional economic strength. Sustainable agriculture, ESG investments, and renewable energy are areas of particular interest, with substantial commitments and investments being made across the region.  

Abdelaal also shared insights into his leadership style, emphasizing the importance of open communication and strategic alignment. He invites the entire bank to "scru my strategy," fostering a culture of transparency and collaboration. He also discussed how he prevents groupthink within his leadership team, and how he structures his decision making process.

Looking ahead, Abdelaal outlined Mashreq's long-term vision, highlighting the bank's aspirations for continued growth and innovation. He also identified other key trade corridors where Mashreq sees significant growth potential.

In this comprehensive interview, Abdelaal provided a glimpse into Mashreq's strategic direction, highlighting its commitment to digital transformation, regional expansion, and delivering exceptional client experiences.