CEO of Dubai Islamic Economy Development Centre (DIEDC). In this capacity, he oversees the Centre’s work and collaborates closely with DIEDC’s multiple stakeholders to implement the ‘Dubai: Capital of Islamic Economy’ strategy through enabling private and public sector organisations to innovate and promote sharia-compliant economic products and services. Prior to his current role, Al Awar was the CEO of Dubai International Financial Centre (DIFC) from 2009 to 2012. During his eight-year tenure he leveraged his exceptional skills in strategic planning, operational management and financial control to help develop DIFC into a global financial hub. Under his strategic leadership, DIFC was ranked as the leading financial centre in the region for the years 2009-2012, demonstrating an average 13% client growth year-on-year. He has served as member of several committees and boards in Dubai including the Economic Committee of the Executive Council of Dubai, Dubai Free Zones Council, Bourse Dubai and the Investment Committee of the Emirates NBD Real Estate Fund. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado at Boulder, US. He is also a graduate of the Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership Development, an executive education program conducted in affiliation with Cranfield University, UK, IMD and INSEAD.