DP World appoints Abdulla Bin Damithan as CEO of UAE business and Jafza

Mr Damithan takes over from Mohammed Al Muallem, who is promoted to executive vice president of DP World

Cargo containers at Terminal 1 in Jebel Ali Port in Dubai. DP World announced leadership changes at its UAE division. Pawan Singh / The National.

DP World, one of the world biggest ports operators, has made senior management changes and appointed Abdulla Bin Damithan as chief executive and managing director of its UAE business and Jebel Ali Free Zone (Jafza).

Mr Damithan, who has been with the company for more than two decades, takes over from Mohammed Al Muallem, who has been promoted to executive vice president of DP World, the company said in a statement on Saturday.

In his new role, Mr Damithan, will expand the company's UAE business and increase its contribution to Dubai and the UAE economy.

"I am taking responsibility for a business in robust health", and  looking forward to support "sustainable socio-economic growth and to cement DP World’s position as a leading smart trade enabler", Mr Damithan said.

DP World profit profit attributable to owners at group level after separately disclosed items, dropped 28.8 per cent to $846 million for the 2020 financial year, it said in March.

Mr Damithan, who was chief commercial officer for DP World UAE region, has previously led different parts of the business including ports and terminals, parks and zones and trade enablement solutions, according to the statement.

Jebel Ali Port and Jafza account for nearly a quarter of all foreign direct investment into Dubai, and support 135,000 jobs, according to Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem, DP World group chairman.

Mr Al Muallem, who has been with DP World for more than 38 years, will work closely with Mr bin Sulayem, overseeing the company's global operations.

He will also be responsible for DP World’s marine-based assets in the UAE, including Dubai Drydocks World, Dubai Maritime City and P&O Marinas, according to the statement.

"The new position will bring with it numerous challenges," Mr Al Muallem said.