Our Leadership

His Highness Sheikh Tahnoon bin Zayed Al Nahyan has been the Chairman of International Holding Company (IHC) since April 2020. His Highness also chairs a number of leading business groups in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi such as First Bank of Abu Dhabi (FAB), ADQ (formerly, Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company PJSC) and the leading Artificial Intelligence and Cloud Computing group, G42.

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In his government roles, His Highness is the National Security Adviser of the UAE, a position which he has held since 2016, by appointment of the president of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

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In December 2020, His Highness was announced as a member of the board to a new entity: the “Supreme Council for Financial and Economic Affairs”, which is set up to oversee Abu Dhabi’s financial, investment and economic affairs, including the management of petroleum affairs and natural resources.

Dr. Mhd Somar Ajalyaqin was appointed Vice Chairman of IHC in April 2020, bringing to the company almost two decades of exemplary business experience in a multitude of advisory roles in the UAE. He is also Chairman of Ghitha Holding PJSC, an IHC subsidiary.

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Dr. Ajalyaqin’s solid corporate knowledge and expertise focuses on merger and acquisition strategies and the tactical growth of companies, integral to the successful overall performance of IHC.

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He holds a degree in DAA from Syria, and during his tenure at IHC, he has been instrumental at board level in all matters relating to business acquisitions and dynamic investment opportunities.

Syed Basar Shueb is an accomplished senior executive with over two decades of diverse cross-sector experience in manufacturing, construction, financial services, and investments. Currently serving as CEO, Managing Director, and Board Member of International Holding Company (IHC), Syed Basar has been instrumental in leading IHC to be recognized as one of "The Middle East's Top 10 Listed Companies 2023" by Forbes.

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Since assuming the role in 2019, Syed Basar’s dynamic leadership has driven IHC's innovation, operational synergies, and improved cost optimization. His ability to inspire teams, foster cohesive business units, and exhibit decisive leadership in high-risk turnarounds and start-up scenarios has consistently led to a growth in profitable results.

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Before joining IHC, Syed Basar served as the Group Chief Executive Officer of PAL Group of Companies, where he mentored emerging businesses to rapid growth. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in establishing one of the UAE's largest fish and integrated shrimp farms, developing five major housing developments, launching a district cooling company, and spearheading a robotics division.

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In addition to his pivotal role at IHC, Syed Basar holds leadership positions in several other high-profile companies, serving as Chairman of Multiply Group and Chimera Investments LLC. He also sits on the Board of Directors for Alpha Dhabi Holding (ADH) and Invictus Investment PLC. Moreover, Syed Basar was elected to the Board of Directors of the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

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Syed has been a driving force behind IHC's strategic diversification across various industry sectors, expanding the company's footprint across the Middle East, Europe, and North America, and playing an integral role in continually maintaining IHC's status as one of the top performers on the Abu Dhabi Bourse.

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Syed Basar Shueb holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from Near East University, Nicosia, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Sofia Lasky has been with IHC since April 2020, and brings considerable experience in asset management, mergers and acquisitions, private equity, portfolio management, alternative investments, funds, valuation, financing, capital markets and corporate structuring through her 16-year tenure at Royal Group.

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She has overseen the acquisition of numerous companies in a variety of core industries, including real estate, contracting, food processing, preventive healthcare, and capital investments. Her contribution towards the growth of companies within the Royal Group has been invaluable.

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She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Management Information Technology from the United Kingdom and has held and continues to occupy a position on the Board of Directors of a number of companies, including Alpha Dhabi Holding (ADH). Sofia has also served as a Board Member of Macquarie Capital Middle East LLC.

Mohammed Nasser Al Shamsi is an International Affairs Specialist at Presidential Level in the UAE Ministry of Presidential Affairs. His role involves managing the strategic relationships with foreign governments, diplomatic missions and international institutions.

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Mohammed holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the United Arab Emirates University, and began his professional career in 2010 at Abu Dhabi Police. There, he held several posts before moving to the Supreme Council for National Security in 2013, where he played an active role in international relations. Mohammed is also a Board Member of the Abu Dhabi Stem Cell Centre, Rabdan Petroleum Trading and TALC Investments.