The resolution by the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and chairman of the Executive Council places Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi in charge of advancing the emirate’s cultural initiatives and tourism strategy at a time of sustained sector expansion. Al Zaabi brings extensive private-sector experience to the government role having previously led major destination development projects across Abu Dhabi. The Emirates News Agency reported that the appointment was formalised through an official resolution issued by Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan.
Al Zaabi served as group chief executive officer of Miral since 2015 according to a Forbes Middle East profile of leading executives. During his tenure Yas Island achieved 34 million visits in 2023 representing a 38 percent increase from the prior year while Saadiyat Island recorded 44 percent visitor growth after Miral assumed its destination management. He previously held senior positions at Aldar Properties between 2008 and 2015 focusing on strategic investments and estates development.
Department of Culture and Tourism figures show Abu Dhabi welcomed a record 26.6 million visitors in 2025 reinforcing its status as a global cultural and leisure destination. Cultural sites and libraries attracted more than 8.6 million visits that year with the Louvre Abu Dhabi drawing 1.4 million guests and Qasr Al Hosn welcoming 843,000 an increase of 22 percent. Major events including concerts festivals and sports competitions drew 4.2 million attendees representing 20 percent growth from the previous year.
Hotel performance strengthened alongside the visitor surge with revenues climbing 19.5 percent to Dh9.1 billion and occupancy reaching 81 percent a Department of Culture and Tourism assessment found. International arrivals rose 10 percent with key markets such as India Russia and the United Kingdom contributing to the totals while MICE delegates increased 40 percent to 2.2 million. The department has emphasised sustainable growth that balances cultural preservation with economic diversification.
Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan was appointed Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi in March 2023 and has since assumed oversight of the Executive Council as well as key economic and security portfolios according to official records. His resolution aligns with ongoing efforts to integrate private-sector expertise into government institutions managing critical growth sectors. Al Zaabi’s appointment comes as the emirate continues to expand its offerings in heritage tourism immersive experiences and international events.
Dr. Mohamed Abdalla Al Zaabi holds a doctorate in business administration from the University of Warwick an executive MBA from INSEAD and a master’s degree in strategic project planning from Heriot-Watt University a professional biography published by Miral stated. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from UAE University and became the first Emirati to obtain the Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert certification. His leadership at Miral included partnerships with global brands such as Warner Bros. and SeaWorld to develop attractions that support Abu Dhabi’s broader tourism objectives.
