“Be adaptable, stay purpose-driven and empower people,” says Siraj Finance Chairman

Ahmed Bin Khalaf Al Otaiba is a visionary Emirati leader with a profound influence on business and community development. He received his early education in Abu Dhabi before pursuing his studies in Business Management and Administration at the University of Texas - USA. During this time Ahmed gained valuable experience across various disciplines, which later shaped his career.

Ahmed began his professional journey in the oil and gas industry, during a transformative period of diversification and growth driven by the UAE Government. He further expanded into multiple business segments, building a reputation for excellence and innovation. Under his able leadership, businesses evolved and diversified significantly. He proudly established a strong presence across sectors such as financial services, technology, hospitality, energy, real estate, telecommunications, and investments.

Ahmed also leads Siraj Holding LLC, which consolidates various business disciplines under one umbrella to provide cost-effective, dynamic solutions for B2B and B2C markets.

Among his notable ventures, he acquired Siraj Finance PJSC in 2015 (a private joint stock company based in Abu Dhabi and regulated by the UAE Central Bank), holding more than 98 per cent of the company and steering it to become a leader in Sharia-compliant financial solutions. Siraj Finance PJSC provides an array of financial products designed in compliance with Islamic Sharia principles. The company caters to corporates, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and individuals; encouraging growth through effective Islamic finance solutions and diversified investment plans:

Ahmed also leads YAS Takaful PJSC, a pioneering UAE-based Takaful (Insurance) company. Initially established in 2008 as Al Hilal Takaful, the company was acquired by ADCB (Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank) in 2019. Subsequently, in 2020, it was acquired by Siraj Holding LLC and rebranded as YAS Takaful PJSC. This rebranding reflects its renewed commitment to offering ethical, Sharia-compliant Takaful solutions to meet the needs of individuals and businesses.

Ahmed’s leadership also extends beyond business to social and community initiatives. He actively supports projects focused on environmental sustainability, Emiratisation, children’s well-being, and elderly care, strengthening the UAE’s economic and social fabric.

Ahmed exemplifies visionary leadership, blending strategic acumen with a forward-thinking approach to business and community development. His effort continues to drive sustainable growth and innovation, reinforcing his position as a prominent figure in the UAE business landscape.

Working across finance, energy, hospitality, and tech has shown me that true leadership requires adaptability, empowering people, and staying purpose-driven. Finance taught me precision and building trust. Energy emphasised long-term vision and change management. Hospitality sharpened my empathy and customer focus, while tech encouraged fast, structured innovation. At Siraj Finance, I combine data-driven strategies with people-centred decisions to foster innovation, maintain alignment with our core values, and deliver meaningful financial solutions that benefit both customers and partners.

Our five-year vision focuses on accelerating digital transformation while upholding the highest standards of Sharia compliance. We aim to enhance our digital platforms to deliver seamless, transparent, and efficient financial services that meet our customers’ needs. Innovation in Sharia-compliant products will differentiate Siraj Finance, allowing us to address changing client demands and expand into new markets. By leveraging emerging technologies and forging strong partnerships, we will strengthen our portfolio, broaden accessibility, and build lasting trust in Islamic finance solutions for all stakeholders.

Siraj Finance distinguishes itself by blending genuine Sharia principles with innovative financial products designed to meet diverse client needs. We prioritise product innovation, delivering flexible, transparent, and user-friendly solutions that harmonise traditional Islamic values with modern finance. Our customer experience focuses on personalised service, prompt responses, and digital ease. By consistently emphasising trust and strict compliance,

we offer a unique value proposition that sets us apart in the global Islamic finance market, reinforcing our commitment to ethical and customer-centric financial solutions.

Technology is central to our growth strategy at Siraj Finance. We have invested in advanced digital platforms that simplify every step of the customer journey from onboarding and account management to payment processing ensuring a smooth and efficient experience. Additionally, we are actively exploring blockchain technology to enhance transparency, strengthen contract security, and guarantee immutable compliance with Sharia principles.

These technological advancements enable us to build stronger trust with our customers, increase operational efficiency, and develop innovative financial products that align with our commitment to ethical and modern Islamic finance.

For me, success is more than financial performance it’s about creating meaningful, lasting impact through ethical leadership and purposeful business. At Siraj Finance, we define success by how effectively we support communities, uphold Islamic principles, and drive sustainable economic progress. I believe in building an organisation grounded in integrity, innovation, and social responsibility. My long-term aspiration is to leave behind a legacy that not only delivers value but also inspires the next generation of leaders to pursue a balanced path where profit is aligned with purpose and positive societal impact