In an age where leadership is measured not just by title, but by transformative vision, Hana Al Rostamani stands tall as one of the Middle East’s most influential executives. As the Group Chief Executive Officer of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB)—the largest financial institution in the UAE—Hana’s leadership is redefining what it means to lead a multinational banking enterprise in the 21st century.
Her historic appointment as FAB’s first female CEO in 2021 was not just a milestone for the bank, but for the region’s corporate culture. In a traditionally male-dominated industry, Hana has emerged as a symbol of inclusion, innovation, and forward-focused leadership. Backed by over 25 years of experience across finance, marketing, strategy, and digital transformation, she is steering FAB into new markets while embedding sustainability and customer centricity into its core.
More than a bank executive, Hana Al Rostamani is a force of transformation—a leader focused on aligning business success with societal progress.
Academic Foundation and Global Insight
Hana’s academic background mirrors her business approach: structured, data-driven, and global. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in Information Management from George Washington University, USA. These credentials have empowered her to blend financial expertise with technological fluency—a rare but critical combination in today’s digital-first financial landscape.
Her exposure to global markets during her formative years instilled in her a strong understanding of international best practices, which she now infuses into every tier of FAB’s strategic direction.
A Record of Excellence Across Financial Institutions
Before becoming FAB’s Group CEO, Hana built an extensive track record across the region’s most prominent institutions. She began her career at Citibank, then moved into leadership roles within the AW Rostamani Group, gaining experience across investment banking, consumer banking, and strategic planning.
Her journey with First Gulf Bank, and later FAB after its 2017 merger, was where she carved her deepest executive influence. As Deputy Group CEO and Head of Personal Banking, she drove customer-centric transformations, introduced digital platforms, and led innovation programs that modernized the bank’s service delivery.
Her leadership style is defined by efficiency, inclusion, and digital readiness—preparing FAB for a competitive future while keeping human relationships at the core of banking.
CEO of First Abu Dhabi Bank: A Defining Chapter
Appointed CEO in February 2021, Hana took the helm at a time of unprecedented global uncertainty. Yet, her strategic clarity led FAB to post record profits—$3.4 billion in just the first nine months of 2023. This performance wasn’t just due to capital management, but to a full restructuring of internal priorities, risk frameworks, and digital acceleration.
Under her leadership, FAB:
- Expanded its international footprint into Asia and Europe
- Accelerated adoption of AI-driven banking tools
- Invested in ESG-compliant financing solutions
- Launched talent development initiatives for women and youth
Hana’s approach to leadership goes beyond earnings; it’s about building trust, access, and value-driven ecosystems.
Driving Sustainable Finance
As the world turns to cleaner energy and ethical investment, Hana has positioned FAB at the heart of the green finance movement. She serves as Chair of the Global Council on Sustainable Development Goal 7—focused on “Affordable and Clean Energy.”
Under her guidance, FAB has issued billions in green bonds and sustainable instruments, aligning with UAE’s Net Zero strategy and international climate commitments.
Her advocacy of sustainability is more than symbolic—it’s operational. She has embedded ESG metrics into executive KPIs and initiated internal campaigns promoting energy conservation and social responsibility.
Cross-Border Collaboration and Global Diplomacy
Hana’s role extends well beyond the UAE. She sits on prestigious global boards including:
- The Institute of International Finance (IIF)
- IMD Business School (Switzerland)
- The US-UAE Business Council
These platforms allow her to contribute to financial diplomacy, shaping policy and best practices that promote trade, digital transformation, and ethical finance across borders.
Her involvement in Buna, the Arab Monetary Fund’s cross-border payment system, has also helped promote regional integration and smoother capital flows between GCC and MENA nations.
Accolades and Influence
Hana Al Rostamani’s rise to prominence has been marked by several recognitions. Most notably, Forbes ranked her among the World’s Most Powerful Women, placing her at #63 on the 2023 list. In the Arab world, she is consistently named among the Top 10 Most Influential Businesswomen.
These rankings reflect not just her executive performance, but her role as a catalyst for change in the regional economy. Whether in boardrooms or policy forums, Hana brings both gravitas and grace, setting a new tone for leadership in finance.
Pre-Conclusion: Leading by Innovation and Inclusion
Breaking Glass Ceilings
Hana Al Rostamani’s leadership is historic—not only because she is the first female CEO of FAB, but because she has shattered barriers without compromising on excellence. Her promotion sent a strong message: that leadership is about merit, not tradition.
Her success is paving the way for more women to rise in finance, tech, and government across the Gulf region.
A Digital Native in a Traditional Sector
Banking, historically conservative, is undergoing digital disruption. Hana’s ability to lead in this environment has been one of her greatest strengths. She has deployed digital banking platforms, mobile-first lending products, and AI-driven credit scoring models that have made FAB more agile, transparent, and customer-friendly.
By embracing digital-first culture while maintaining personalized client relationships, she strikes the ideal balance between technology and trust.
Commitment to Talent Development
One of Hana’s lesser-known yet powerful initiatives is her commitment to nurturing future leaders. Internally, she has launched leadership programs for high-potential employees, particularly targeting young Emirati talent and female executives.
She also supports regional educational institutions and often speaks at youth innovation forums, emphasizing that the future of finance lies in education, creativity, and diverse leadership.
Integrating Purpose with Profit
What truly distinguishes Hana is her value-based leadership. She leads with a purpose—to build an institution that is ethical, inclusive, and globally respected. Her focus on sustainable finance, clean energy investment, and corporate ethics ensures that FAB’s success is long-term and reputation-driven.
Conclusion: A Leader for a Changing World
Hana Al Rostamani is not merely the CEO of the UAE’s largest bank—she is a regional icon, a global influencer, and a transformational force in international banking. Her blend of intellect, strategic foresight, and empathy makes her a rare figure in modern leadership.
She leads with vision, not volume. Her policies are measured, not rushed. Her priorities are people, planet, and performance—in that order.
In the story of the UAE’s rise as a global financial hub, Hana’s chapter will stand as one of breakthrough, modernization, and purposeful progress. For women in business, young aspiring leaders, and financial professionals around the world, she is a blueprint for success in the modern age.
