Dubai Airports announces new senior leadership appointments to support future-readiness

Dubai, United Arab Emirates — 23 July 2026: Dubai Airports has announced three senior leadership appointments that enhance its technology, operational and national talent capabilities as it prepares for the next phase of growth across Dubai International (DXB) and Dubai World Central – Al Maktoum International (DWC).

The appointments see the internal promotions of Kan Ni from Vice President, Airport Operations Control Centre (AOCC) to Senior Vice President, Airport Operations and the promotion of Khalid Ishaq from Head of AOCC Integration to Vice President, AOCC. Alongside, Ahmad Al Bastaki joins as Vice President, Technology Operations and Cybersecurity within Business Technology.

Each appointment reflects Dubai Airports' continued investment in leadership capabilities needed to support the growth and ambitions of Dubai's aviation sector.

Majed Al Joker, Chief Operating Officer at Dubai Airports, said: "Our ability to deliver safely, efficiently and at scale depends on the strength of our people, the resilience of our systems and the way we work together as one airport community. These appointments reinforce the leadership capability we need for the future, combining specialist technology expertise, deep operational experience and strong Emirati talent in areas that are increasingly central to airport performance and resilience."

Together, the promotions of Kan Ni and Khalid Ishaq further strengthen AOCC, the real-time operational nerve centre that coordinates the seamless daily movement of about 200,000 guests through DXB.

Kan Ni has been central to developing the AOCC into a platform for coordinated, data-led decision-making across DXB's operations. That capability was evident during the recent period of regional airspace constraints, when he led his teams through a rapidly changing operating environment, coordinating closely with the aviation network to help keep Dubai moving safely and efficiently.

Khalid Ishaq joined Dubai Airports in 2005 and has developed extensive expertise across its operational systems over two decades of service. His promotion reflects the organisation's ongoing commitment to developing national talent, with 75% of the management team represented by Emiratis, supporting national priorities, including Nafis and the Dubai Economic Agenda D33.

Ahmad Al Bastaki's appointment strengthens technology leadership at a time when airports increasingly operate as technology businesses. He will lead cybersecurity, service management and infrastructure operations, bringing deep expertise to an area that is increasingly critical to airport performance and resilience.

The appointments support Dubai Airports' continued focus on operational excellence, guest experience, digital transformation and future capacity.