World Free Zones Organization appoints Deputy CEO

UAE - April 21, 2015 - The World Free Zones Organization (World FZO), the not-for-profit association for free zones around the world, today announced the appointment of Abdulla Qassem as Deputy CEO.

A UAE National, Mr. Qassem has over 22 years of global business experience and has served as UAE Delegate to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). In this role he was involved in overseeing funding for several humanitarian projects across the Middle East and developing regions such as Asia and Africa, including support for the reconstruction of the Bibliotheca Alexandria, Egypt. Mr. Qassem was also one of the esteemed members of the 2020 World Expo bid committee and played an important role in driving Dubai’s successful bid to host the event.

Mr. Qassem joins the World FZO from the Dubai World Trade Centre (DWTC) where, as Senior Vice President, he was at the forefront of cementing Dubai’s position as the world’s leading destination for all major exhibitions, conferences and events. This included hosting the Spring Meetings for the Governors of the World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund in 2003, the largest gathering of the two organizations, and the first time the event was held in the Middle East.

In his role at the World Free Zones Organization, Mr. Qassem will draw on his experience as an international citizen and focus on creating long-term relationships with multilateral organizations and government entities. He will work closely with the team to establish the World FZO as a not-for-profit body that provides one authoritative, collective voice representing the interests of free zones around the world. 

Welcoming the appointment, Dr. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Chairman of the World Free Zones Organization, said: “Abdulla Qassem brings a wealth of international experience. Mr. Qassem has represented the UAE at several major, strategic events and is proven in navigating complex foreign relationships in efforts for promoting international cooperation. He will play a vital role in building strategic and long-term relationships for the World Free Zones Organization for the benefit of our members.”

Commenting on his appointment, Abdulla Qassem said: “Free trade zones play a key role in driving trade and developing economies across the world, and I look forward to assisting the World FZO in its aim to reinforce this positive perception of free zones on a global scale. I am proud to be part of this organization at this early stage and look forward to shaping its future direction.”

Mr. Qassem will work with Dr. Samir Hamrouni, CEO, World FZO, to build a strong base of quality members, drive important research into the sector and host high-level networking events throughout the year. The two will also work to deliver and implement the strategic mission and vision of the organization.