Al-Futtaim Appoints Wassim Arabi as President of Retail Division to Drive Growth and Innovation
Al-Futtaim Group, one of the region’s leading privately held and diversified business conglomerates headquartered in Dubai, has announced the appointment of Wassim Arabi as the new President of its Retail Division. The strategic move signals a renewed focus on innovation, customer experience, and digital transformation as part of the company’s ambitious growth agenda.
Wassim Arabi joins Al-Futtaim with more than 30 years of experience in retail and mall operations, having most recently served as Group CEO of Emaar Malls and Entertainment. He also held a long-standing leadership position at Alshaya Group, further strengthening his extensive credentials in the sector. His appointment marks a key milestone in Al-Futtaim’s transformation journey, as the company seeks to reinforce its position in the evolving retail landscape.
Commenting on his new role, Arabi said, “I am honoured to join Al-Futtaim at such a pivotal moment in its growth journey. The Retail division has a long-standing legacy in the region, and I look forward to working with the team to drive innovation, enhance customer experiences, and shape the future of retail for our partners and communities.”
The announcement underlines Al-Futtaim’s commitment to strategic leadership and sustainable expansion. By bringing in a seasoned executive with a proven track record in the retail and lifestyle sectors, the company aims to accelerate its efforts in building a digitally enabled, customer-centric retail ecosystem.
David Henderson, Group Chief Human Resources Officer at Al-Futtaim, welcomed the appointment, stating, “Wassim joins us at a pivotal time for the Retail division, as we accelerate our transformation and focus on delivering exceptional customer experiences. His proven track record and deep sector knowledge make him an ideal fit for this next chapter. This appointment also reflects our continued commitment to attracting experienced, forward-looking leaders who can drive growth and innovation across our businesses.”
The Retail division of Al-Futtaim encompasses a wide range of global brands and regional operations. With Arabi at the helm, the group is expected to enhance operational agility, pursue strategic partnerships, and introduce more personalized shopping experiences across its diverse customer base.
