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Zayed Abbas
Founder - ZATA
Professional Background
Zayed Abbas boasts a diverse and accomplished career marked by pivotal roles in sports management, event coordination, and corporate strategy. He is currently a revered member of the Board and the Official Spokesperson for the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB), where he contributes significantly to the growth and development of cricket in the UAE. In addition, Zayed serves as the Deputy Vice Chairman of the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC), a position that allows him to shape strategic decisions that impact the local cricket community.
Zayed's passion for sports extends beyond cricket, as he has played a vital role in promoting lesser-known sports within the UAE. As the Event Coordinator for the 1st Dubai Padel Master in 2015, he successfully organized a prestigious event under the Patronage of H.H. Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Dubai Sports Council. His efforts in this role marked a significant milestone for padel in the region, reflecting his commitment to advancing the UAE's sporting landscape.
Additionally, Zayed served as the Chief Delegate for the UAE Cricket Team participating in the ICC Cricket World Cup in 2015 in Australia and New Zealand. His leadership was instrumental in guiding the team through this prestigious global competition, showcasing his capabilities in high-pressure international sports settings.
He also has extensive experience as a senior figure in tennis, having represented the UAE National Tennis Team from 1995 to 2007. His expertise in the sport includes being a founding member of the Al Wasl Tennis Academy. In 2003, he took on the role of Team Manager for the Men's Tennis team and led them to an impressive streak of seven consecutive victories in major national leagues, establishing them as a dominant force in the sport.
Moreover, Zayed has shown exemplary leadership in football, serving as the Director of the Commercial Department for Al Wasl Football Company (AWFC) from 2010 to 2012. In this role, he managed investment affairs, business development projects, sponsorships, events, public relations, and marketing activities during a time when football icon Diego Armando Maradona was the first team manager. This experience demonstrates Zayed's ability to blend sports passion with corporate acumen effectively.
Zayed's extensive background in the government extends to his time at the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai, where he held the crucial position of Head of Investments & Private Partnerships from 2007 to 2011. In this capacity, he oversaw various business development projects, aiming to leverage commercial revenue-generating opportunities for the RTA at a corporate level. A notable achievement from this tenure was overseeing the Dubai Metro Naming Rights, a groundbreaking initiative in the public transport sector.
Following this, he served as the Head of Marketing/PR and Events within the same authority from 2011 to 2013. During this vital role, Zayed chaired the Marketing and PR committees for significant projects, such as the Dubai Metro Green Line inauguration and the UITP World Congress in Dubai. Both events were held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, further illustrating Zayed's integral role in promoting Dubai as a hub for international transport and tourism.
Education and Achievements
Zayed Abbas's educational background further complements his professional journey. He earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration and Management at the Higher Colleges of Technology. This strong foundation in business management has undoubtedly enhanced his capacity to manage large-scale projects and lead diverse teams effectively.
In addition, Zayed advanced his knowledge in sports leadership through the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Program for Sports Leadership Development at Ohio University. This specialized program equipped him with innovative approaches to sports management, leadership, and strategic development, which are reflected in his numerous roles within the sports community.
Recognition and Contributions
Not only has Zayed made remarkable contributions to sports and business management, but he has also left his mark across various organizations where he has worked. Zayed has held numerous high-ranking positions, including:
- Senior Manager of LPG at Emarat - Emirates General Petroleum Corporation.
- Former Deputy Vice Chairman of the Dubai Cricket Council (DCC).
- Former Member of the Board and Official Spokesperson at the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB).
- Former Head of Sales and Aviation Fuel Sales Manager at ENOC.
- Former Sales Manager for Commercial & Industrial (Emirates Gas) at ENOC.
Zayed's extensive experience across diverse sectors underscores his versatility and adaptability, key skills that are essential in today’s dynamic professional landscape.
In conclusion, Zayed Abbas embodies a successful blend of sports expertise, business acumen, and leadership prowess. His significant involvement in various sports and business capacities demonstrates a continual commitment to the development of sports and corporate strategies in the UAE. His efforts have not only contributed to enhancing the international visibility of the UAE sporting scene but also positioned him as an influential figure within the community.
