From Dh40 to CEO: The remarkable UAE journey of Ali Al Najjar 19.05.2026

Ali Al Najjar's journey in the UAE began in modest circumstances, working in demanding, manual roles within the remittance sector where he slept on a mattress due to cramped living conditions. Undeterred, he focused on growth, exceeding his duties by learning from other teams after hours and treating his job with an owner's mindset. Over three years, he gained extensive experience across 11 branches in six emirates, emphasizing discipline and consistency. His career advanced significantly in 2005 with a promotion to branch manager, where he addressed operational issues. A pivotal moment came when Chairman Mohammed Al Ansari's inquiry led to his promotion to Area Manager for Dubai. He developed crucial operational frameworks and, against odds, revitalized a branch slated for closure, transforming it into a top performer. This success led to his 2010 promotion to Head of Business Development and Manager of Operations, marking his transition into senior leadership.














