Mohammed A Ahli

Director-General, Dubai Civil Aviation Authority

Mohammed A Ahli is the Director General of Dubai Civil Aviation Authority (DCAA) and CEO of Dubai Air Navigation Services (DANS). As the top official in the DCAA, dealing with air service agreements, he has brought in more airlines to Dubai. Mohammed is a popular figure in international circles and an expert negotiator who possesses the decision making power to ensure growth of aviation in Dubai.

His contribution towards liberalisation of aviation policy and its successful implementation in Dubai is a landmark in his career. He was among the pioneers who were instrumental in the establishment of the Emirates Airline.

With an extensive background in the aviation industry, Mohammed has steered the Dubai Aviation in the right direction, which is his lifetime achievement.

The services he has rendered to Asia and Asia Pacific Region of ACI, is well recognised by the aviation community and it summarises his commitment to its cause. He is also the First Vice President of Airports Council International (ACI) Asia/Pacific region, which has given a boost to the Asian and Middle East Region. 

Capt Abdulrahman Al Gaoud

Undersecretary
Civil Aviation Affairs, Kingdom of Bahrain

Capt Abdulrahman Al Gaoud was one of the first cadet pilots recruited by Gulf Air to be sent to the Oxford Flight Training Academy in the United Kingdom to obtain his commercial pilot’s licence in 1970.

He was also seconded to Aer Lingus, Dublin and British Airways, London, to undergo training and to gain flying experience. He returned to work with Gulf Air in various positions including Executive Vice President Operations, and Acting Chief Executive. He also has the distinction of being the first Arab citizen to be a Captain.

Capt Abdulrahman has 30 years of flying experience and was also the test pilot responsible for taking delivery of most of Gulf Air’s B767 and A340 aircraft. In 1996 he was appointed as Assistant Undersecretary for Aviation Services, Civil Aviation Affairs, Ministry of Transportation. In 2002, he was promoted to Undersecretary for Civil Aviation Affairs, a position he currently holds. He is also the Chairman of the organising committee of the inaugural Bahrain International Airshow.

In addition to his normal duties as the Undersecretary for civil aviation, he also sits in as an observer on the Board of Bahrain Airport Services. Other positions that he held include: head of Executive Committee and Member of the Board of Directors of Gulf Air; Board Member of Gulf Aircraft Maintenance Company (GAMCO).

Capt Abdulrahman is married with six children. He continues to fly on the Gulf Air A330 in order to retain his licence.