Today, as we glance across the Middle East’s vast horizon, we see that Qatar’s business landscape has been revamped. When we look closer, many reasons emerge: economic transformation, a strategic and systematic drive, guided by the Qatar National Vision (QNV) 2030―an ambitious master plan shifting the economy to a multi-diversified, knowledge-based hub.
The long-term planning by the government has been the keystone, shaping everything from infrastructure to investment policy. When we go even nearer, the most prominent factor meets us in front of our eyes. A league of visionary business leaders redefining the times and transforming an era.
When we step inside the country’s corporate arena, there, standing at the front of that league is Hamad Al Jamali, Chief Executive Officer of Alijarah Holding― National Leasing Holding Co. Q.S.C.―a public company having two decades of investments, real estate investment and development, and leasing.
An Expertise Excellence: Two-and-a-half Decades of Industry Experience
Hamad began his professional career in the banking sector over 25 years ago, holding leadership positions at several leading financial institutions in Qatar and abroad. His journey started at Qatar National Bank (QNB) in 1998, where he worked on developing electronic payment services and merchant relationship management. He later assumed senior roles in managing relationships with both government and private entities, as well as in private and wealth banking.
During his time at QNB, Hamad held several leadership roles, the last of which was Assistant General Manager for Small and Medium Enterprises.
In 2016, he joined Al Rayan Bank as Assistant General Manager – Retail and Private Banking, and was later promoted to General Manager – Retail and Private Banking, where he led various teams across product development, sales, digital channels, and corporate marketing. He contributed to the sustainable growth of the bank’s portfolio and helped increase its market share.
This journey culminated in Hamad joining Alijarah Holding Group in January 2023 as Chief Executive Officer, where he oversees the group’s financial and operational performance, ensuring the achievement of strategic goals. He focuses on fostering a positive corporate culture, optimizing resource utilization, implementing strategic policies set by the board of directors, and driving growth and expansion into new areas aligned with the group’s vision and mission.
This diverse professional experience has provided Hamad with deep expertise in operations management, team leadership, strategy development, and client engagement – particularly with key clients and government entities – ideally preparing him to lead Alijrah Holding toward its future ambitions.
Strong Liquidity: Driving Sustainable Growth.
With decades of experience spanning the financial sector and now a diversified holding group, Hamad’s leadership is guided by a clear strategy approved by the Board of Directors. He champions operational efficiency as a top priority, stating that he focuses on “minimizing unnecessary processes and enhancing performance by adopting flexible and efficient operating models.” This practical, results-driven mindset is paired with a Sustainable approach to growth. He ensures that all resources are directed toward “well-studied investment opportunities that prioritize capital preservation and sound returns, ensuring a balance between growth and risk minimization.” His strategy also involves a proactive stance on risk management, as he emphasizes the importance of “avoiding uncalculated exposures that may affect the company’s stability.”
At the heart of his strategy, however, is a deep belief in the importance of human capital. Hamad is a strong advocate for empowering his team, driven by the conviction that ‘people are the engine of success.’ This belief translates into a leadership style that prioritizes the development of individuals and offers opportunities for young, emerging talent to take on significant responsibilities. This, he says, is key to fostering workplace dynamism and ensuring long-term performance sustainability.
A Unique Competitive Edge in a Dynamic Market
Hamad’s leadership is uniquely effective because of Alijarah Group’s distinct advantages in the Qatari and regional markets. The company’s financial stability is a significant differentiator. It operates with strong liquidity and no major debt, giving it a high degree of flexibility to pursue strategic investments without the typical constraints of financing. This financial Capability is complemented by a deeply collaborative and open internal culture, which Hamad describes as prevailing ‘both at the executive level and in board relations.’ This fosters constructive dialogue and swift, well-informed decision-making.
Furthermore, he points to the strong support from the board of directors, noting their responsiveness “accelerates decision-making and facilitates confident pursuit of future growth opportunities.” These combined strengths—financial stability, a collaborative culture, and agile governance—are what Hamad sees as the group’s most valuable assets. These elements, he concludes, “create a powerful mix of stability, agility, and institutional support, positioning Alijarah for sustainable growth both locally and regionally.”
Strategic Alignment Across Diverse Activities
For a group with such a varied portfolio—from investment and real estate to driving education—a unified strategy is paramount. Under Hamad’s leadership, Alijarah Holding achieves this through a cohesive vision. The company aims to “unify the investment vision and direct resources toward long-term goals that ensure integration among these activities.” This isn’t just about financial metrics; it’s about a shared purpose.
A powerful example of this strategy in action is the Alijarah Driving Academy. The academy, which began by meeting the high demand for vehicle drivers, is now undergoing a strategic shift to expand its services to a wider community. This transformation, Hamad explains, “reflects our ability to align the education sector strategy with local and national market needs, enhancing the integration of our business portfolio.” By evolving to serve a more diverse segment of the population, the academy strengthens its position and contributes more effectively to the group’s overall vision.
A New Chapter: From Real Estate to a Diversified Investment Powerhouse
The most profound transformation under Hamad’s leadership has been the strategic redefinition of the company itself. Originally a real estate-focused entity, Alijarah underwent a comprehensive strategic review in 2022 to capitalize on new opportunities. This review led to a fundamental shift in its business model, moving it to become “an investment company with a dual focus on the stock market and real estate, while also investing in secure instruments.”
This new direction is guided by a prudent, long-term investment strategy that prioritizes low risk and stable returns. Rather than building new businesses from scratch, the company now focuses on investing in established, high-performing sectors. Hamad’s approach is aligned with the board’s five-year strategic plan.
This diverse portfolio includes strategic investments in fixed-income instruments, real estate, and logistics assets. Hamad’s vision is clear: to become Qatar’s leading investment firm, delivering attractive, low-risk returns while adhering to Shariah-compliant principles and contributing to sustainable economic growth.
Embracing Innovation for a Sustainable Future
Alijara Holding’s transformation goes beyond its investment portfolio; it’s about redefining how a traditional company operates. Hamad ensures that innovation and flexibility are not just buzzwords, but core tenets of the corporate culture.
The group has embraced modern technologies to adapt to a rapidly changing market. This includes utilizing cloud-based systems for scalability, applying data analytics to better understand customer behavior, and collaborating with tech firms to integrate cutting-edge solutions like AI and electronic tracking systems. “Through this strategy, we are redefining how we deliver traditional services,” Hamad says, “maintaining their core, but with an innovative spirit that drives us into the future.”
This commitment to innovation is a direct contribution to the Qatar National Vision 2030. By investing in ‘modern and distinctive real estate projects’ and operating with a clear strategy focused on innovation and quality, Alijarah supports the national drive toward economic diversification and sustainable development. The company’s mission is to manage resources responsibly for optimal returns, focusing on sustainable growth projects and upholding the highest standards of integrity.
Navigating Global Headwinds with Prudent Investment
In an era defined by global economic shifts and market volatility, Alijarah Holding’s strategy is built for resilience. Hamad acknowledges the direct impact of these conditions on strategic planning and has instilled a culture of adaptability. Alijarah’s investment approach is focused on ‘secure, long-term investments,’ a choice that reinforces its ability to “adapt to external changes without compromising its core goals.”
This disciplined philosophy allows the group to maintain financial stability and continue allocating resources toward high-value, growth-capable projects. This ensures consistent positive performance, even during challenging economic fluctuations. By staying true to its core principles of prudent, low-risk investment, the company demonstrates its ability to not only survive but thrive in a dynamic and unpredictable global market.
Investing in Talent and Shaping a Forward-Thinking Culture
For Hamad Al Jamali, the foundation of Alijarah’s success is its people. He firmly asserts that ‘human capital is the main driver of growth’ and has implemented a comprehensive training and development policy to build professional capabilities and enhance institutional performance.
The company provides a range of technical and behavioral training opportunities, encouraging all employees to develop their skills and personal potential. This includes structured onboarding for new hires, development plans tied to annual performance evaluations, and a strong focus on prioritizing national talent for succession planning. This deliberate investment not only boosts institutional performance but also empowers and motivates employees by recognizing their efforts and providing them with clear paths for professional advancement.
Beyond individual development, Alijarah is actively cultivating an inclusive and forward-thinking organizational culture. The company promotes diversity and inclusion by broadening its service beneficiaries, such as expanding the Alijarah Driving Academy to serve a wider community of citizens and residents.
This strategic initiative, along with encouraging proactive thinking through employee participation in annual evaluations and regular planning meetings, reinforces transparency and participatory decision-making. Hamad ensures that the company’s initiatives for talent development, empowerment, and sustainable practices are all aligned with the ambitious goals of the Qatar National Vision 2030. This approach prepares Alijarah to meet future challenges and opportunities.
The Path Forward: A Vision Built on Prudence and Expansion
Reflecting on his extensive career, Hamad emphasizes the key leadership lesson of avoiding ‘uncalculated financial ventures,’ particularly when managing shareholder funds. He stresses that flexibility must be supported by “data-driven decisions, with multiple risk scenarios and contingency plans.” This balanced approach, he says, combines calculated caution with a continuous pursuit of safe, high-return opportunities.
As a final piece of advice for emerging leaders in the MENA region, he advocates for a breakaway from traditional thinking, urging them to seek innovative, technology-driven investment opportunities. This is the same principle guiding Alijarah Holding’s strategy of identifying and acquiring high-potential projects to maximize their value and deliver long-term value to shareholders.
Looking ahead, Hamad’s vision for Alijarah is to evolve into a “regionally and internationally leading company in real estate development and logistics,” a symbol of excellence and a global investment gateway. With a strategic expansion into Saudi Arabia and other international markets, he is guiding Alijarah Holding toward a future of sustainable growth and regional integration.
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