About us
Discover Al Khaliji France,
our history, and our mission
Our identity
Al Khaliji France is a commercial bank serving a global clientele from its head office in Paris
With operations in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and deep roots in the Middle East and Europe, we offer a tailored, cross-border banking experience built on trust, access, and long-term relationships.
Al Khaliji France is a French-registered bank and a wholly owned subsidiary of Al Rayan Bank (Q.P.S.C.), one of Qatar’s leading banking groups. Our broader footprint also includes a presence in the United Kingdom, reinforcing our ability to serve internationally mobile clients with regional and global financial needs.
Al Khaliji France commenced its operations in the United Arab Emirates in 1973 and currently operates two branches — in Dubai and Abu Dhabi — specializing in Corporate and Premium Banking. The bank is regulated by the Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates.
Our locations
Strategically located in Paris, Dubai and Abu Dhabi
Al Khaliji operates at the heart of financial corridors connecting Europe and the MENA region — offering clients seamless access to key markets and opportunities.
Our values
We are committed to delivering a highly personalized
banking experience, built on trust,
discretion and long-term relationships
We serve a global client base with dedication, cultural fluency
and a proactive mindset — anticipating needs, not just responding to them.
Board of Directors
Al Khaliji France is gouverned by an experienced Board of Directors and Management
Whose global perspective and strategic vision support our long-term growth and client commitment.
HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani
Chairman, Al Khaliji France S.A.
HE Sheikh Hamad Bin Faisal Bin Thani Al Thani is one of Qatar’s most influential business figures. Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science, HE held several prominent positions, including the post of Minister of Economy and Commerce of Qatar.
Other senior positions previously held by His Excellency include:
- Vice Chairman, Qatar National bank
- Chairman of Qatar General Organization for Standard & Metrology
- Member of Qatar’s Supreme Council for Economic Affairs & Investment
- Director of Qatar’s Customs Department
- Heir Apparent Office, Diwan Al Amiri
HE is also a very active member of the Qatar business community. In addition to his post as Vice Chairman of Al Rayan Bank (“ARB”), he holds currently the following key positions:
- Board member, Al Rayan Bank (UK) – representing ARB interest
- Vice Chairman, Qatari Investors Group
- Chairman, Qatar Insurance Company
HE Sheikh Ali Bin Jassim Al Thani
Board Member, Al Khaliji France S.A.
HE Sheikh Ali bin Jassim bin Mohamed Al Thani is a senior businessman with more than 30 years of experience in financial and investment sectors.
He currently holds the position of advisor to CEO in Qatar Investment Authority, one of the world’s largest sovereign wealth funds. In addition to his post as Board member of Al Rayan Bank (“ARB”), HE holds several prominent positions, including:
- Board Member, Qatar General Insurance & Reinsurance Co.
- Board member, Al Salam International for Investment
- Vice Chairman, Nuran Bank
- Board member, Elypont Paris
- Board member, Hapag Lyod
Sheikh Ali holds a bachelor’s degree in political economics from Portland State University in the United State of America.
Fahad Bin Abdulla Al Khalifa
Board Member, Al Khaliji France S.A.
Before joining AlRayan Bank, he was the GCEO of Al Khalij Commercial Bank since 2014 and successfully oversaw the merger of both institutions to result in one of the largest Shari’ah compliant banks with an international presence in the UK, France and the UAE. Throughout his career, he has held prominent positions in Qatar’s leading financial institutions to include Qatar Central Bank and Qatar National Bank (QNB).
Fahad Al Khalifa is a seasoned banking professional with over 30 years of experience in leadership roles in financial services. He was appointed to the role of Group Chief Executive Officer (GCEO) of AlRayan Bank QPSC (“ARB”) in 2021.
Other positions currently held:
- Board member, AlRayan Bank UK, representing ARB interest
- Board Member, QFBA
Mr. Al Khalifa a holds a BSc in Finance from Seattle University in the United States of America.
Fadi Halout
General Manager
Fadi Halout was appointed General Manager of Al Khaliji France S.A. in July 2025. He has solid experience in the financial sector, gained over more than 20 years in management positions in Paris, London, and Geneva in commercial banking and wealth management.
He began his career in the asset management industry in France before joining a private banking subsidiary of Credit Agricole Indosuez Group as Head of Product Development. He later served as CEO for France at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, before joining Europe Arab Bank in London as head of Private Banking for Europe, then CEO of Banque des Monts Blancs in Geneva. He was President of the Cercle des Banques Etrangères en France (Circle of Foreign Banks in France) from 2013 to 2017.
Fadi Halout holds a Master 2 degree from Paris-Dauphine University and an Executive MBA jointly awarded by HEC and New York University. He has also been involved in academia as a lecturer in asset management and corporate strategy at Paris-Dauphine.
Amale Karam
Deputy General Manager and Head of Risk
Amale Karam joined Al Khaliji France in 2006 from Group BankMed and was appointed Deputy General Manager in December 2022. In her role as Head of Risk, she oversees the
Bank’s enterprise-wide risk framework, regulatory compliance, and risk governance.
Ms. Karam has extensive experience in the banking sector, gained through roles covering core areas of the business. She holds a Specialized Master’s degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and ESA Business School.
Khalid Al Awadhi
UAE Country Manager
Khalid Al Awadhi is the Country Manager for the United Arab Emirates, where he drives the Group business growth. He brings over 28 years of leadership experience in the banking and financial services industry.
Prior to his current role, he held senior positions across regional and international banks, leading business growth, strategic transformation, and risk management initiatives.
Roy Doumeth
Head of Finance
Roy Doumeth is a seasoned financial executive with a career spanning 38 years, currently serving as the Head of Finance for Al Khaliji France S.A. In this role, he provides essential financial management and strategic guidance for the bank.
His appointment follows a distinguished tenure within the broader Al Khaliji group, where his deep expertise in banking operations and financial management has been instrumental.
Roy Doumeth is a Chartered Accountant with enhanced studies in banking studies from Saint Joseph University in Lebanon and an Executive MBA obtained in 2007
Sami Samaha
Head of Business – Paris
With over 20 years of experience in the banking sector, Sami Samaha oversees corporate banking, FI & Trade activities, including loan syndications, real-estate lending, and corporate financing.
Johnson Romesh Absalom
Head of Business – Dubaï
Johnson Absalom is the Head of Business – Dubai and Northern Emirates, bringing over 32 years of experience in the banking industry, including more than 20 years in corporate banking.
Having spent 18 years in the UAE, he has held senior leadership positions across several prominent banks, developing deep expertise in managing and expanding corporate banking relationships. He has extensive experience overseeing a corporate portfolio comprising large corporate, government entities, and originating major syndicated transactions across key sectors.
Johnson Absalom holds an MBA in Finance.