Executive Profile
Fatima Zada is a senior technology executive currently serving as the Acting Chief Technology Officer (CTO) at Majid Al Futtaim, a leading Dubai-based conglomerate specializing in retail, shopping malls, and hospitality. She has held this position since May 2019 and is recognized as a prominent technology leader in the Middle East. Her role encompasses driving the company’s digital transformation and leading technology innovation across Majid Al Futtaim’s extensive retail and property portfolios.
Professional Experience and Leadership
Fatima’s career trajectory within Majid Al Futtaim includes:
- Acting Chief Technology Officer (May 2019 – Present)
In this capacity, she manages the IT and Product & Engineering teams, orchestrating technological initiatives that impact multiple business units and regions. Under her leadership, Majid Al Futtaim has advanced its digital capabilities, including omnichannel retail solutions and experiential digital services such as the launch of the "Mall of the Metaverse."
- Director, Digital and Omnichannel
Prior to becoming Acting CTO, Fatima served approximately five years as Director responsible for digital and omnichannel strategies specifically for Majid Al Futtaim’s shopping malls division, honing expertise in integrating physical and digital customer experiences.
Her leadership credentials have earned her inclusion in notable industry recognitions such as Management Today’s 35 Under 35 list and selections among key Middle Eastern technology leaders.
Academic Credentials
Fatima is pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Global Executive Management at ESCP Business School, an elite international business school. Her PhD program commenced in 2022 and is expected to conclude in 2026. This advanced academic pursuit complements her strategic and operational expertise, highlighting a commitment to thought leadership and innovation in the intersection of technology and business management.
Additional certifications include:
- Microsoft AI Business School (Certified Jan 2020)
- INSEAD Executive Education (Certified Jan 2020)
- PRINCE2® 2017 Practitioner (Project Management Certification, certified July 2015)
- Oxford Enterprise Leadership Programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford (Certified May 2024)
These qualifications denote a well-rounded foundation in business, AI, project management, and leadership, reinforcing her capability to lead complex technology-driven transformations.
Technology and Digital Expertise
Fatima’s skill set is robust and includes hands-on knowledge of enterprise systems such as SAP R/3 alongside deep experience in digital innovation within large-scale retail environments. She has been pivotal in reimagining Majid Al Futtaim’s retail business by adapting shopping malls to the digital age, emphasizing omnichannel integration, and elevating customer experience through technology platforms.
Moreover, she has a visible role in public-facing initiatives and industry forums that underline Majid Al Futtaim’s digital progressiveness, including keynote and panel discussions on digital transformation trends and innovations in retail technology.
Organizational Impact
Majid Al Futtaim’s IT department, under Fatima’s technical leadership, comprises over 1,370 employees, illustrating the scale and scope of her operational responsibility. The organization has expanded its retail footprint significantly during her tenure, with investments in digital retail channels aligning with the latest consumer demands for seamless online and offline experiences.
Her role intersects with other senior executives such as Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Properties, indicating her involvement in group-wide strategic technology initiatives.
Geographic and Industry Context
Fatima is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, positioning her within one of the fastest-growing regional hubs for retail innovation and digital transformation. Majid Al Futtaim’s operations span diverse markets, including prominent retail brands like Carrefour, which further contextualizes the complexity and international reach of her technology leadership.
Professional Network and Influence
- Fatima has over 9,000 followers and more than 500+ direct LinkedIn connections, demonstrating a significant professional reach and influence within the technology and business communities.
- She actively engages with thought leadership content, industry trends, and initiatives promoting sustainable luxury, HR innovations, and IT security discussions, reflecting a broad collaborative approach.
In summary, Fatima Zada is a highly accomplished and recognized Chief Technology Officer for Majid Al Futtaim in Dubai. Her role is central to transforming a traditional retail and property conglomerate into a digitally enabled market leader through strategic technology initiatives, omnichannel integration, and innovation leadership, supported by strong academic and professional credentials in executive management and technology disciplines.
