Mohamed Haykal

Mohamed Haykal is the Chairman of the Haikal Group and Chief Executive Officer of its subsidiary, Transtec Systems, a leading software company based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Haikal has a distinguished career in the financial and commercial sectors. He co-founded the Arab Bank Syria in 2005 and remains a member of its Board of Directors and Vice Chairman of the Board's Executive Committee, having served as Vice Chairman of the Board until 2011. Reflecting his commitment to innovation and sustainability, he serves as Founding Advisor to the British company Riversimple, manufacturer of the hydrogen-powered "Rasa" car. He is also Co-Founder and Vice Chairman of the Syrian Strategic Forum (SSF), a research think tank dedicated to a prosperous future for Syria.

During his career, Haikal founded Al-Sham Maritime Transport, which he led as Executive Chairman for two decades. His international experience includes serving on the Board of Directors of Contship Holding in the Netherlands (1985–1999), during which period the company operated Contship Containerlines and developed major container terminals in La Spezia and Gioia Tauro in Italy.

His past and present positions include Vice Chairman of the Damascus Securities Exchange, Board Member of the Syrian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and the Arab-German Chamber of Commerce, Board Member of the Arab Internet and Telecommunications Union, and Vice Chairman of the Syrian-British Business Council.

Haikal holds the title of Freeman of the City of London, is a Fellow of the Institute of Directors (IoD) in London, and holds a Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering from the University of Damascus.

He spends his private time with his family — his wife and their four children and grandchildren. His personal interests include reading, photography, and travel.