Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank (ADCB) has announced the appointment of Hanaa Alsomali as the new Head of Human Resources, marking a significant moment for the bank’s leadership and employee experience strategy. This decision reflects ADCB’s continuous commitment to fostering progressive work environments, empowering people, and embracing dynamic leadership across its operations.
For Hanaa Alsomali, this isn’t just another corporate role — it’s a meaningful opportunity to shape lives, redefine organisational culture, and lead with empathy in one of the UAE’s most respected financial institutions.
A New Chapter in a Distinguished Career
With a wealth of experience spanning over two decades in human resources leadership, Hanaa Alsomali has built a career centred on people empowerment, talent development, and organisational transformation. She has held senior HR leadership roles across multiple industries, earning recognition for her ability to bridge business objectives with employee well-being and engagement.
Her appointment at ADCB signifies the bank’s drive to inject fresh perspectives into its leadership while upholding its long-standing values of innovation, integrity, and service excellence. Hanaa’s expertise in workforce strategy, talent acquisition, leadership development, and employee relations makes her a fitting choice for the position at a time when people-centric leadership is more critical than ever.
The Role That Shapes the Heart of an Organisation
In today’s rapidly evolving financial sector, human resources isn’t merely a support function — it’s a core strategic pillar. The Head of HR shapes employee culture, influences productivity, nurtures leadership, and ensures that organisational growth happens hand-in-hand with personal growth.
For Hanaa Alsomali, stepping into this role means overseeing a diverse and dynamic workforce at ADCB. It involves leading talent management strategies, driving inclusivity initiatives, and enhancing employee engagement across every level of the organisation.
Her role will also focus on aligning human capital strategies with ADCB’s long-term business vision, ensuring that the bank remains an attractive destination for the region’s top financial talent.
Hanaa’s Vision: Empowerment Through Purpose-Driven Leadership
Hanaa Alsomali is known for her belief in leading with purpose and heart. She has consistently championed initiatives that prioritise employee well-being, career growth, and diversity. Her vision for ADCB revolves around cultivating a workplace where every employee feels valued, heard, and empowered to thrive.
In her own words, leadership is not about authority — it’s about influence, inspiration, and creating environments where people can do their best work. Her past initiatives have ranged from leadership mentorship programs to employee wellness frameworks and inclusive hiring practices.
At ADCB, she is expected to spearhead similar initiatives, fostering a culture where people are not just employees but brand ambassadors who contribute meaningfully to the bank’s growth story.
A Timely Appointment for a Transforming Banking Sector
The banking and financial services sector in the UAE is experiencing significant transformation, driven by digital innovation, regulatory changes, and an increasingly diverse, multi-generational workforce. In this context, the role of HR leadership is more crucial than ever.
Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank has positioned itself at the forefront of this transformation, investing in digital banking, customer experience enhancements, and innovative financial products. Hanaa’s appointment complements these efforts by focusing on the most vital asset in any organisation — its people.
With her at the helm of HR, ADCB is expected to further strengthen its employee experience, enhance professional development frameworks, and integrate technology-driven HR solutions that support a hybrid, future-ready workforce.
An Inspiration for Aspiring Female Leaders
Beyond her professional achievements, Hanaa Alsomali’s career journey serves as an inspiring narrative for aspiring female leaders across the region. In an industry where senior leadership roles have traditionally been male-dominated, her rise to a top executive position reflects the growing inclusivity within the corporate and financial landscape in the UAE.
Her appointment underscores ADCB’s commitment to promoting diversity and providing equal opportunities for leadership roles within the organisation. Hanaa’s story is not just one of professional success, but of breaking barriers, challenging norms, and showing young professionals that leadership opportunities are attainable through hard work, vision, and resilience.
She has frequently spoken about the importance of mentoring young women in the workforce and creating networks that enable them to realise their leadership potential. In her new role, she is likely to continue championing these causes.
Employee-Centric Leadership in Focus
Modern banking success is no longer defined by financial metrics alone — it’s about building resilient, engaged, and future-ready workforces. Hanaa Alsomali’s leadership style is expected to bring a renewed focus to employee engagement, career growth pathways, and well-being initiatives at ADCB.
She advocates for open communication, transparent feedback cultures, and employee recognition as key drivers of workforce morale and productivity. With her at the helm, ADCB employees can anticipate a more inclusive, empathetic, and opportunity-rich environment.
Her leadership is also expected to enhance ADCB’s employer branding, attracting top talent not only from within the UAE but across the broader MENA financial services market.
Looking Ahead: What This Appointment Means for ADCB
Hanaa Alsomali’s appointment is more than a corporate leadership update — it signals ADCB’s future-forward people strategy and its determination to stay ahead in a competitive, evolving industry landscape.
Her leadership will likely play a pivotal role in navigating the challenges of workforce transformation, fostering agile leadership, and embedding a values-based organisational culture. Employee engagement, talent retention, leadership development, and digital HR integration will be key focus areas as she shapes ADCB’s people strategy for the years ahead.
Moreover, as financial institutions globally grapple with attracting and retaining top talent in a post-pandemic, hybrid working world, Hanaa’s expertise in change management and employee experience design will be instrumental.
A Personal Story That Resonates
What makes Hanaa Alsomali’s story compelling is not just her list of professional titles and accomplishments but the values she stands for. Throughout her career, she has embodied the principles of integrity, empowerment, and continuous learning.
Colleagues describe her as a leader who listens first, collaborates openly, and celebrates the success of her teams. She has always believed that HR’s role goes beyond policies and payroll — it’s about making work meaningful for people and fostering environments where they feel connected to a larger purpose.
Her journey from aspiring HR executive to heading the HR function of one of the UAE’s most respected banks is a reminder that leadership is as much about personal growth as it is about professional advancement.
Final Thoughts
The appointment of Hanaa Alsomali as Head of Human Resources at Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank marks a significant milestone for both the institution and the regional financial services industry. It reflects a progressive, people-first approach to leadership and highlights the increasing opportunities for capable, dynamic female leaders in the corporate world.
As ADCB continues to evolve and adapt to new market realities, having a leader like Hanaa Alsomali guiding its people strategy ensures that the bank’s most valuable asset — its workforce — remains empowered, engaged, and future-ready.
Her story is not just about a new job title — it’s about vision, influence, and the enduring power of people-driven leadership. And for professionals across the region, it serves as an inspiring reminder that the right blend of skill, heart, and resilience can open doors to extraordinary opportunities.
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