A message from our chairman

Her Highness Sheikha Amneh Al Qasimi guides the IDO with a commitment to sustainable growth and community involvement. She shares her perspectives on how the IDO is contributing to a positive economic environment in Ras Al Khaimah.

As Ras Al Khaimah prepares for a new phase of economic growth and social progress, it is a privilege for us at the IDO to play a leading role in the Emirate’s success. Our mandate of delivering sustainable returns for the Emirate for generations to come sits alongside our commitment to the economic, social, and environmental goals of the government.

The IDO is proud of its track record in identifying attractive investment opportunities and nurturing its portfolio entities to achieve their potential. Over the last few decades, IDO companies have been vital in building Ras Al Khaimah’s prosperity. The breadth of our portfolio, ranging from manufacturing and quarrying to tourism, real estate, and healthcare, reflects the diversity of the Emirate’s economy.

Critical to our success is the philosophy and governance structure that define the IDO. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of governance and support our portfolio companies to do the same. This enables us to benefit fully from the wealth of talent and expertise, from Ras Al Khaimah, the UAE, and overseas, that is provided by our team.

The IDO relishes the opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to embarking on new investments that align with our values, and to helping our existing businesses continue to grow and prosper. Just as we benefit from the resources, talent, and attractive business environment that Ras Al Khaimah offers, we aim to strengthen our contribution to the Emirate’s continued success.

Sheikha Amneh Al Qasimi

Chairman, Investment and Development Office
Government of Ras Al Khaimah

CHIEF INVESTMENT OFFICER
Rabih Khouri

Rabih leads the investment team, enhancing IDO’s portfolio performance and executing acquisitions for RAK’s national agenda. With 25+ years of investment experience, he has worked at Arthur Andersen (now EY), McKinsey, Investcorp, and BCG.

Rabih holds a master’s in civil engineering from Ecole Centrale Paris, a CPA, and an MBA from Cambridge University.

JOINED IDO 2020
GENERAL COUNSEL & HEAD OF RISK

Louise Flanagan

Louise leads the legal and risk management function for the IDO and its portfolio. With 20+ years in legal and compliance, she led teams at the National Bank of Abu Dhabi, Herbert Smith Freehills, and Slaughter and May.

Louise holds a BA from King’s College London, an MA from Durham University, and postgraduate legal qualifications from Oxford Brookes and the Oxford Institute of Legal Practice.

JOINED IDO 2018

CHIEF DATA & TECHNOLOGY OFFICER

Rashed Iqbal

Rashed leads Data and Technology at the IDO, helping portfolio companies harness data through governance and analytics to grow and innovate. 

With over 30 years of experience, he has held key roles at Teledyne Technologies, Western Digital, and Synopsys, and has taught part-time at UCLA and UCI. Rashed has also founded ventures in AI/ML, focusing on market prediction, edge computing, and narrative economics. He holds a Ph.D. in Systems Engineering from the University of Sheffield.

JOINED IDO 2018

CHIEF HUMAN RESOURCES OFFICER
Dalia Zaghou

Dalia leads the HR function, providing strategic guidance on HR management, change initiatives, and performance optimization. She collaborates with IDO’s portfolio companies to attract and retain top talent, driving organizational growth.

With 30 years of HR experience at Grant Thornton, EY, PepsiCo, and Al Tayer Group, Dalia’s expertise includes talent acquisition, leadership development, and cultural transformation. She is a Certified Executive Coach (PCC) and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the American University in Cairo.

JOINED IDO 2021

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER

Nitin Johar

Nitin leads the finance function for IDO and other government entities. He manages treasury, finance, ratings, and procurement, optimizing capital structure, managing financial risk, and maximizing returns. With 19+ years of experience, he has worked at TATA Administrative Services and TATA Power Group.

Nitin holds an MBA from the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, a B.Tech from NIT Kurukshetra, and an LLB from Mumbai University.

JOINED IDO 2015

CHIEF AUDIT OFFICER

Razi Doulani

Razi leads the internal audit function for IDO and its portfolio, overseeing audit strategy and various audits. He is an Audit Committee member in several subsidiaries. With 16+ years in auditing, governance, compliance, risk management, and fraud, he has worked at KPMG, EY, and PwC.

Razi holds a BA from Yarmouk University, a Diploma from Henley Business School, and is a Certified Public Accountant.

JOINED IDO 2012