Speakers

Abdul Muhsen Ibrahim Kalbat has a wealth of more than 30 years of senior leadership experience in the public sector. He has been an essential and prominent Member of RTA’s Board of Directors from inception in 2005. He has actively played a crucial role in the establishment of RTA through the development of robust and effective governance, operational and cross-functional frameworks and business organizational structure. He introduced creative management concepts and diverse approaches for improving administrative and technical processes across RTA, which lead to transforming them from routine daily operations to highly efficient strategic drive.

Abdul Muhsen has been holding the position of the CEO of Rail Agency since 2015. During this period, he has been actively focusing his efforts on improving operational efficiency, maximizing revenue and minimizing expenditure. In addition to his determination to expand, enhance and develop Dubai’s railway network, he was focused on the efficient and optimal Utilization of budget through the public-private partnership (PPP) scheme. He has also accomplished significant cost-saving measures of more than AED 25 billion in development & operational costs. Furthermore, he has played an important role in raising feasible financial returns on RTA investments through several engagements with third party providers and developers.

Formerly, in 2006, he was appointed as CEO of RTA’s Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector. As part of his duties, he undertook the responsibility to define and steer RTA’s strategic direction towards fully integrated transportation solutions with the aim to shifting from private car use to public transport in support of Dubai’s long-term strategic development plan and vision.

At the Rail Agency he is currently overseeing a number of important and prestigious projects most prominent of which are Blue Line and Route 2020 project. Previously, he played a significant role in the launch of Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. Notably, he managed the initiatives, and their execution, for achieving substantial financial returns on RTA’s investments through Dubai Metro Stations Naming Rights initiative and Public Private Partnership initiative. 

Since 2015, he has held the position of CEO of the RTA’s Rail Agency and is currently overseeing a number of important and prestigious projects most prominent of which are Blue Line and Route 2020 project. Previously, he played a significant role in the launch of Dubai Metro and Dubai Tram. Notably, he managed the initiatives, and their execution, for achieving substantial financial returns on RTA’s investments through Dubai Metro Stations Naming Rights initiative and Public Private Partnership initiative.

Furthermore, he has been actively involved in studying the implementation of state-of-the-art suspended transport systems, a futuristic game-changer transport system that will contribute to the development of the rail transit system all over the emirate.

Apart from being the Deputy Chairman of the RTA’s Board of Directors, Abdul Muhsen is a vital member in several steering and strategic committees and institutions across the Emirate namely:

• Chairman of the Board of Dubai Taxi Corporation
• Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors at the RTA and Vice-Chairman of Salik Company PJSC.
• Higher Committee for Investment and Commercial Transformation.
• Member Of Board for Etihad Energy Services Company (Etihad ESCO)
• Ex-Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Rail DB and member of the board of Etihad Rail.

Professional Experience

• Rail Agency Chief Executive Officer – RTA (Since 2015 – till date)
• Strategy and Corporate Governance Sector Chief Executive Officer – RTA (2005 – 2015)
• Head of Follow-up and Development Office for Roads and General Projects – DM (2000 – 2005)
• Transportation Planner – DM (1991 – 2000)

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from the University of the United Arab Emirates, Al Ain (1991) and a graduate of Mohammed Bin Rashid Executive Leadership Development Program. Have also completed numerous high level training programs in leadership and technical certification.

Accomplishments & Rewards:

He was honored in many forums for his excellence, success, and visionary leadership style:

• In 2017, Mr. Abdul Muhsen was granted first prize for best CEO/Assistant DG in Dubai Government Excellence Program Awards.
• In 2011, Mr. Abdul Muhsen was awarded by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum a Medal of honor for his valuable contributions to RTA’s excellence and government work.