Ahmed Allazim

Client-relationship professional whose career runs from luxury hospitality and UHNW lifestyle management to relationship management at American Express and First Abu Dhabi Bank. Experience with HNW, UHNW and corporate clients in the UAE and GCC, combining premium service delivery with banking discipline, and an active interest in how AI can improve client-facing work.

Experience

1. Independent — writing & digital projects

   2022 – Present

   Dubai

   • Author of MENA Financial Pulse, a LinkedIn newsletter on GCC and North African markets, banking and AI (900+ subscribers).
   • Built AI-assisted prototypes for relationship management, client workflows and personal finance (WealthOS, Neo CRM, UAE Mortgage Calculator).
   • Author of two books (2026): Relationship Manager, a practical guide to the RM role, and Money, Explained From the Inside, an insider’s guide to borrowing, protecting, investing and building wealth.
   • Completed the CISI International Certificate in Wealth & Investment Management, Level 3 (2025).

2. Relationship Manager

   Jan 2021 – May 2022

   First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) · Dubai

   • Managed a portfolio of HNWI and corporate accounts across Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
   • Acquired government and corporate accounts in the Northern Emirates with propositions for salary transfer, working capital and investment solutions.
   • Grew revenue through client acquisition across wealth-management, conventional and Islamic banking products.
   • Provided investment advisory to HNW clients on equities, bonds and REITs; ran financial-literacy sessions for corporate clients.
   • Executed KYC/AML reviews with zero process errors. Winner, FAB Fintech Mission Megathon 2022.

3. Platinum Relationship Manager

   Nov 2018 – Apr 2019

   American Express (KSA portfolio) · Dubai

   • Managed a high-value Platinum cardmember portfolio across card, travel and lifestyle needs.
   • Oversaw credit proposals in line with due-diligence standards; identified new business-development initiatives.

4. Lifestyle Manager

   Sep 2016 – Jun 2018

   Quintessentially · Dubai

   • Managed a portfolio of UHNW members, coordinating bespoke global travel and events.
   • Resolved complex member requests within a two-hour window.

5. Lifestyle Operations Manager

   Aug 2013 – Mar 2016

   Aspire Lifestyles, International SOS · Dubai

   • Established the Dubai branch in DAFZA end to end — regulatory setup, office, hiring, training and launch.
   • Built a GCC network of 370+ luxury and lifestyle providers; wrote SOPs for concierge, guest relations, valet and airport services.
   • Led SLA compliance and quality assurance; reduced operating costs through process improvement and team training.

6. Chief Concierge

   2009 – 2013

   Hilton Doha (pre-opening) · Hilton Kuwait Resort

   • Part of the pre-opening team for Hilton Doha; ran concierge operations at Hilton Kuwait Resort.
   • Shortlisted, top three — Best Concierge of the Year in the Middle East, Hotelier Middle East (2009).