Dr. Ayesha Binlootah

 Dr. Ayesha Binlootah is the Assistant Vice President of Licensing, Supervision and Assurance at Dubai’s Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA). Dr. Binlootah is a highly accomplished and self-driven leader with over 14 years of diverse experience in Licensing, Supervision, Assurance, Inspection, Internal Audit, Risk Management, Information Security, Internal Control, Excellence, Service Improvement, Governance, Business Continuity Management, Crisis Management, and Global & City Crisis Communication. Dr. Binlootah has consistently excelled in steering organisations towards success with a proven track record in various industries, including Financial Institutions, Virtual Assets, Tourism, Hospitality, Economic Development, and the Public Sector.

As an experienced board member, Dr. Binlootah has played a pivotal role at the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) – UAE Chapter, chairing several committees and contributing to the record-breaking International Audit Conference. Additionally, Dr. Binlootah has held committee positions as an independent director in publicly listed companies at the Dubai Financial Market (DFM).

In addition to her role at VARA, Dr. Binlootah holds other positions namely Vice Chairperson of Emaar Development, Independent Director of the Risk and Audit Committee at Salik PJSC, Chairperson of the Remuneration Committee, and the Insider Trading Committee of Emaar Development PJSC, and Advisor to the Dubai Economy and Tourism.

Dr. Binlootah holds a Doctorate in Business Administration in Tourism Investments and is a Certified Corporate Governance Practitioner from the UK Affiliation of Corporate Governance Practitioner & COSO Certified. Her academic achievements include executive education from prestigious institutions such as Oxford Said School of Business, London Business School, Jack Welsh Management Institute, and Ashridge School of Business.

Before joining the government sector, Dr. Binlootah gained valuable experience at Dubai Islamic Bank as the Finance & Operations Audit manager, overseeing critical audits and risk assessments, resulting in significant cost savings and operational improvements.

Throughout her career, Dr. Binlootah has been actively engaged in various national federal and international committees, contributing to essential initiatives and government agenda related to anti-money laundering, Combating the Financing of Terrorism, and more.

With her vast knowledge, expertise, and leadership skills, Dr. Binlootah has consistently driven organisations and government entities towards excellence while making valuable contributions to the professional community, private sector, and public sector through her involvement with industry associations and committees.

Dr. Binlootah served as Director of the sector of Internal Audit, Risk, and Information Security at Dubai Economy and Tourism where she played an instrumental role in positioning Dubai as a global and regional hub for Finance, Economic Development, and Tourism. Prior to this, Dr. Binlootah served as the Portfolio Sponsor for Financial Sector Development at the Economic Accelerator Unit – Government of Dubai, where she contributed to elevating Dubai’s financial ecosystem as a global hub for business, in addition to her multiple roles at Dubai government.