Rochdale businessman named as senior advisor to private office of United Arab Emirates’ ruling family

Asad Shamim, Senior Advisor to His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Faisal Al Qassimi

A Rochdale businessman has been appointed as a senior advisor to the private office of one of the ruling families in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Asad Shamim was recently appointed to the position at the private office of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal Al Qasimi, a business conglomerate owned by Sheikh Mohamed bin Faisal Al Qasimi, whose family rules both the Sharjah and Ras Al Khaimah emirates.

The private office supports local and international companies to launch and maintain business in the UAE and the Gulf Co-operation Council region (Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE, Qatar, Bahrain and Oman). It also looks to invest in joint offers outside of the UAE on projects that bring return on investment and as a potential lender.

Mr Shamim’s position sees him advise on investments into the UAE from UK businesses as well as advising Sheikh Mohammed bin Faisal Al Qasimi on investments he makes into the UK, such as housing and business parks.

He says his position will allow for investment in the UK, particularly in Greater Manchester.

He added: “I feel quite privileged and honoured to be given this position.”

The CEO of one of the largest online furniture stores in the UK, Furniture in Fashion, Mr Shamim also built up his own independent consultancy service and has held a range of advisory positions in various law firms and organisations as a result of this.

He has previously won an Asian Business Leaders Award and a Highly Commended award at the British Muslim Awards.

He has also been a face of the Law Society and more recently founded the Insaaf 4U non-profit organisation to aid families in experiencing ongoing legal problems in Pakistan.