# AD Ports Group appoints Afif Saif Al Yafei as new CEO

- **Source:** https://pelavox.com/ad-ports-group-appoints-afif-saif-al-yafei-as-new-ceo/
- **Publisher:** pelavox. (The voice of shipping)
- **Author:** Helena Pierce
- **Published:** 2026-11-03T09:00:00+00:00
- **Updated:** 2026-11-02T12:51:36+00:00
- **Section:** Business / Leadership Moves
- **Type:** News
- **Topics:** Abu Dhabi, AD Ports, AD Ports Group, Afif Saif Al Yafei, Corporate Leadership, Executive Appointments, Logistics, Maritime Industry, Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, Ports, Shadi Malak, TAQA Transmission, UAE

AD Ports Group has announced the appointment of Dr. Afif Saif Al Yafei as its new Group Chief Executive Officer, marking a change in leadership at the Abu Dhabi-based ports, maritime and logistics operator.

Al Yafei succeeds Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi, who has led the group since 2014 and overseen its expansion from a local port operator into an international business spanning ports, shipping, logistics and industrial infrastructure.

The appointment brings an executive with more than two decades of experience in infrastructure, utilities and industrial operations to the leadership of AD Ports Group, which operates across more than 50 countries on five continents.

### New leadership from the infrastructure sector

Al Yafei joins AD Ports Group from TAQA Transmission, where he served as Chief Executive Officer and oversaw the development of a major infrastructure business, including growth in its asset base and capital investment programme.

His previous experience includes senior leadership positions at Tabreed and ADNOC Gas, alongside corporate board appointments and responsibilities involving business transformation, governance, investment and operational development.

The appointment comes as AD Ports Group continues to develop its international operations across maritime transport, port terminals, logistics and related infrastructure.

H.E. Shadi Malak, Chairman of AD Ports Group, said Al Yafei’s experience managing complex infrastructure businesses would support the company’s next stage of development.

“His expertise in growth, investment, governance and organisational development will support AD Ports Group as it builds on its strong foundations and enters its next phase of development,” said H.E. Shadi Malak, Chairman of AD Ports Group.

### Al Shamisi concludes long tenure

Captain Mohamed Juma Al Shamisi has served as the group’s chief executive since 2014, during a period of expansion into international ports, maritime operations and integrated logistics.

Under his leadership, AD Ports Group developed a wider international presence and expanded its activities beyond its original Abu Dhabi port operations.

According to the group’s latest announcement, its operations now extend to more than 50 countries across five continents and include 40 terminals.

The appointment establishes a new phase in the group’s executive leadership, although the announcement does not specify a detailed timetable for additional organisational changes or new strategic initiatives.

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Cite as: "AD Ports Group appoints Afif Saif Al Yafei as new CEO", pelavox., 3 November 2026, https://pelavox.com/ad-ports-group-appoints-afif-saif-al-yafei-as-new-ceo/