Belarus Appoints First Foreign Bank CEO under Emirati Leadership, Unlocking New Trade Avenues for India

• Mohamed Al-Dosari’s appointment marks a milestone in Belarus–UAE financial cooperation, paving the way for expanded India–UAE–Belarus trade and investment partnerships

In a landmark decision, Belarus has appointed Mohammed Al-Dosari, a senior UAE banking executive with over 26 years of international experience, as Chairman of the Management Board of Priorbank. According to the official Priorbank website, the move marks the first-ever appointment of a foreign national to lead one of Belarus’s leading banks and was confirmed by the Supervisory Board on 22 August 2025.

The appointment follows the majority stake acquisition by a UAE-based entity, as confirmed earlier by Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI). Reports from Interfax indicate that the new shareholder plans to expand its ownership further by acquiring remaining state-held shares—signaling deepening Gulf involvement in Belarus’s financial sector.

For India, the move carries strategic weight. The India–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) has already lifted bilateral trade beyond USD 100 billion, while Belarus remains a key partner in fertilizers, pharmaceuticals, and machinery. With Emirati leadership now steering Priorbank, the institution could emerge as a financial bridge linking India, the UAE, and Belarus, facilitating trade finance, investment flows, and joint ventures across Eurasia.

Analysts believe Al-Dosari’s appointment will strengthen Gulf–Eastern Europe financial ties and create new financing corridors for India’s expanding economic presence in the region—transforming Priorbank into a strategic hub for trilateral cooperation and cross-border investments.

About Priorbank:

Priorbank is one of Belarus’s largest private banks, historically part of the Raiffeisen Bank International Group. With a nationwide presence, Priorbank provides retail, corporate, and investment banking services. The institution is now entering a new phase under UAE leadership, focused on regional integration and international expansion.

Official Sources Referenced

• Priorbank Official Website – Management Board listing: https://www.priorbank.by/eng/priorbank-today/bank-management/about-pravlenie

• Komsomolskaya Pravda – Глава правления сменился в крупном банке Беларуси — он из ОАЭ: https://www.belarus.kp.ru/online/news/6537254/

• Myfin.by – Новым главой Приорбанка стал финансист из ОАЭ: https://myfin.by/article/banki/novym-glavoj-priorbanka-stal-finansist-iz-oae-39862

• Office Life – Belarus coverage of Supervisory Board decision (officelife.media)

• Raiffeisen Bank International Press Releases – Sale of Priorbank: https://www.rbinternational.com/en/raiffeisen/media-hub/press-releases/2024/rbi-signs-agreement-on-the-sale-of-priorbank-js-to-soven-1-holding-limited.html

• Interfax – Arab investor intends to buy out state shares: https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/111737/

• Reform.by – Belarusian financial media outlet

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