Profile
Musa Shaikh is a multidisciplinary deals, mergers & acquisitions, investment and corporate finance professional with more than two decades of international experience. His expertise spans transaction advisory, investment management, corporate finance, financing, taxation, regulatory compliance, internal audit, systems audit, risk management, corporate governance and project management. His professional capabilities are supported by an unusually broad combination of academic and professional qualifications across finance, accounting, investment, audit, information systems, law, business administration and project management. These include Fellowship of CIMA and CISI, CGMA, CPA, CIA, CISA and PMP credentials, postgraduate studies at Harvard University, a Master in Law from King’s College London, an MBA, an MPA, and doctoral-level academic work.
Deals and M&A form a central part of Musa’s professional expertise. His work includes opportunity assessment, financial and commercial evaluation, due diligence, transaction structuring, financing analysis, negotiation support, risk assessment and post-transaction governance. His deal-making capability is reinforced by his qualifications as a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) and CGMA through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, together with his CPA qualification. His Master in Law from King’s College London provides an additional legal and regulatory perspective when examining transaction structures, contractual considerations, governance and risk.
This multidisciplinary combination enables him to approach a transaction not merely as a financial calculation, but as an interconnected exercise involving valuation, financing, taxation, legal structure, compliance, governance, operational risk and long-term value creation.
Working for The Royals
Financial Advisor to: His Highness Jassar Dakheel Al-Jassar
I have had the distinct honour of working closely with His Highness Jassar Dakheel Al-Jassar in Dubai. During our professional association, I witnessed his unmatched intellect, humility, and command over strategic, financial, and industrial affairs. His Highness is a statesman of business - a visionary whose leadership bridges the traditions of Kuwait’s heritage with the innovation of a modern global economy.
Business & Executive Leadership
- Chairman & General Manager – Dakheel Al Jassar Electrical Industries Co.
- Vice-Chairman & Chief Executive Officer – Warba Bank K.S.C., Kuwait
- Board Member – Kuwait Petroleum Corporation (KPC)
- Former Directorships – Boubyan Bank K.S.C.P., Sharjah Islamic Bank (UAE), Meezan Bank Ltd (Pakistan), and AREF Investment Group S.A.K.C (Kuwait)
- Historical Role – General Manager of Kuwait Finance House (KFH)
Investment Mentor to: His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Al Hamed
I have had the honour of mentoring His Highness Shaikh Khalifa Al Hamed, a distinguished member of the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi, since his formative years. From the very beginning, His Highness demonstrated an exceptional intellect and a natural affinity for the financial world. I guided him through the intricate principles of portfolio management, asset diversification, and strategic investment planning, ensuring he understood both the art and science behind sustainable wealth creation.
Over the years, I have watched him apply these principles with remarkable precision and foresight, building a disciplined approach to risk management, balancing innovation with prudence, and embracing global investment opportunities with a deep sense of responsibility. His growth has been extraordinary; he has evolved from a talented learner into a sophisticated investor whose decisions reflect maturity, vision, and financial wisdom far beyond his years.
Our relationship has been one of deep mutual respect and trust. To witness His Highness flourish in the world of finance, translating knowledge into impact and vision into results has been profoundly rewarding. I feel truly blessed to have played a role in shaping his journey and to have seen him become a refined leader and investor who continues to carry forward the legacy of Abu Dhabi’s royal excellence with humility and grace.
Public Speaking
Awards
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL INVESTOR
Women Entrepreneurs Conference and Awards 2024 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
March 02, 2024
THE BEST CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER (CFO)
MIDDLE EAST-INVESTMENT SECTOR” | Women CFO Roundtable Conference and Awards 2023 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
November 25, 2023
THE MOST INFLUENTIAL COMMUNITY LEADER
Global Women Entrepreneurship Roundtable Conference & Awards 2023 – Dubai, United Arab Emirates
August 26, 2023
THE MOST INNOVATIVE GROUP CEO
Women Digital Start up Investment conference and Awards 2022 – Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
September 22, 2022
Books
A thinker, strategist, and storyteller, Musa Shaikh is a visionary author whose writings reflect wisdom, leadership, and purpose. His work embodies the belief that knowledge only becomes powerful when it is shared — to educate minds, inspire hearts, and transform societies.
Drawing from more than two decades of global leadership experience, Musa Shaikh writes about business ethics, strategic management, social development, and human transformation. His books and articles provide deep insight into how values, discipline, and vision can shape successful leaders and sustainable organizations.
Through his writings, he aims to bridge the gap between intellect and action, translating complex ideas into accessible, practical guidance for professionals, entrepreneurs, and changemakers. His thought leadership inspires readers to rethink conventional boundaries, embrace lifelong learning, and pursue excellence with integrity.
As a mentor, educator, and global executive, Musa Shaikh uses his pen as a tool for impact fostering a culture of knowledge sharing and self-empowerment. His literary work continues to influence a new generation of leaders who seek not only success, but significance.
For Musa Shaikh, authorship is more than writing it is a legacy of ideas that empower others to lead, serve, and evolve.
To Read More https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GK9D7F8H
Articles
A thinker, strategist, and storyteller, Musa Shaikh is a visionary author whose writings reflect wisdom, leadership, and purpose. His work embodies the belief that knowledge only becomes powerful when it is shared — to educate minds, inspire hearts, and transform societies.
Throughout my extensive professional executive experience in corporate leadership, finance, taxation, mergers and acquisitions, strategic advisory, investment management, and legal research, I have authored academic and professional articles covering a broad range of subjects including corporate finance, tax strategy, merger and acquisition transactions, financial crime compliance, corporate governance, economic policy, business transformation, strategic leadership, entrepreneurship, and organizational growth. My research and publications also explore emerging areas such as innovation, artificial intelligence, women’s empowerment, education, and global business development.
Many of these writings have been prepared as part of PhD and Master’s degree research, while others have been developed for academic contribution and publication in international journals and professional platforms.
Women Initiative
Women play a vital role in shaping families, organizations, and nations. The Women Initiative recognizes this importance and provides access to mentorship, professional training, networking opportunities, and leadership programs that help women develop the confidence and skills needed to succeed in an increasingly competitive world.
The initiative focuses on key areas including entrepreneurship, financial literacy, career advancement, innovation, digital transformation, and community leadership. Through workshops, seminars, coaching sessions, and collaborative projects, participants gain practical knowledge and valuable insights from experienced professionals and industry leaders.
Youth Initiative
Young people represent the future of every nation. Their ideas, creativity, and ambition have the power to drive innovation, economic growth, and social progress. The Youth Initiative provides a supportive environment where aspiring leaders can develop critical thinking, leadership capabilities, entrepreneurial skills, and a growth-oriented mindset.
Through educational programs, mentorship opportunities, leadership workshops, business training, and community engagement projects, participants gain practical experience that prepares them for personal and professional success. The initiative also promotes digital literacy, innovation, financial awareness, and strategic decision-making to help young individuals navigate an ever-changing global landscape.
Podcasts
*Live with Musa Shaikh* is an initiative created to engage communities, spread knowledge, encourage meaningful dialogue, and connect people through ideas and shared experiences. It serves as an interactive platform where professionals, entrepreneurs, academics, innovators, community leaders, and individuals from diverse backgrounds can come together to discuss issues that matter, exchange perspectives, and share practical knowledge.
The platform goes beyond traditional podcasting by creating a space for open conversation and direct engagement on business, finance, leadership, technology, innovation, education, professional development, and wider social and community issues. Through interviews, discussions, expert conversations, and special programmes, *Live with Musa Shaikh* aims to make valuable knowledge more accessible while bringing different voices and experiences into the conversation.
At its heart, the initiative is about *connecting people with people, knowledge with opportunity, and ideas with action. By encouraging informed discussion and interaction across professions, generations, industries, and communities, *Live with Musa Shaikh seeks to build a growing platform where people can learn from one another, challenge conventional thinking, discover new perspectives, and contribute positively to their communities.
Gallery
Barbara A. Leaf
US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
Michael H. Corbin
US Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates
H.E. Alia Abdulla Al Mazrouie
UAE Minister of State for Entrepreneurship
H.E. Aarefa Saleh Al Falahi
A pioneering Emirati leader,
Professional Education & Executive Training
Musa Shaikh is a passionate professional trainer, educator and consultant who combines extensive practical business experience with a strong commitment to professional education. Over more than a decade of teaching and professional training, he has taught and supported more than 5,000 students and professionals worldwide.
His teaching covers professional qualifications and specialist areas including CPA, CFA, CIA, CMA, CIMA, CAIA and PMP, as well as finance, investment, accounting, internal audit, taxation, corporate finance, risk management, project management, business strategy and entrepreneurship.
Musa has developed a highly practical and results-focused approach to teaching, particularly for professional certification programmes. His focus is not simply on covering a syllabus, but on helping participants understand complex concepts, apply them effectively and prepare confidently for demanding professional examinations. Over the years, this approach has contributed to strong results among students undertaking professional certifications.
A distinctive aspect of his teaching is the combination of consultancy and education. His professional work across deals and M&A, investments, corporate finance, audit, taxation, compliance, governance, technology and project management provides practical experience that can be brought directly into the learning environment. Rather than teaching concepts purely from textbooks, he connects professional theory with the realities of business, transactions, investment decisions, organisational challenges and complex projects.
This combination of consultancy and teaching, developed over more than a decade, has proven particularly effective in helping professionals understand not only what they need to learn for a qualification, but also how that knowledge can be applied throughout their careers.
Musa remains passionate about making complex professional subjects easier to understand, relevant to real-world business situations and effective for professional examination and career success.
Promoting Professional Certifications
With senior leadership from leading global professional bodies, reflecting our continued commitment to promoting internationally recognised finance, investment, and management accounting qualifications across the globe.
John Graham
President of CIMA
I have had the privilege of engaging with John Graham, President of CIMA, and have long admired his outstanding leadership, deep industry knowledge, and unwavering commitment to advancing the investment management profession. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated an exceptional ability to bridge strategic vision with practical implementation, helping professionals navigate the evolving complexities of global financial markets.
His extensive expertise in portfolio management, wealth advisory, professional education, and industry standards has positioned him as a respected voice within the investment community. Under his leadership, he has consistently championed excellence, ethical conduct, and continuous professional development, fostering a culture of innovation and accountability across the profession.
John’s dedication to empowering investment professionals through education, certification, and thought leadership has had a lasting impact on the industry. His ability to anticipate market trends, embrace innovation, and uphold the highest standards of integrity reflects the qualities of a truly distinguished leader. Through his contributions, John continues to inspire investment professionals worldwide to pursue excellence, enhance client outcomes, and contribute meaningfully to the future of the financial services industry.
Laura Merlini
Regional Director of CAIA
I have had the privilege of working closely with Laura Merlini, Regional Director of CAIA, and have consistently been impressed by her exceptional expertise, leadership, and commitment to advancing excellence within the investment and alternative assets industry. From the outset, Laura demonstrated a profound understanding of portfolio construction, alternative investments, risk management, and global financial markets, coupled with a remarkable ability to translate complex concepts into practical strategies.
Throughout her career, she has played a pivotal role in fostering professional development, promoting industry best practices, and supporting investment professionals in navigating an increasingly complex financial landscape. Laura’s strategic vision, dedication to education, and commitment to maintaining the highest standards of professionalism have earned her widespread respect across the financial community.
Her ability to balance innovation with disciplined investment principles, while encouraging continuous learning and industry advancement, reflects the qualities of an outstanding leader. Laura’s contributions continue to shape and strengthen the alternative investment profession, inspiring both emerging and experienced professionals to pursue excellence, integrity, and long-term value creation.
Philanthropic
Musa Shaikh’s philanthropic journey reflects decades of contribution toward social welfare, education, youth empowerment, women’s development, and poverty alleviation. Drawing from his experience as a global executive and strategist, he integrates his corporate acumen with a humanitarian vision — bridging the gap between business success and social responsibility.
Berkeley School of Islamic Research, Arts & Sciences
The Berkeley School of Islamic Research, Arts & Sciences is a pioneering faith-based educational institution established by Musa Shaikh under the Berkeley Voice of Global Women initiative.
Berkeley Middle East Mother & Child Health Centre
The Berkeley Middle East Mother & Child Health Centre stands as a beacon of hope, care, and dignity - a place where compassion meets medical excellence, and where every mother and child is treated as family.
