Doha, Qatar – July 7, 2025 – Microsoft has announced Ahmad El Dandachi as the new General Manager of Microsoft Qatar, effective July 1, 2025. El Dandachi brings over 25 years of enterprise leadership experience across the Middle East region. He succeeds Lana Khalaf, who will now serve as Public Sector Lead for Microsoft Middle East and Africa.
Previously, El Dandachi served as Chief Commercial Officer – Enterprise for Microsoft’s Middle East Region, where he spearheaded large-scale digital transformation initiatives across the GCC and played a vital role in advancing Microsoft’s enterprise customer engagement. Prior to that, he was Enterprise Sales Lead for the UAE, focusing on strategies to accelerate cloud and AI adoption.
As General Manager, El Dandachi will build upon the foundation laid by Khalaf, strengthening Microsoft’s trusted relationships within Qatar’s public and private sectors. His focus will remain on supporting Qatar’s digital future and strategic priorities under Qatar National Vision 2030 and the Third Qatar National Development Strategy by driving innovation, resilience, and growth through cloud, AI, and cybersecurity technologies.
“I’m honored to take on this role as Qatar accelerates its digital transformation and national development agenda,” said Ahmad El Dandachi. “With over two decades at Microsoft, I’ve witnessed how technology unlocks economic opportunity and creates lasting impact. I look forward to collaborating with customers, government stakeholders, and industry leaders to harness cloud and AI’s full potential in shaping a more inclusive, innovative, and sustainable future. With a passionate team and the strong foundation laid by Lana, we remain deeply committed to supporting Qatar’s ambition to become a global leader in digital excellence.”
Lana Khalaf transitions to her new role as Public Sector Lead for Microsoft Middle East and Africa, where she will enhance engagement with governments across the region through cloud, AI, and mission-critical solutions. Khalaf brings over 20 years of leadership experience, recognized by Forbes Middle East as one of the Top 100 Most Powerful Businesswomen in 2024 and 2025. She is known for championing digital skills development, startup support, and advancing sustainability and diversity initiatives.
Reflecting on her tenure, Khalaf said, “Leading Microsoft Qatar was a truly transformative and fulfilling journey. I am profoundly grateful to our customers, partners, and the Microsoft Qatar team for their trust and collaboration in driving Qatar’s digital transformation. This nation’s commitment to innovation has inspired me deeply, and I carry this experience with pride into my new regional role. I look forward to empowering governments and people across the Middle East and Africa to harness technology for inclusive growth and sustainable progress.”
Commenting on Khalaf’s leadership, El Dandachi stated, “Lana has been a transformative leader whose vision and impact have significantly shaped Microsoft’s journey in Qatar. As I take on this role, I am committed to advancing her legacy by driving bold innovation and delivering meaningful results for our customers and partners. I wish her every success in her new role, where I am confident she will continue to make a powerful difference across the region.”
