Ali Al-Saadi

Engineer Ali Mihdar Ahmed Al-Saadi is a licensed aeronautical engineer and aviation executive. His career at Qatar Airways progressed through aircraft delivery, technical projects and engineering leadership to senior executive responsibility.

He was born on 8 June 1984 in Al-Khalfiyat, into a large, close and well-balanced traditional Qatari family. His father, Mihdar Al-Saadi, worked in the Engineering Department at the Ministry of Interior. Strict and decisive at home but sociable and approachable beyond it, he gave his children an example of discipline and commitment and passed on both strength of character and determination.

The home provided an environment in which diligence could flourish. His parents devoted much of their time to their children's education, character and abilities, while remaining uncompromising about religious and moral conduct and discipline in study.

When he was five, the family moved to Al Gharrafa. He quickly formed close relationships with neighbours and adapted easily to the new surroundings. His brothers, close to him in age, were also his closest friends: they attended the same schools, shared activities and accompanied one another wherever they went.

A calm, thoughtful and confident temperament was apparent from childhood. He was obedient, diligent and talented in both sport and art. At eleven, he joined Al Sadd Sports Club's under-11 football team; a year later, he moved to basketball at the same club and progressed through local and Gulf competitions. Coach Ahmed Abdel Hadi did much to foster his love of the game, combining firm boundaries with warmth and closeness to the team. Training therefore became a source of enjoyment as well as a place in which to acquire skill and develop ability.

His father provided constant support, following training and attending matches from the front row. Even when his demands felt intense, Ali trusted the guidance and understood that the pressure was intended to make him challenge himself and realise his potential.

Drawing was another lasting interest. He joined a summer art club and studied with Mohammed Abdel-Al, who developed more than his technique: the teacher also showed him the importance of giving others freedom and accepting when they say no.

Like many Qataris of his generation, he attended state schools. His first four primary years were at Ibn Sina Primary School; he then completed primary education and the first preparatory year in New Al Rayyan. A family move to Al Aziziyah required another transfer, this time to Khalid bin Ahmed School in Ain Khalid, where he completed the preparatory stage. By then, his scientific interests were clear. He entered the science stream and became one of the country's high-achieving pupils.

At Al Rayyan School, he formed a lasting bond with his Islamic-education teacher and neighbour, Mohammed Al-Ansari. Kind, attentive and able to understand his pupils, Al-Ansari took an interest in the details of their lives. If he saw Ali walking towards the bus, he would offer him a lift home. The relationship established during those years has continued ever since.

A demanding oral licensing examination demonstrated his willingness to learn. When the panel suggested postponing the interview so that he could prepare further, he accepted the advice, reviewed the material intensively and returned better equipped for the second attempt. Passing the examination showed that he could respond constructively to criticism, adapt under pressure and master a complex professional challenge.

The resulting qualification was followed by licences for four further aircraft types. He continued training in repair and integration—complex work governed by precise international procedures and standards.

Early responsibility in aircraft delivery tested both judgement and composure. After an aircraft was found to have a deficiency, he understood the importance of measured concentration and began applying every procedure with still greater care. He later took delivery of seven aircraft at once. The scale of the assignment was daunting, but disciplined planning allowed him to complete it successfully.

He worked closely with Akbar Al Baker, the former Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways. Al Baker trusted the young Qatari engineer with sensitive positions and direct dealings with major aircraft manufacturers around the world. Their sustained contact gave Ali access to extensive experience and practical knowledge of the aviation sector.

Among his assignments was chairing the Qatarisation Committee for the company's technical sector. The committee supported Qatari human resources, addressed obstacles to their development and worked across departments to transfer knowledge and strengthen national expertise. The responsibility further developed his leadership and communication while encouraging constructive collaboration and innovation throughout the organisation.

Qatar Airways requires continuous professional development and presents its employees with demanding opportunities. Ali's work contributed directly to passenger safety. He was responsible for the delivery of the Airbus A350, for which Qatar Airways was the launch operator, and supervised the acceptance of 180 aircraft of different types. He also oversaw the first installation of Qsuite and was entrusted with its implementation to the exacting standards that helped make it a defining feature of the airline.

His delivery responsibilities also covered Boeing 787s, several aircraft types entering the Qatar Airways fleet for the first time and private business aircraft.

Aviation work brings continual pressure—from operational schedules, passenger expectations and departments seeking the highest possible performance—while safety remains absolute. Frequent travel forced him to leave competitive basketball at Al Sadd, but careful scheduling allowed him to exercise before work and to return to drawing during long journeys.

Pressure had begun well before senior leadership, during study at the aeronautical college and in subsequent training. Those periods revealed an unusual capacity to organise time and adapt constructively. Even with demanding coursework and numerous responsibilities, he learned to balance study with restorative leisure.

Difficult experience became practical training in the efficient use of time. It gave him the confidence to accept major professional responsibilities, respond quickly to changing circumstances and work effectively across different fields.

Some responsibilities required difficult refusals. He rejected parts or entire aircraft that failed to meet Qatar Airways' standards and, when necessary, postponed delivery. No aircraft was accepted until he was satisfied that it was suitable and safe for the airline's passengers.

Engineer Badr Mohammed Al Meer, Group Chief Executive of Qatar Airways, became another important example. They first met at an air show in 2015 and spoke at length about their work. Ali found him approachable, attentive and generous with guidance, with a strong appreciation of local expertise, sound judgement of professional ability and a commitment to Qatarisation and sustainability. Later collaboration on company projects confirmed Al Meer's detailed knowledge, openness to different views and close attention to implementation.

Al Meer's dynamic leadership has taken Qatar Airways into a further stage of development, following Akbar Al Baker, whose tenure brought the airline international prominence. Both leaders placed considerable confidence in Ali and entrusted him with major responsibilities.