Dr Saeeda Jaffar

Career arc

1. Managing Director - Circle Middle East & AfricaJan 2026 — Present

   Circle· United Arab Emirates· Full-time
2. Member of Advisory Council of the Dubai International ChamberFeb 2025 — Present

   Dubai Chambers
3. Member of the Board of AdvisorsAug 2024 — Present

   SSharjah Entrepreneurship Center (Sheraa)
4. Member of Dubai Future FellowshipApr 2023 — Present

   DUBAI FUTURE FOUNDATION
5. GM GCCJun 2021 — Jan 2026

   Visa· Full-time
6. Board MemberFeb 2021 — Jun 2021

   United Arab Bank· United Arab Emirates
7. Member Board Of TrusteesJul 2019 — Present

   AAmerican University of Kuwait (AUK)· Kuwait
8. Managing Director, Head of Middle EastDec 2015 — Jun 2021

   Alvarez & Marsal· Middle East
9. Principal2010 — Oct 2015

   Bain & Company
10. Engagement Manager2005 — Jun 2010

    McKinsey & Company· New York, Dubai

Education

• Boston University
  Bachelor of Science (B.S.) · Biomedical Engineering2000
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology
  PhD · Chemical Engineering2000 — 2005

About

Circle is building the infrastructure for the frictionless exchange of value through secure, programmable digital currency. As Managing Director for Circle Middle East & Africa, I work with financial institutions, enterprises, fintechs, and regulators to accelerate real-world adoption of stablecoin-powered payments, treasury, and cross-border settlement across high-growth markets. Previously, I led Visa across the GCC as GM, partnering with governments and businesses to advance financial inclusion and digital transformation through secure, resilient payments at scale. I also contribute through advisory roles focused on entrepreneurship and economic development, including the Dubai International Chamber and Sheraa, reflecting a long-term commitment to building stronger, more inclusive fina

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