Abu Thahir KE
Ras Al Khaimah,UAE
Summary
Results-driven, highly accomplished Senior Logistics & Supply Chain Professional with over 16 years of strategic experience in the UAE managing complex end-to-end fleet operations, multi-modal freight forwarding (Air, Sea, Road), and customs compliance. Proven track record of operating at an Assistant Manager capacity—spearheading high-value logistics for major offshore, energy, and infrastructure projects (including NEOM and Dragados). Expert in cross-border operations, vendor negotiations, and aggressive cost-optimization, highlighted by securing AED 5M in customs refunds for key mega-projects and mitigating over €115k in heavy equipment import liabilities. Fully bilingual in English and Arabic with a strong execution mindset.
Overview
17
17
years of professional experience
Work history
Senior Logistics & Customs Coordinator
Eversendai Offshore
Ras Al Khaimah
2019.01 - 2026.07
- Paused briefly for a critical transitional leadership assignment at Emirates Logistics in 2022.
- Returned to senior responsibilities after transitional leadership assignment completion in 2022.
- Managed Lanwin 2 energy projects as logistics and supply chain lead for Dragados Offshore Spain.
Branch Operations Head (Temporary Contract Assignment)
Emirates Logistics (Sharaf Group)
Ras Al Khaimah
2022.01 - 2022.01
- Selected to lead, stabilise, and steer branch operations during critical transition.
- Directed daily branch operations, managing port-side logistics and shipping documentation workflows.
- Maintained 100% compliance with maritime and customs regulations while keeping client satisfaction high.
Branch Manager
Trans Gulf Freight
Dubai & Abu Dhabi
2015.01 - 2019.01
- Directed branch operations in Dubai with full P&L accountability for daily outputs.
- Coordinated air, sea, and road freight forwarding networks across cross-functional teams.
- Managed border operations in Abu Dhabi handling complex cross-border clearance work systematically.
- Resolved regulatory bottlenecks during Abu Dhabi customs clearance processes.
- Maintained strong working relationships with customs authorities in border operations.
Logistics & Customs Executive
Waddah Forwarding & Clearing Company
Al Silla Border
2010.01 - 2015.01
- Controlled inbound and outbound freight operations, processing key import/export documentation for swift clearance.
- Prepared competitive project quotations, managed subcontract logistics, and monitored project accounts.
- Liaised directly with local government authorities to secure critical transport permits and approvals.
Education
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) -
Madras University
Afsalul Ulama - Preliminary - Arabic & Islamic Studies
Calicut University
Hsc Commerce - undefined
State Board of Examinations Tamilnadu
SSLC - undefined
Board of public examinations Kerala
Skills
- ERP & Logistics Systems: QuickBooks, Matrix ERP, and standard freight management tools
- Productivity Suites: Advanced MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
LANGUAGES
English: Fluent (Professional & Technical)
Arabic: Fluent (Professional Translation & Document Clearance)
Malayalam: Native
Hindi & Urdu: Fluent (Spoken)
References
References available upon request.
CORE COMPETENCIES
- Strategic Leadership: Supply Chain Management, Fleet Operations, Branch P&L, Cross-Functional Team Leadership
- Operations & Logistics: Port & Border Operations, Multi-Modal Freight Forwarding (Sea, Air, Road), Subcontractor Management
- Customs & Compliance: Advanced Customs Clearance, UAE Regulatory Standards, Duty Deposit Optimization & Tariff Classification
- Project Management: High-Value Energy & Infrastructure Projects, Resource Planning, Vendor Negotiations
PERSONAL DETAILS
- Nationality: Indian
- UAE Driving License: Valid
- Location: Ras Al Khaimah, UAE (Open to relocation)
Timeline
Branch Operations Head (Temporary Contract Assignment)
Emirates Logistics (Sharaf Group)
2022.01 - 2022.01
Senior Logistics & Customs Coordinator
Eversendai Offshore
2019.01 - 2026.07
Branch Manager
Trans Gulf Freight
2015.01 - 2019.01
Logistics & Customs Executive
Waddah Forwarding & Clearing Company
2010.01 - 2015.01
SSLC - undefined
Board of public examinations Kerala
Hsc Commerce - undefined
State Board of Examinations Tamilnadu
Afsalul Ulama - Preliminary - Arabic & Islamic Studies
Calicut University
Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) -
Madras University