Chief EEMEA Economist

As Chief Economist, Eastern Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EEMEA) Khatija’s responsibilities include development and delivery of differentiated economic, financial, policy and macroeconomic thought leadership for customers, Mastercard and public policy.

Khatija joins Mastercard from Emirates NBD, where she served as Chief Economist and Head of Research for Global Markets & Treasury. A founding member of the research team at Emirates, she played a key role in developing the bank’s macroeconomic insights for the GCC and the broader MENA region. With over 20 years of experience as an emerging markets economist across three continents, Khatija brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our team. Prior to her time in Dubai, she was a Vice President at Deutsche Bank in London, focusing on Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Khatija is renowned for her ability to make complex economic concepts accessible and relevant, and she is a sought-after commentator in both local and international media. Her insights are frequently featured on platforms such as Bloomberg TV and Asharq News, as well as in various print and online publications.