Celebrating 25 Years of Excellence

Mr. Abdalhadi Abdalhadi

Finance Manager – Retail | Gulf Drug

For 25 years, Mr. Abdalhadi Abdalhadi has been a pillar of dedication, precision, and leadership within Gulf Drug. Starting his career journey with Gulf Drug as his very first company, he has grown alongside the organization, playing a key role in strengthening the Retail Finance function and contributing to the company’s continued success.

To mark this special milestone, we had a short interview with Mr. Abdalhadi to reflect on his journey, achievements, challenges, and the motivation behind his remarkable 25-year career.

▪ Please describe your typical working day at Gulf Drug.

My typical day starts with reviewing financial dashboards, sales performance reports, and cash flow positions for the retail division. I work closely with the operations and retail teams to ensure financial targets are aligned with business goals. Throughout the day, I analyze margins, monitor expenses, review forecasts, and support decision-making with accurate financial insights. No two days are the same, but each day revolves around ensuring financial stability, compliance, and strategic growth.

▪ What is your biggest accomplishment while working for Gulf Drug?

One of my biggest accomplishments has been building and strengthening the financial framework of the Retail division. Implementing structured budgeting processes, improving reporting accuracy, and enhancing cost-control measures have significantly contributed to profitability and operational efficiency. Seeing the department grow stronger year after year is truly rewarding.

▪ What have you been working on recently?

Recently, I’ve been focusing on financial optimization initiatives within retail operations — enhancing forecasting models, improving inventory cost management, and implementing more data-driven reporting tools. We are also working on improving automation in financial reporting to support faster and smarter business decisions.

▪ Is there any work/achievement you’re proud of? Why?

I am particularly proud of successfully navigating the retail division through challenging economic periods while maintaining financial stability and performance. Strategic planning, careful risk management, and teamwork allowed us to stay resilient and even identify growth opportunities during uncertain times.

▪ Any interesting success stories to share?

A memorable success story was when we restructured certain retail cost centers and introduced a more dynamic budgeting model. Within a short period, we improved margin performance and enhanced financial transparency across branches. It was a team effort, and it demonstrated how financial strategy can directly impact operational success.

▪ What’s your biggest challenge right now?

The retail market is highly competitive and constantly evolving. Managing cost efficiency while supporting expansion and maintaining profitability is an ongoing challenge. Additionally, adapting to digital transformation in finance requires continuous learning and system upgrades.

▪ What motivates you at work?

What motivates me most is seeing the tangible impact of financial strategy on business growth. Supporting leadership with reliable data and contributing to informed decision-making gives me a strong sense of purpose. I’m also motivated by mentoring younger colleagues and helping them develop professionally.

▪ When and how did you join Gulf Drug?

I joined Gulf Drug 25 years ago as my very first professional role. It was an exciting opportunity at the start of my career, and I was eager to grow within a company that values integrity and long-term vision. Over the years, Gulf Drug has not just been a workplace, but a professional home.

▪ What inspires you working at Gulf Drug?

The company’s commitment to growth, quality, and excellence inspires me. Gulf Drug encourages long-term development, innovation, and teamwork — values that align strongly with my own professional principles.

▪ Your favorite memory as a Gulf Drug employee?

One of my favorite memories is celebrating major company milestones and expansion achievements with the team. Watching the company grow and knowing I contributed to that journey is something I cherish deeply.

▪ What is your advice to colleagues?

Be patient, stay consistent, and never stop learning. Success in finance — and in any field — comes from discipline, accuracy, and integrity. Take ownership of your responsibilities and always look at the bigger picture.

▪ What is your work motto? Why?

“Accuracy builds trust, and trust builds success.”
In finance, precision is everything. When your numbers are accurate and transparent, you build trust with leadership and stakeholders — and that trust drives sustainable success.

Congratulations, Mr. Abdalhadi, on 25 remarkable years of dedication, leadership, and excellence at Gulf Drug. Your journey is truly inspiring!