Dr Mohamed Khalfan bin Kharbash was born in October 1956 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). He graduated from Boston University with a BA in Economics in 1979 and proceeded to postgraduate studies. He was awarded an MA in Economics in Public Finance in 1982. Dr Kharbash received his PhD in Economics from Exeter University in 1991. He was also a visiting researcher at Harvard University in 1994. During his career, Dr Kharbash has held several government posts in the Ministry of Finance & Industry where he joined in 1980. He held the position of Assistant Under Secretary for Revenue and Budget in 1992 and subsequently the position of Minister of State for Finance & Industry, from 1997 to date.

He is known for his forward-looking leadership style and his belief that government sectors need to continuously innovate to meet the ever-changing external demands. Under his leadership, the Ministry has undergone tremendous improvements in its operations. He is also a firm believer that change can only happen if the right competencies and tools are given to the people. In recognition of his foresight and commitment to good governance, Dr Kharbash was appointed as a member of the Advisory Board of the Institute for Government Innovation at Harvard University.

Apart from leading the UAE Ministry of Finance & Industry, Dr Kharbash is also a board member of several financial and economic institutions. He is currently the Chairman of Dubai Islamic Bank, Emirates Industrial Bank, and Vice Chairman of the General Pension & Social Security Authority, the Real Estate Bank.

In 1997, Dr Kharbash held the post of the Chairman for the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank Annual Meetings, which were held in Hong Kong. He is also the Chairman of the G11 Financial Committee of the IMF. Dr Kharbash is currently the Alternative Governor of the UAE at the IMF, and the World Bank.