DOB: 2 March 1980
Lived in London, UK Paris, France Monte Carlo, Monaco Dubai, United Arab Emirates Doha, Qatar
Nationality : French, Tunisian
Early life
Adel was born on March 2, 1980, in Tunis, Tunisia, to Mokhtar Aref and Fatma Dhouib Aref. The family moved to London when he was 5, with his two brothers, Mehdi and Bechir Aref. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Lycée Français La Marsa Tunis and a Master’s degree from International Business School Dubai Knowledge Village.
International tennis refereeing career: how it all started
Upon returning to Tunisia at the age of 10, Adel Aref joined the Tennis Club of Tunis, where he played tennis for many years. When he joined the club, he had already learned three languages (Arabic, French, and English). Because Adel Aref was already passionate about events, he got hooked on refereeing. The International Tennis federation (ITF) executives spotted him and offered him a scholarship. Over the course of his career, he officiated over 2000 matches all over the world, from the African savannah to the Amazon and passing through Australia.
The start of the Golden Boy era: Gold badge at 24
At the age of 26, he became director of international officials for Africa and the Middle East. In 2007, he estimated that “considerable efforts are being made at the level of world tennis bodies to support African countries in their policy of popularization and training of technical managers”.
The power of officiating to bring visibility to forgotten regions: Africa and Middle East Director of Referees
After he turned 26 years old, Adel became director of international referees in Africa and the Middle East. Even though Adel held such prestigious positions at a young age, he never lost sight of the vision he had for his native region.
He estimated in 2007 that “significant efforts are being made at the level of world tennis bodies to support African countries in their efforts to popularize and train technical managers”. As a result of his exceptional work skills, he shed light on a region that was previously unknown to the rest of the world.
A journey from the youngest referee to officiate Grand Slam finals to trainer at the Olympics
Throughout his career, he was the youngest international referee to be mounted on a chair, officiating seven Grand Slam finals, including the Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, the US Open and three Olympic games. For the Olympic games in Athens 1996 and Beijing 2008, he was responsible for training official tennis referees.
At Davis Cup 2006, a heated encounter with a young Andry Murray made the headlines of many world top sports channels. Andy Murray insulted Adel Aref during a Davis Cup doubles match against Serbia and Montenegro, protesting a decision he felt was unjust. Two years later in Paris, Andy Murray apologized for his actions which cost him a fine of $2,500.
Sacred Grounds on the Green Pitch: The PSG President Chief of Staff
Often described as a “very discreet man,” Adel Aref served as chief of staff of the president of the PSG and was responsible for the Carré du Parc. With an impressive address book, it is he who attracts planetary stars such as Rihanna, Lenny Kravitz, Naomi Campbell, basketball player Stephen Curry, Robin Wright or Leonardo DiCaprio. A list of French national stars have also been part of the show. Stars like Patrick Bruel, Jamel Debbouze, Francis Huster, Gérard Darmon, Enrico Macias and Jean-Paul Belmondo have all been invited to the prestigious square.
In 2014, the power couple Beyoncé and Jay-Z made a sensational appearance at le Carré for the PSG-Barcelona game, once again demonstrating Adel’s world-class network.
Le Carré: a delicate manoeuvre for a ticket to heaven
Le Carré or The Square becomes then the equivalent of a general theater, a new starred restaurant or a trendy boutique, where the whole of Paris is fighting to get a spot. Paris Saint-Germain often records more than 800 requests for major matches, such as those of the Champions League. They are studied, sorted out, and other potential guests are solicited by two fulltime employees, under the meticulous supervision of Adel. Over the past two years, there have been more requests than available places, which have increased from 146 to 242. Conversely, the task involves courting world stars whose social media presence and relays will contribute to the amplification of the brand globally.
Strategy and Business Development
Thanks to his extensive expertise and distinguished track record, Adel Aref has been appointed by Qatar Sports Investments in December 2024 to oversee strategic and business development initiatives across its portfolio of companies and provide expert consultation on challenges and opportunities, conducting SWOT analyses, and developing commercial and operational strategies to enhance performance and competitive advantage. His role includes among other responsibilities optimizing brand development, sponsorships, and marketing, as well as advising on industry trends, sports technology advancements, and market positioning
Tour Director of Premier Padel
Renowned for his exceptional organizational leadership, strategic vision, and passion for sports management, Adel Aref was appointed as the Tour Director of Premier Padel in 2022 till August 2024. His primary responsibility was to oversee the Tour’s operations, including event planning, financial management and to foster strong relationships with all stakeholders. Adel is responsible for the entire sporting issue ensuring that each of the 24 stages of the circuit runs perfectly. His meticulous attention to detail and hands-on management approach positioned him as a key figure in the sport’s development, solidifying Premier Padel’s reputation as a premier international competition. Under his leadership, Premier Padel has grown in popularity and prestige, attracting top players and sponsors from around the world. He sees everything, he hears everything, A real control tower!
Managing Ons Jabeur
Ons Jabeur has been a trailblazer for Arab and African tennis, reaching a career-high ranking of World No. 2 and securing runner-up finishes at the US Open in 2022 and Wimbledon in 2022 and 2023. A champion with five singles titles, she is not only a symbol of resilience but also an inspiring role model with a global following.
In January 2023, Ons Jabeur entrusted her career management to the experienced executive Adel Aref, reinforcing a partnership built on mutual trust and understanding.
“Ons is family, and her best interest is my top priority,” said Adel.
The announcement generated widespread excitement across the tennis world, extending beyond the MENA region to a global audience. Speaking to WTA Insider in Adelaide, Jabeur expressed her confidence in the collaboration:
“Adel has known me for a long time. It’s reassuring to work with someone who understands my culture.”
Adel, the experience maker
Aref has been involved in globally recognized events in entertainment, sports, and fashion. Organizing Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal’s exhibition game in Doha in 2011 was one of his most memorable accomplishments. As part of the Qatar ExxonMobil Open, Aref invited superstar players to hit tennis balls on a court laid in Doha Bay waters to launch the 2011 ATP World Tour season. As Aref flew over the Inland Sea of Doha, he noticed a thin layer of sand that inspired him to organize a tennis match outside the city.
CEO at AASolutions
Aref is the CEO of AASolutions, an agency specialized in personal branding, business networking, luxury events and artistic careers management. AASolutions also provides expertise in brand strategy. Aref’s network allowed the company to count amongst its clients globally renowned brands like Victoria’s Secret, Galerie Lafayette les Champs Elysées, Elie Saab, Cannes Festival, The Voice, Qatar Tennis Federation, UEFA Champions League, Paris Saint-Germain, BeIN Sports and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022.
Miscellaneous positions
PR / Marketing Director for BeIN Sports
It is no surprise that he was selected by BeIN sport as the PR and Event director, given his extensive experience in the sector. Adel led PR campaigns for the Qatar Fifa World Cup 2022.
ITV Studios Consultant
Adel Aref, who was responsible for casting in the Maghreb and in France, spotted The Voice Arab 2019 winner Mehdi Ayachi.
Global Ambassador of The Luxury Network
Described as “The next generation of marketing for luxury brands” by the British media, The Luxury Network is the world’s leading luxury affinity marketing group. The Luxury Network is a private membership club, established in luxury capitals of countries around the world, within which premium companies work closely together at senior director level for mutual business and client development. In 2021, Aref has been appointed global ambassador of the network.
Ambassador for the Darna association
Adel Aref is also an ambassador for the DARNA association, which supports children without families. This association aims to provide homes and full care to these children so they can live a normal life. They are raised by a surrogate mother and receive the love they have always lacked.