Here are the key government officials and decision-makers in the data engineering world, impacting the region’s future, leveraging technology and enabling innovation at scale.
In the run-up to the Velocity – Data and Analytics Summit 2022, we put a spotlight data professionals transforming and redefining their role, business, and industry.
Technology forms the backbone of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA) economy and is a propeller to the region’s vision of becoming an innovation and knowledge hub. The country is making a massive effort to diversify its economy, investing in digital technologies across government and private sectors, including oil and gas, fintech, and retail.
Since 2017, the government and private sector investment of around $20 billion in ICT infrastructure allowed KSA to leverage its digital infrastructure with a solid base. In 2020, the country was ranked first among 140 nationals for its digital competitiveness as it invests heavily in technology. In 2021, the Kingdom claimed the second spot, after China, among the G20 member states covered by the World Competitiveness Report.
Government officials are important in collaborating and implementing policies and programmes that drive change. Here are the key government officials and decision-makers impacting the region’s future, spurring technology-enabled innovation and productivity growth.
Abdulaziz Alwatban
With over nine years of experience in the industry, Abdulaziz Alwatban is heading the data department at Saudi Authority for Data and Artificial Intelligence as the Data Quality Director. Prior to joining SDAIA, he worked with STC and government organisations. He holds a master’s degree in management and entrepreneurship from the Prince Mohammed Bin Salman College of Business & Entrepreneurship – MBSC.
Abdulgader Attiah
With over ten years of experience in the industry, Abdulgader Attiah heads the data department at Saudi Airlines as Chief Data Officer. He is a data-generated insights creator who strives to lead and innovate in a data-driven culture. He is also a founder of HomeTron Automation, founded almost nine years ago. He holds a PhD in information systems from Nova Southeastern University.
Abdullah AlHantoush
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Abdullah AlHantoush is currently heading the data department at Saudi Basic Industries Corporation, known as SABIC. Throughout his career, he has thrived at designing innovative products and services leveraging emerging technologies on a global scale. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer engineering from the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals – KFUPM.
Alaa Khreisat
With over 15 years of experience in the industry, Alaa Khreisat heads the data and analytics department at Zain KSA as a data analytics director. He is an experienced customer manager with a demonstrated history of working in the telecommunications industry. Prior to joining Zain KSA, he worked with entities like Nokia Siemens Networks, Umniah, and Rada Electronics. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electronics engineering from Jami’at Al-Ameera Sumaya Littecknologia.
Dhafer Alshehri
With over 23 years of experience in the industry, Dhafer Alshehri is currently working as a Data Architecture Director at Saudi Telecom Company, also known as stc. He is an architectural, strategical, visionary leader. He is keen on learning new things and optimistic about the future. He holds a master’s degree in advanced software engineering from the University of Leicester.
Dr Fahad Alturaisi
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, Dr Fahad Alturaisi is currently a Head of Data and Digital Solutions with the Government of Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining the current entity, he worked with government entities like the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and Housing, Governance and Policies Unit, and King Saud University. He holds PhD in computer information systems from the University of Liverpool.
Hajar Alolah
With around 15 years of experience in the industry, Hajar Alolah is the Chief Data Officer at Transport General Authority, KSA. Prior to joining TGA, he worked with government entities like NIDLP Pitstop Workshops, King Saud University, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, and King Abdullah Public Education Development Program (TATWEER). He holds a master’s degree in business administration from King Saud University.
Khalid Suhaim
With around 20 years of experience in the industry, Khalid Suhaim is currently working as Managing Director, Government Excellence at Digital Government Authority. He has a strong technical and business background and is experienced in diving into complex business transformations through data and technology. Prior to joining Digital Government Authority, he worked with entities like the Saudi eGovernment Program, Dell EMC, Juniper Networks, and National Unified Procurement Medical Supplies Company. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from King Saud University.
Kumardev Chatterjee
Kumardev Chatterjee
is a serial tech innovator, founder, entrepreneurial industry leader, investor, and author with over 25 years of strategy, deep tech, and executive leadership at startups & Fortune 500s across Europe, USE, and Asia. He is the co-founder of NEOM Cognitive Metaverse, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, and an Entrepreneurship Expert at the World Economic Forum. He holds a master’s degree in computer science from UCL.
Madi Al Subie
Dedicated business and IT professional with extensive knowledge in the data and analytics field. With around ten years in the industry, Eng. Madi Al Subie is the Director of the Data Management Office at King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy (K.A.CARE). He holds a master’s degree in engineering from Dalhousie University.
Michael Quinn
With around 15 years of information management experience working in various capacities in Europe, Australia, India, Bangladesh, Azerbaijan, Qatar, and Oman, Michael Quinn is the Director of Document Control and Data at Dar Al Riyadh Group. Prior to joining Dar, he worked with entities like Orpic, WorleyParsons, Maersk Oil, Oil Search Limited, and BP. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information management.
Mohammed ALmubarak
With over 12 years of experience in the industry, Mohammed ALmubarak is the Data Governance Director at Al Rajhi Bank. Prior to joining Al Rajhi Bank, he worked with Saudi Central Bank – SAMA. He has experience in leading critical projects on data governance, data management, advanced analytics, strategy & AI. He holds a master’s degree in computer science data management from the Rochester Institute of Technology.
Nawaf D. Alhoshan
Eng. Nawaf Alhoshan has been the Deputy Minister for Technology Development at the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology since early 2020. Before he was appointed Deputy Minister, he was the Chief Advisor to the Minister of Communications and Information Technology, where he oversaw the Minister’s portfolio and memberships across a variety of committees and boards. He holds a master’s degree in business administration from King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals.
Nawaf AlSabhan
With around 15 years of experience in the industry, Nawaf AlSabhan heads the data science department as Data Science Director at Saudi Tourism Authority. Prior to joining STA, he worked with entities like Mobily, Macura, KACST, and Galvanize Inc. He holds a master’s degree in science with AI as a specialisation.
Nouf AlZwaimel
With around 12 years of experience in the industry, Nouf AlZwaimel heads the data department as Chief Data Officer at the Ministry of Investment. Prior to joining the Ministry of Investment, he worked with entities like Saudi Arabian General Investment Authority and Riyad Bank. He holds a bachelor’s degree in information technology from King Saud University.
Dr Rafiq Jamalaldeen
Experienced Director of Information Technology Infrastructure with a demonstrated history of working in the financial services industry. Dr Rafiq Jamalaldeen is heading Saudi Central Bank – SAMA as the Chief Data Officer. Prior to joining SAMA, he worked with entities like G20 Saudi Secretariat and King Saud University. He holds PhD in computer networks from King Saud University.
Saeed Alshahrani
Experienced information security specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the Information Technology and Services industry, Saeed Alshahrani is heading the Ministry Of Interior Civil Affairs as the Chief Data Officer. Prior to joining the Ministry of Interior Civil Affairs, he worked with Al-Riyadh Governorate. He holds a master’s degree in advanced computer science from the University of Wollongong.
Dr Suliman Alhamidi
With around 12 years of experience in the industry, Dr Suliamn Alhamidi heads the data department as the Chief Data Officer at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, KSA. Prior to joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, he worked with entities like Wichita State University, Mobily, and the General Authority of Civil Aviation – GACA, KSA. He holds a PhD in electrical engineering and computer science from Wichita State University.
Yasser Al Yousef
Experienced in information security with a demonstrated history of working in different industries. Yasser Al Yousef is the Assistant Deputy for Planning and Development at the Ministry of Justice – KSA. Prior to joining the Ministry of Justice, he worked with entities like King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, General Commission for Survey, and Al Moammar Information Systems – MIS. He holds a master’s degree in science from Cardiff University.
Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq
With over ten years of experience in the industry, Zain-Alabdin Tawfiq is working as Centre Director at Thakaa Center. Prior to joining the current company, he worked with entities like Sarahah, MonshaatSA, Saudi Aramco, and Wipro Limited. He holds a bachelor’s degree in computer science from the King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals.
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