Sameh Hablas

Dubai, UAE
+971561187999
sameh.hablas@hotmail.com
https://linkedin.com/in/samehhablas/
Senior business transformation executive with 22 years+ experience in technology & 4IR , digital platforms,
cybersecurity, management consultancies, digital customer experience solutions, corporate operations and
business process transformation within industry and management consulting services. Holder of UAE 10 Years
Golden Visa for Exceptional Talent.

Lead & practice Judge - Jury Member & Mentor UAE Hackathon, UAE Telecommunications and Digital
Government Regulatory Authority – TEDRA

Direct experience with Government,Retail,Insurance,Banking,Manufacturing,Construction,RealEstate,Facilities

Management, Oil & Gas, Utilities, Educations (Schools & Universities), Media and Telecom sectors within Front
Office Line of Business and Corporate Services for Finance, Procurement, Human Resources and Technology.

Specialties:

1. Digital Transformation across Customer Experience and Employee Experience.

2. Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) heading end-to-end delivery & practice development.

3. Global Business Services (Finance, HR, Supply chain, Procurement, and IT), Shared Services and BPO Advisory.

4. Robotics Process Automation and Artificial Intelligence (AI) IT, Finance, Treasury, &Customer Services.

5. Business Operations Automation.

- Accounts Reconciliations and Inter-company Accounting Automation.

- P2P and O2C Document Management Solutions.

- Working Capital Management, Credit and Collections Automation.

6. Post-Merger Integration and Divestitures.

7. Cyber Security, IRM, Risk Modelling, and Risk Reporting & RSA Platform Tutor.

8. Organizational Change Management and Business Communications.

9. Target Operational Model and Strategy Development.

10. Analytics, Enterprise Performance Management, Data Architecture, BI & Cloud Data Platforms.

Government Excellency Award Named Premier Excellency Employee

Winner awarded the ((Best Digital Transformation Consultancy 2020))

https://www.mea-markets.com/winners/al-danah-information-systems-solutions/

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com

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 Sameh Hablas
Dubai, UAE
+971561187999
sameh.hablas@hotmail.com
https://linkedin.com/in/samehhablas/
Holder of UAE 10 Years Golden Visa for Exceptional Talent
COO│CIO│CTO|IT DIRECTOR │CHIEF DIGITAL OFFICER│GRC│CISO|AI| Management
(Management Consultancies /Programme Management / GRC & Digital Services Lead)
Winner awarded the ((Best Digital Transformation Consultancy 2020))
https://www.mea-markets.com/winners/al-danah-information-systems-solutions/
CORE COMPETENCIES
Digital Strategy & Planning People & Resource Management Vendor Management
Quality Assurance& Audits Technology Specialist - 4IR Outsourcing Management
Artificial Intelligence Demand & Change Management Risk Assessments and Mitigation IT
Solution Design & Implementation IT infrastructure Continuous Improvement IT
Strategy & Innovation

Project Scoping & Delivery Contract Negotiation Business Development Support

Support Enterprise/Business Marketing & Sales Strategy

IT Cost Optimization & Investment Solutions Architecture Software Development Life Cycle
SDLC

KEY SKILLS AND ACHIEVEMENTS

Digital Transformation & Innovation –at the government sector with UAE Telecommunications & Digital Government
Regulatory Authority TEDRA UAE Hackathon, Judge - Jury member to evaluate the nominated team to be name for the
award & also Mentor for young teams to Support the team with expertise for AI, Innovation, Digital Transformation,
Technology, Platforms & Cybersecurity & Lead & Evaluating the solutions presented by the participating teams based
on the given criteria.

GRC - An adept Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) Director, highly skilled and experienced in managing and
leading the design and implementation of robust risk management frameworks. Ensures regulatory compliance and
drives strategic initiatives to leverage extensive experience, enhancing organizational resilience and efficiency.
Collaborated with government entities (MOI-UAE, Dubai Municipality, and Dubai RTA) and served as an external Arabic
GRC Expert for various international companies.

Digital Transformation–actively at the retail sector in Dubai with Sharaf Group (Sharaf DG) & Union Coop
, leading digital innovation by harnessing the potential of new and emerging technologies strengthen the
governance of digital transformation to adoption, As head of digital channels practice portfolio, I have exceptional effort
in transforming operations developed and delivered digital strategy & road-map to support POS , E- commerce ,
Platforms ,warehousing.

Digital Transformation–actively At the Saudi Customs, Ministry of Finance of Saudi Arabia, King Saud
University , strengthen the governance of digital transformation to adoption of Vision 2030 , As head of digital
channels practice portfolio, I have developed and delivered digital strategy & road-map to support Saudi
Vision 2030comprising of Digital factory, Innovation, Project Management Office& Transformation roadmap
AI ,SDLC & RPA.

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com

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High Level AI, IT Security & Quality Assurance – expert in guiding the selection & procurement process as well as
giving high quality technical security assistance. Effectively directs enterprise-wide information security plans
execution to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of the company’s data, applications, IT
infrastructure & AI techniques.

As Project Director and Senior Expert Consultant at the Ministry of Interior, I played a vital role in the organization's
digital transformation journey & ISO Certifications in Information Security ISO 27001-2013 & Information Technology
Management Systems ISO 20000-1-2011.

in addition to NESA Served as the Management Representative with certification bodies and led internal audit
activities for Dubai Customs, Dubai Culture, Dubai Roads and Transport Authority ISMS. Also gave aid in preparing
for the ISO27001 & ISR certifications.

IT Infrastructure and Operations – actively participates in assessing and analyzing business needs, determining
priorities, developing strategic implementation plans, resource allocation, budgeting and cost sensitivity, as well as
leading others and driving results. At the American University of Ras Al Khaimah established the IT
department, developed an international standard compliant data centre, prepared all the business processes and
built the Microsoft Dynamic NAV ERP. Establishing computerized campus management systems and a students’
portal resulted in saved time and improved user experience for students and tutors& Building the Data Centre
with new IT infrastructure.
Project and Program Management – instrumental in directing budgeting, strategic and tactical planning, business
processes and database system strategy. Skilled in timely, cost effective and successful delivery of technology solutions
for the organisations by assisting clients in setting up project management practices aided by using enterprise project
management tools.DirectedITprojectsaspartoftheGovernment of RasAlKhaimah‘s Finance Department and as a member
of the university’s PM Committee. Successfully managed the ERP project, Technology Specialist - 4IR, saving substantial
time on the transition process. Effectively archived the systems including the HR central systems. Performance
recognized by awarded the Excellency Award Named Premier Excellency Employee(a 2006 Sheikh Saqr Excellence
Award) by Government of RAK and letters of appreciation for innovation and creativity.

Client Management – well developed interpersonal skills coupled with strong influencing and negotiation skills have
enabled effective management of complex projects. Successfully operated as the Director of Practice for the Wipro
Governance Risk and Compliance Practice (GRC) & Digital Transformation project in the Middle East.

Business Reengineering and Change Management – guiding organizations through transitions to advanced
technology platforms like SAP, Microsoft, and Oracle. Your expertise lies in customizing international best
practices across various domains, spanning process industry manufacturing, quality management, finance,
research and development, among others.

Leadership/Stakeholder Management/Interpersonal Skills - Spearheading IT and business projects

Milestones and reporting progress/status to senior management and board members, Achieving
project expectations with team members and other stake holders while delegating tasks effectively.
Efficient in resolving issues and conflicts within the project team.
High Level Digital – Ai – GRC Help organizations achieve several objectives, including: Improve business
processes and productivity across the organization. Deliver better user experience and employee engagement.
Manage business risks. Control and optimize costs.

The winner awarded the ((Best Digital Transformation Consultancy 2020))

Named Premier Excellency Employee (a2006 Sheikh Saqr Excellence Award) by Government of Ras Al Khaimah.

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com

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PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Al Danah Information Systems Solutions (DISS), UAE 2013 – Present
Chief Digital Officer & Winner awarded the ((Best Digital Transformation Consultancy 2020))
Established in 2013 this Digital Management Consultancies Company providing outsourced services to arrange of clients in
the Middle East. Set-up IT compliance solutions centre on company, regional and industry policies, standards, regulations
and best practices. Leveraged own network to drive business development with new and existing contacts. Negotiated
favorable terms with customers, suppliers, government departments and other key contacts. Directed and controlled
workflow and resources. Organized people management, quality assurance, financial controls, research, and development.
Direct & Manage Microsoft Professional Program in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Tutor RSA Archer, Digital Transformation
Strategy, Implemented risk management, diversity, inclusion, and systems testing along with the associated data
management protocols and processes. These activities have established the company at the fore front technology
application and service quality. Under took variety of direct& in-direct projects & consultancy roles including:
Project Awarded List – Consultancies:
Ministry of Interior - RTA The Roads and Dubai Customs Saudi Customs & Saudi
UAE Transport Vision 2030 Digital
Transformation
Authority- Dubai
UAE Telecommunications & Digital Government Central Bank of the U.A.E. Ministry of Hajj & Umrah
Regulatory Authority TEDRA in line with KSA Vision
2030
Dubai Airports Department of Health - Abu Dubai South The Executive
Dhabi -HAAD Council -Dubai
VIVA Kuwait General Secretariat of The American University of RAK Dubai Culture
Executive Council – Abu
Dhabi
Ajman Municipality RAK Municipality Dubai Municipality Abu Dhabi Municipality

Ingram Micro Wipro Paramount MP – Germany

BCG Consulting Aramco - KSA Ministry of Finance Saudi King Saud University

Emirates Catering National Bank of Abu Dhabi Ministry of Interior– Department of

Bahrain–Customs Finance –Abu Dhabi
Department- Digital
Transformation Office

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com

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Project Digital Transformation (Saudi Customs, Ministry of Finance Saudi, King Saud University) Director Core Application &
Channels Senior Expert & Founder - Application Delivery Project Management (Digital Transformation – AI –Demand-SDLC &
Saudi Cybersecurity Framework) Lead
 Oversee functions implement by Accenture, PwC, EY, and Microsoft & PEGA.
Lead the growth of Saudi Customs Robotic Process Automation practice from opportunity identification, business
case development, operating model design, change management and full life implementation/enablement of RPA
&AI.
Manage, support and develop Advanced Analytics using Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Big Data
ecosystem within IT & Digital Transformation Office
Professional functional advisory services focus on helping solve client problems by offering both strategic and
operational.
Problem solvers with extensive consulting and industry experience, helping our clients solve their complex business
issues from strategy to execution. Specific responsibilities include but are not Develop concrete, detailed plans for
an IT projects within Core Application and Channels, including the schedule, the budget, outlining the duties of each
team members, identifying project goals, and setting a time line for the project.
Support change management by participating in change committees, executing application transitioning
Oversee projects to ensure timely and efficient execution in compliance with management and quality standards and
reporting progress to PMO & DTO .
Support overall RFP content development and coordinate input from application architects, business analysts, as
well as other sections within the IT organization (AI, DT, EA, ADD …) & expert specialist - 4IR.
Oversee the development of project plan and initiate project mobilization by confirming project scope, estimate,
resources, roles and responsibilities.
Monitor and control of the execution of projects throughout the service development process until service is released,
tested &deployed.
Work with Big Data and Enterprise Architecture team ensure that Big Data landscape has required components for
Artificial Intelligence (AI) & Digital Transformation (DT) .
Project Ministry of Interior – Federal UAE Ministry Feb 2017–Feb2020
Project Director Compliance and Lead Consultant – Digital Transformation - GRC–Information Security &
Electronic Auditing
Advisory service for the Strategic Department & Digital Department (Security & Auditing )
Monitored and advised on the enhancement of information security management system maturity.
Manage & Lead the project implementation for GRC tool RSA Archer.
Lead the project to meet the NESA requirements.
Carried out Minster of Interior project related to ISMS benchmarking.
Update & Enhance the QMS, policies and procedures & translated to Arabic.
Coordinate with certification bodies regarding ISO 27001:2013 certification.
Preparation of Awareness Material.
Lead Risk Assessment Meeting with Project Stakeholders.
Government of Dubai
Project
Dubai Culture Apr 2016 – May 2016
Project Manager (Compliance) and Lead Consultant
Provided advice on strategic projects, and managed teams and outsourced companies.
Led internal audit operations for ISMS, managed service delivery for technology, and consulting services within
organization and their vendors.
Management Representative with certification bodies as well as led the new projects for network, datacenter

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com

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Government of Dubai - Project Dubai Customs -ISMS, ITSM and ISR – Apr 2015 – Apr 2016
Senior Consultant, IT Quality Assurance| IT Audit Manager
Monitoredandadvisedontheperformanceofthedivision’squalitymanagementandproceduressystem.
 Effectively led the consultant team to work on several strategic projects while developing, implementing and reporting
on quality management strategy and plans.
Advised and analyzed IT requirements and QMS, policies and procedures and provided independent and objective
advice on the use of IT and QMS achieving the best possible business and technical outcome.
Served as an IT Audit Manager and coordinated with all customs centers in Dubai airports, Jabel Ali, etc.
Functioned as a Project Manager and carried out Dubai customs projects related to ISMS and ITSM. Coordinated
with customers to determine requirements and liaised with staff at all levels of a customer’s organization.
Advised how to use information technology to meet business objectives or overcome problems while developing and
assuring the implementation of different types of audits and assessment activities.
Acted as a Dubai Customs Management Representative for both ISO27001&ISO20000 standards & ISR.
Ensured the division has continued compliance and certification to the integrated management system.
Achievements:
Brought projects back on track by setting up a tracking system. Created a
project delivery plan that enabled an effective handover. Reviewed and
updated all policies incorporating IT and security awareness.
Upgraded ISO certification 2013 through project coordination across four different operating units– will send article

Wipro Limited, Dubai May 2016- May 2018

Director - Practice Partner - Digital Transformation & GRC
Brought on board specifically because of technical, practical and linguistic capabilities to manage federal and government
retail client negotiations and service delivery across a range of complex accounts aimed at developing a business plan for
the region. Remotely managed 250 employees in the region. Functioned as a Director Senior Partner for Governance Risk
and Compliance Practice(GRC) & Digital Transformation in the MiddleEast. Performed and supervised engagements in a
wide range in the field of information and technology, risk covering, IT governance, project risk, and information security
management, infrastructure and operations security, IT and business process controls.
Assisted organization in complying with requirements such as Digital Regulate, ISO 27001 , ISO 20000, ISO27001,
COBIT and ITIL. Advised across all industry sectors including financial services, construction, retail, consumer
products, manufacturing, hi-tech, energy andutilities, telecoms and media.
Achievements:
-Managed all federal and government accounts in GCC area that were at various stages of development,
creating cohesive and compliant documents.
Finalized the Government of Dubai - Project RTA Dubai project (ISMS, ISR&GRC Tool); National Bank of Abu
Dhabi, Emirates Airlines catering, Telecommunications Authority, Qatar Foundation and VIVA Mobile Kuwait
& Bahrain & Government of Abu Dhabi – HAAD Health Authority - HIS& Different Government Critical Projects
-Managed retail sector in Dubai with Sharaf Group (Sharaf DG) & Union Coop .
American University of Ras Al Khaimah - Govt of RAK Jan2012–Feb2015
Director of Information Technology & Instructor
Appointed because of a successful record of accomplishment within Govt of RAK & RAK Municipality. Created a new IT
Department and resultant IT infrastructure, strategy, policies and procedures. Engaged in negotiations with the
Government, university’s leadership team, faculty heads and vendors in defining strategic and operational objectives,
security, compliance, risk management, resourcing and people management issues. Reported to the VP –
Administrative Affairs and grew department from one other person to 21 people.
Efficiently developed and implemented a university-wide IT governance model and information security framework
based on COBIT 5, ISO/IEC 20000 and27001.
Spearheaded implementation of latest messaging and collaboration system unified IP telephony system, unified wireless
system and Microsoft OS and Office applications.
Provided analytical and technical assistance to project team for software development, e-services, systems, and
network, security, helpdesk and governance sections under the IT department.
Served as an IT Instructor in Centre for Continuing Education and delivered teaching skills in information
technology. Engaged as Projects Director for IT Projects and a Member in PM Committee for the university.
Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com
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Achievements:
Led the delivery of the following projects for examples:
 ERP MS Dynamic NAV &CampusVue Online Admissions Application CCE Management
and Online Application Admin Module
E-payment Gateway Bookstore Management Blackboard Integration with
CampusVue
Financial & Auditing Information Password Management Online and Offline Inquiry Management
System with integration to MS NAV
CampusVue Test Student Cloning Web Site Editor Management Attendance Report
Application Manager Checklist Management Online Survey Management

HR Portal integrated with MS Dynamic Online Course Evaluation 4IR Projects

NAV
Ras Al Khaimah Municipality Jun2008–Dec2011
CIO / IT Expert / Head of E-Services
Reported to the General Director and led a team to advising the department on deployment and operation of
information technology to meet their business objectives and challenges. Managed coordination with clients and
end-users for clarification of business requirements, requirement finalization and scoping of various
projects.
Achievements:
Led the delivery of major ERP upgrade for Municipality functions, Finance, Human Resources, Customer Care and
Billing, Maintenance Management, accelerating the transaction process from several days to a few minutes that
produced 40%saving in license costs.
Delivered EDMS archiving system upgrade making all computer systems compatible with the new, dynamic
database. Over 1 million documents digitized and integrated with the geographical system speeding up search
facilities and significantly reducing storage costs.
Developed and revised the business/IT strategy to remain up to date and
competitive. Ensured effective delivery of IT services to the group administration
across multiple locations.
Successfully delivered ERP, technical risk assessment process, IT service desk implementation and GIS
projects.
Performeddocumentationofsystemspecificationsbasedonactualworkpracticesandthenatureoftheirbusiness
for design and development of optimal solution.
Engaged in defining software, hardware and network requirements and POC presentation and approval,
developed agreed solutions and implemented new systems.
Supported change management activities including review and analysis of change request/problem tickets,
solution development and change implementation.
Conducted daily TAM administration routines as well as team development and people management activities.
Government of RAK – E-Government, Central Finance Department, UAE Nov 2005 – Mar 2008
Head of IT
(Named Premier Excellency Employee) (a 2006 Sheikh Saqr Excellence Award) by Government of Ras Al Khaimah.

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com

EARLY CAREER
VergiTech Corporation FZE,UAE Apr 2008– Jun2008
IT Manager
Government of RAK – E-Government, Central Finance Department, UAE Nov 2005 –
Mar 2008 Head of IT (Named Premier Excellency Employee (a 2006 Sheikh Saqr Excellence Award ) by
Government of Ras Al Khaimah.Gulf Pharmaceutical Industries, UAE Jul 2004 –
Oct 2005
 IT Officer
Egyptian Computer System Company - RAVAN,Egypt Jun 1999 – Oct 2003
Head of Hardware Technical Support
AWARDS
CIO LEADERSHIP 2023
Best Digital Transformation Consultancy 2020
Ministry of Interior -UAE 2019
MyWipro Digital Platform Award 2016
Ministry of Higher Education –UAE 2013
Gitex Speaker 2013
RAK Police HQ 2010
Premier Excellency Employee 2006
Innovation Government of Ras Al Khaimah 2007

ADVISORY POSITIONS
GLG Jan2020–Present
AlphaSight Jan 2019–Present
Saudi Customs–Riyadh-HQ Dec2018–Present
Ministry of Interior-UAE-HQ Feb 2016 –Present
Dubai Customs –Strategic Transformations Expert Apr2015–Present
Microsoft Artificial Intelligence Expert Feb 2016 –Present

KEYNOTES & EVENTS

Focusing on Operational Excellence in Digital Transformation Jan 2023
Intersec Jan 2022
Digitrans 2018 the Digital Transformation Forum, Dubai Oct 2018
Digital Transformation Summit- Abu Dhabi Sep2018
The Artificial Intelligence Forum-Dubai Apr2018
Cloud World Forum MENA Apr2015
Datamatix Gitex Conference, Dubai, UAE Oct 2013
PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS
Microsoft Certified MCTS, MCSE, MCDBA, MCP.
Lead Auditor Certified ISO 27001, ISO 20000, ISO 22301. PMI, ITIL, ISACA, BSI, CISA. Microsoft AI, COBIT Framework, Digital
Transformation, TOGAF& Archimate. Quality Management and Project Delivery Management. International Standards
Deployment & Excellence Awards & programs Deployment, Enterprise Risk Management, EFQM, Six Sigma Yellow Belt.,
Scrum Fundamentals Certified (SFC)

EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION
London Business School Master Class Management Organizational Leadership, Managing the Company of the Future.
Digital Transformation Certified University of Virginia. Bachelor of Commerce–English Section– Tanta University.

PERSONAL DETAILS
th
Date of Birth: 7 Aug 1980 Nationality: Egyptian, Hold United State B1/B2 Visa
Marital Status: Married Driver’s License: UAE

Sameh Hablas | Mobile: +971561187999| Email: sameh.hablas@hotmail.com | Web: www.shablas.com