Anas Shabaitah

Last update: 21.04.2025

About Me

Strategic IT leader with over 18 years of experience driving enterprise-wide digital transformation and operational excellence across startups and corporations. Holding a Master's Degree of Science in Network, Systems, and Security. Equipped with over a decade of leadership experience in IT operations, cybersecurity, cloud, operational technologies, blockchain, and enterprise systems management. Offering a strategic vision and a results-driven approach to achieve organizational objectives with proven expertise in leading Migration and Transformation of Enterprise Solutions and AI Technologies, delivering significant business value. Equipped with a raft of professional certifications including Cloud Certifications (AWS, GCP, and Azure), and Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP).

Experience

Executive Manager - Director, EA Office alfanar Group – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 06/2024 – Present
 Created and implemented a thorough Operational Technology (OT) strategy that complies with industry 4.0 standards. Led the flagship deployment of essential OT components, such as OT Core Network, Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES), and IoT integration, to facilitate smooth data transfer and operational effectiveness. Oversee the creation and implementation of the enterprise architecture roadmap and vision, and ensure that it is aligned with business objectives Created and implemented effective governance procedures for choosing an IT architecture. Provided leadership in defining and managing the organization's technology vision, ensuring it supports strategic goals. Collaborated with PwC to create and execute a strong IT operating model. Evaluated emerging technologies and trends, including AI Technologies, to determine their potential impact and suitability for the organization. Led the selection of enterprise-wide tools, platforms, and solutions to meet business needs. Managed and mentored the enterprise architecture team, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing.
Key Achievements
Participated in ERP Assessment (SAP S4Hana). Initiated the Change Management Process and CAB for changes across the IT landscape. ServiceNow: Streamlined ITSM processes, reducing incident resolution times by 25% and boosting team productivity by 15%. Optimized Operations with Mendix: Deployed Low-Code/No-Code solutions, accelerating application development by 30%. Introduced AI Governance & GenAI Tools:** Established ethical AI frameworks, reducing compliance risks by 20%.


Head of Enterprise Architecture alfanar Group – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 11/2023 – 06/2024 Established the EA Office, setting strategic IT principles and integrating operational technology frameworks. Established a clear architectural vision integrating business, application, data, and technology domains. Developed and implemented governance frameworks, policies, and standards for enterprise architecture. Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, industry standards, and organizational policies in all architectural decisions. Evaluated and recommended new technologies, tools, and methodologies to enhance business processes and IT capabilities. Drove innovation by identifying opportunities for adopting emerging technologies and aligning them with the organization's goals. Aligned IT initiatives with business strategies to enable growth and operational efficiency.
Key Achievements
Developed Technology Selection Framework: Created a structured process for evaluating and selecting IT solutions, shortening decision-making timelines by 25% and improving tech stack alignment with business needs. Enhanced Data Governance: Architected a data strategy that increased data accuracy by 30% and supported advanced analytics initiatives across the organization. Led OT and IIoT Integration: Designed interoperable systems linking operational technology and Industrial IoT, boosting system uptime by 20% and reducing maintenance costs by 15%. Implemented Cost-Saving FinOps Practices: Introduced cloud cost governance protocols, achieving annual savings of $500K through optimized resource allocation.


Head of Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE) alfanar Group – Riyadh, Saudi Arabia 03/2023 – 11/2023 Directed the cloud strategy and the CCoE across different pillars, including Architecture and Design, Ops (SRE, DevOps, DevSecOps and FinOps), Governance, Network, and Security. Drove cloud adoption strategies and promoted a cloud-first approach across the organization. Established governance frameworks, policies, and standards for cloud usage to ensure security, compliance, and cost optimization. Oversaw the design and implementation of cloud solutions that align with business and technical needs. Provided expertise in modernizing legacy systems and integrating them into the cloud ecosystem. Built and led a high-performing CCoE team, fostering skill development and knowledge sharing. Provided training and support to IT teams and business units to enhance cloud competency.
Key Achievements
Scaled Kubernetes Infrastructure: Achieved 99.9% availability, reducing downtime by 45% and supporting 50% more deployments. Optimized Cloud Spend: Saved $750K annually through FinOps methodologies and vendor negotiations. Launched Internal Developer Platform: Accelerated development cycles by 35%, delivering projects 20% ahead of schedule. Enhanced Disaster Recovery: Designed a DR plan with 100% data recovery in simulations, minimizing outage risks.


Head of Cloud & Mobility Majid Al Futtaim – Dubai, UAE 06/2018 – 03/2023 Led cloud transformation, implementing Microservices, Containerization, and Low Code/No Code platforms, driving business innovation. Managed initiatives in IoT, Blockchain, and Robotics, integrating with cloud solutions to enhance operations. Acted as a technology ambassador for business initiative and projects including Planogram, Inventory Robots, Unmanned Stores (City+), Last mile, fulfi lment, and E-commerce initiatives. Oversaw multi-million-dollar IT agreements using Strategic Portfolio Management to align investments with priorities. Defined and executed the strategic vision for cloud and mobility initiatives, and ensured alignment with organizational goals and IT strategy. Drove innovation by leveraging cloud and mobility technologies to enhance business agility and operational efficiency. Managed new initiatives, including IoT, blockchain, robotics, microservices, DevOps, and containerization.
Oversaw a talented team of cloud engineers, architects, DevOps, and FinOps while implementing Agile and Scrum methodologies throughout the IT department. Developed and implemented frameworks, policies, and best practices for cloud adoption and mobile solutions. Established architectural standards for cloud platforms and mobile applications to ensure consistency and scalability. Supervised the design and integration of cloud platforms and mobile technologies with existing IT infrastructure. Ensured seamless interoperability between cloud solutions, mobile devices, and enterprise systems.
Key Achievements
Achieved $2M in Cloud Savings: Reduced annual spending by 25% through governance and contract negotiations. Transformed Retail with IoT: Improved inventory accuracy by 40% across 200+ stores, boosting customer satisfaction by 15%. Led Microsoft 365 Rollout: Achieved 95% adoption for 12,000+ users, enabling remote work within 6 months. Pioneered Blockchain Traceability: Enhanced supply chain visibility by 60% with IBM Blockchain, increasing consumer trust.

IT Senior Manager Majid Al Futtaim – Dubai, UAE 04/2014 – 06/2018 Planned the technology changes within the IT Systems department. Planned and assessed IT Systems related projects, including disaster recovery and business continuity, preparing standard operational procedures and systems documentation. Prepared team development plans, including technical and soft skill training. Defined priorities in alignment with business strategy, communicating KPIs to the management group. Managed the financial budget for the IT Systems department.
Key Achievements
 Revamped E-commerce Platform: Migrated to SAP Hybris, growing online sales by 2000% and traffic by 25x. Reduced Hardware Costs by 65%: Implemented a private cloud, slashing infrastructure expenses. Streamlined Desktop Management: Standardized deployments across 300 stores, cutting setup time by 70%. Ensured PCI DSS Compliance: Improved security posture by 35%, meeting audit requirements.

IT Systems Manager Majid Al Futtaim – Dubai, UAE 06/2010 – 04/2014 Spearheaded IT projects by coordinating between diverse technical teams. Prepared project charters, planning and designing architecture for new technologies. Proposed new products and solutions to enhance performance and efficiency. Extended third-level support to IT managers to ensure smooth operations of the IT function.

IT Systems Engineer Majid Al Futtaim – Dubai, UAE 08/2007 – 06/2010 Provided expert support to 120+ stores across 10 countries. Delivered on-site and remote rollout of IT Systems (Microsoft Exchange, Windows Servers, File Services, Backup, and Virtualization for more than 7000 users and 1200 servers. Proactively identified IT projects to improve service performance, undertaking a comprehensive technical overview of technology and applications.
IT Assistant Majid Al Futtaim – Dubai, UAE 08/2006 – 08/2007 Provided operational support, including design, network setup, and maintenance of endpoint devices. Managed and supported the network LAN within the store. Acted as an IT ambassador with the business and technical team. Delivered training to end users on IT applications and systems.

Startup Experience

Neo Little Innovators Dubai, UAE. 01/2014 - 06/2018 Co-founded a startup focusing on STEAM education for schools by developing curriculums and using technologies like Raspberry Pi and LittleBits. EasyBuy.ps Dubai, UAE. 01/2017 - 01/2021 Acted as a CTO for one of the first e-commerce drop-shipping platforms in Palestine. Aroundme.ae Dubai, UAE. 03/2016 - 02/2018 Acted as a CTO for one of the first e-commerce drop-shipping platforms in Palestine.

Key Projects 

EA Tool Implementation: Selection and Implementation of Enterprise Architecture Tool (SAP LeanIX) APM: Application Portfolio Management, process and implementation IT Operating Model: Engaged with PWC for developing a complete IT Transformation roadmap including operating and interaction models. IT Strategies: Developed comprehensive IT Strategies including Data, AI, Cloud and OT Strategies. Technology Selection Trees: Designed comprehensive technology selection and decision trees across different technology stacks. Change Management: Revamped the change management and CAB process achieving 50% additional compliance with change management practices. Disaster Recovery Plan and Procedure: Green-Field implementation of DR plan covering all IT landscape. Cloud Projects: Well-Architected Framework (WAF) and vWAN comprehensive design for agnostic cloud landing zones. FinOps and Cloud Cost Optimization: FinOps process and cost optimization practices resulting in $ 1.8 / Year saving on cloud spending. Cloud Center of Excellence (CCoE): Established Cloud Center of Excellence, standardizing cloud framework, achieving 60% faster time to market, 60% security improvement, and 30% cost reduction. Microsoft 365 Implementation and Adoption: Achieved a 5-star user experience and satisfaction by participating in the planning and roll out of Microsoft 365 and modern workplace for more than 10,000 users prior to COVID-19 pandemic, resulting in a smooth transition to Work from Anywhere policy. Blockchain (Food Traceability): Implemented Food Traceability with IBM Blockchain for end-to-end visibility, enhancing customer trust and experience. Azure Virtual Desktop and VDI: Achieved 30% saving in OPEX cost and 50% in CAPEX for brick-and-mortar stores (200 stores) by implementing Azure Virtual Desktop replacing FAT clients with Thin Clients Engagement Robots: Proposed and implemented employee engagement robots using Sanbot humanoid robots to improve the employees’ experience by sharing memos, updates and birthday celebration. Recognized as Top Talent in 2019 and 2020. PCI DSS Compliance: Achieved 30% in security posture by implementing Wireless Security, Pass the Hash controls, Network Printer security and end point hardening using CIS benchmark in order comply with audit requirements and achieve PCI DSS certification. Automation (Managed File Transfer): Achieved 90% automation for interfaces and data transfer between internal systems and third parties by implementing Managed File Transfer (Control M). Digital Forensic Lab: Proposed and implemented a digital forensic lab to investigate cybercrimes and attacks using different tools, including Encase, Sleuth Kit, and Oxygen, resulting in a faster response to incidents, investigations, and case resolutions. Private Cloud: Achieved a cost saving of 60% on hardware by revamping the primary data center and migrating the servers to a private cloud powered by Microsoft System Center Suite. Desktop Management Project: Initiated a Desktop management project across 300 stores by standardizing the operating system and applications, building golden images, and deploying them using network deployment, resulting in a 60% reduction in deployment time and 80% in IT effort.

Certifications & Training

Certified Cloud Security Professional (CCSP) AWS certified solution architect associate MIT: Blockchain and Business Innovation Microsoft Certified SAP Workloads Specialist Certified Digital Forensics Examiner Intro to Midjourney Python OpenAI GPT API TryHackMe (Active Member) GoLang Metaverse TypeScript Google Certified Professional Cloud Architect Azure Solution Architect – Expert Professional Scrum Master PMP GitHub Copilot Docker and K8S MongoDB Explainable AI (XAI) Design Restful APIs Redis Cache Ethereum Development React.JS, Node.JS Azure DevOps Engineer Agile Project Management TOGAF 9.1 ITIL Foundation AI-Generated Attacks UiPath Hyperledger Conversational Design with Alexa Building Microservices in Azure NFT Development Digital Currencies

Skills

Cloud Architecture and Design DevOps Solution Architecture IoT DevSecOps Microservices & Containers Blockchain Solutions Smart Contracts AWS Cloud CyberSecurity Low Code/ No Code Network Design FinOps Agile Methodology Data Architecture Open Source Robotics and RPA Cloud Orchestration Ethereum Blockchain NFT Azure Cloud Scrum IT Strategy and Governance GenAI Modern Services Enterprise Architecture Ethical Hacking Retail Technologies Digital Forensics EA Tools Hyperledger Cryptocurrency Google Cloud Microsoft Power Platform Infrastructure as a code FinTech

Education

Master of Science in Network, Systems and Security RIT: Rochester Institute of Technology 01/2012 - 01/2014, UAE/ USA GPA: 4.0.
Received a certificate of appreciation from the ministry of higher education and scientifi c research (UAE). Publication/ Thesis: Server-Based Desktop Virtualization. https://repository.rit.edu/theses/7834 Bachelor Degree in Computer Engineering AN-Najah National University 01/2001 - 01/2006, Palestine

Languages

Arabic (Native) English (Proficient)
Note: Holder of UAE Golden Visa.