WAFA AL-KAABI
Abu Dhabi,UAE
Summary
Highly skilled and experienced Head of Programming with over 19 years of experience in leading successful software development teams. Adept at managing complex projects, designing scalable software architectures, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver exceptional software solutions. Proficient in various programming languages and frameworks, including Java, Python, C#.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
11
11
years of post-secondary education
Work History
IT head
ZMU - GAL
Abu Dhabi, UAE
12.2024 - Current
- Authored and enforced cybersecurity governance frameworks in line with the UAE Cybersecurity Council’s national directives, including UAE IAS standards, Zero Trust principles, and central threat reporting models.
- Planned and initiated the foundation of a dedicated Security Operations Center (SOC) and Network Operations Center (NOC) to monitor, analyze, and protect internal digital assets and communications.
- Managed the deployment and administration of the university’s private data center, including virtualization (VMware), network segmentation, and high-availability hosting solutions for mission-critical applications.
- Implemented full UAE PASS digital identity integration to ensure secure and traceable access across platforms and user groups.
- Directed a multi-disciplinary IT team, structured across development, cybersecurity, support, and infrastructure, with performance goals linked to university-wide digital transformation outcomes.
- Designed and executed the end-to-end digital strategy for Zayed Military University, aligning IT infrastructure with academic, administrative, and military training objectives.
- Built a classified internal portal for military curriculum delivery in a closed, offline environment with multilayered access control, secure storage, and role-based permissions aligned with UAE military protocols.
- Oversaw the implementation of student and academic management platforms, including Learning Management Systems (LMS), assessment workflows, digital attendance, and performance tracking tailored for cadet operations.
- Directed the selection and governance of external vendors for the public website development, ensuring CMS compliance, media integration, and security alignment with TDRA standards.
- Spearheaded AI-powered initiatives, including chatbots, real-time dashboards, and predictive analytics to enhance academic operations and improve internal decision support systems.
- Launched a real-time executive dashboard to monitor academic, technical, and security KPIs — empowering Zayed Military University leadership with instant, data-driven insights for critical decision-making.
- Developed the operational roadmap for establishing Network Operations Center (NOC) and Security Operations Center (SOC) tailored for ZMU’s internal infrastructure, with real-time monitoring and threat response capabilities.
- Championed AI-powered applications such as smart dashboards, predictive analytics, and NLP-based chatbots to improve student engagement, administrative decision-making, and digital intelligence.
- Supervised the planning and management of the university’s private data center, including virtualization (VMware), multi-network segmentation, secure hosting for internal systems, and disaster recovery readiness.
- Enabled secure authentication and access through full UAE PASS integration, ensuring alignment with national digital identity and cybersecurity frameworks.
- Led and trained a multi-disciplinary IT team across software development, networks, cybersecurity, and support operations, with clear KPIs and role alignment.
- Authored and enforced cybersecurity policies based on UAE Cybersecurity Council directives and national information assurance standards (UAE IAS), embedding them across all IT and procurement projects.
Director of Information Technology (IT Consultant)
ADAA
Abu Dhabi, UAE
02.2024 - 09.2024
- Led and strategically directed all Information Technology divisions, including software development, cybersecurity, infrastructure, networking, technical support, and digital platforms — ensuring cohesive alignment with institutional goals and national digital standards.
- aligned institutional cybersecurity architecture with the strategic directives of the UAE Cybersecurity Council, incorporating the UAE Information Assurance Standards (UAE IAS) and adopting Zero Trust Architecture principles.
- Developed advanced security platforms utilizing SIEM and SOAR systems for real-time threat analysis and intelligent incident response, in line with national cybersecurity frameworks.
- Led initiatives to elevate the organization’s cybersecurity maturity by implementing Security Operations Centers (SOC) and access control systems (IAM/PAM) in accordance with the Council’s mandate to strengthen national cyber resilience.
- Engineered real-time cyber dashboards powered by AI and behavioral analytics, providing actionable security KPIs and enabling proactive threat intelligence and decision-making.
- Enforced structured processes for vulnerability management, business continuity, and disaster recovery, aligned with centralized cyber reporting and early warning programs driven by the Council.
- Conducted regular team training sessions for skill enhancement and knowledge sharing.
- Created a robust risk assessment process reducing potential security threats.
- Handling IT budget and projects management, Managing department budgets and resources.
- Managed teams by overseeing hiring, training and professional growth of employees.
- Collaborated with stakeholders to align technology initiatives with business goals.
- Risk management and mitigation.
- Vendor and contract management.
Manager
Presidential Guard
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
03.2012 - 01.2024
- Lead software development team and set team's strategy
- Software Management and Head representative of Programming section
- Handling IT budget and projects management, Managing department budgets and resources.
- Developed plans and strategies to promote continuous improvement.
- Managed teams by overseeing hiring, training and professional growth of employees.
- Established the IT Project Management Office (PMO) within the Presidential Guard to oversee and track all technology-related initiatives locally and internationally. Key responsibilities included:
Supervising the implementation of military communication systems and digital platforms. - Managing technology projects supporting daily operational tasks and readiness programs for military personnel.
- Overseeing the development and maintenance of training systems and mission-critical applications for internal use.
Application Auditor
Emirates Identity Authority
Abu Dhabi, UAE
01.2005 - 03.2012
- Performed system testing and troubleshooting, documenting issues and resolutions.
- Installed and configured computer hardware components to enhance system functionality.
- Monitored and performed hardware and software upgrades to network servers, including operating systems and applications.
- Supported various operating systems and server technologies.
- Established and troubleshot network and data communications systems.
- Conducted regular system audits to identify potential security risks promptly.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - Technology management
University of Science, Malaysia USM
11.2018 - 07.2023
Master Degree - Master of Applied Research (MOAR)
Swiss business school
01.2015 - 04.2016
Master Degree - Master of Business Administration (MBA)
American University in the Emirates -AUE
09.2013 - 05.2014
Bachelor degree - Management Information System (MIS)
Al Ain University of Science And Technology (AUE)
01.2007 - 04.2009
Diploma - Business Administration And Computer Information Systems
Emirates College of Technology
01.2001 - 04.2003
Skills
- Critical decision making
- Strategic Alignment with National Cybersecurity Vision
- Project management
- Understanding of organizational diversity
- Team management
- Consulting
- User training
- Technology awareness
- Leadership
Custom
- Strategic Leadership and Management Specialization, 2018
- Certified International Professional Trainer, 2016
- Etiquette workshop, 2008
- International Computer Driving License, 2003
Timeline
IT head
ZMU - GAL
12.2024 - Current
Director of Information Technology (IT Consultant)
ADAA
02.2024 - 09.2024
Doctor of Philosophy - Technology management
University of Science, Malaysia USM
11.2018 - 07.2023
Master Degree - Master of Applied Research (MOAR)
Swiss business school
01.2015 - 04.2016
Master Degree - Master of Business Administration (MBA)
American University in the Emirates -AUE
09.2013 - 05.2014
Manager
Presidential Guard
03.2012 - 01.2024
Bachelor degree - Management Information System (MIS)
Al Ain University of Science And Technology (AUE)
01.2007 - 04.2009
Application Auditor
Emirates Identity Authority
01.2005 - 03.2012
Diploma - Business Administration And Computer Information Systems
Emirates College of Technology
01.2001 - 04.2003
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