Ahmed Al Zarouni
Expert in Generative AI, IT
Strategy & Transformation, and Cybersecurity
Professional Experience
Government Organization
(09/2011 – Present)
First VP & Head of IT Department – President of the Happiness Club & Cybermajlis
Nationality: UAE
Email: [email protected]
Website: aaz.ae
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With more than twenty five years of experience in information technology and cybersecurity, Ahmed Al Zarouni is a seasoned technology leader known for turning complex environments into stable, secure, and practical systems. He currently serves as First Vice President and Head of IT and Information Security in large government organizations in Dubai, where he leads multi year transformation programs that cover malls, towers, smart cities, smart education, and hospitality portfolios. His work treats technology as a strategic engine for investment and economic growth, using financial, operational, and cyber indicators to anticipate risk, protect value, and convert pain points into measurable gains in productivity and resilience.
Ahmed’s remit across his career has included full lifecycle ERP deployments, HR and finance systems, business intelligence, cloud and on premises infrastructure, collaboration platforms, and the establishment of disaster recovery facilities, security operations centers, and network operations centers that now underpin mission critical functions. He has led mega technology programs with cumulative budgets close to ten billion dirhams, supported subsidiaries and related entities on architecture and sourcing decisions, and unified standards so that governance, security, and support can scale across multiple organizations rather than each one acting alone.
Academically, Ahmed holds a Master of Science in Data Analytics and a Bachelor of Science in Information Technology with a concentration in Enterprise Computing, graduating magna cum laude with a GPA of 3.82. He has accumulated more than fifty professional certifications across security, infrastructure, cloud, and architecture, including CISSP, multiple MCSE and MCTS tracks, CompTIA A plus, Network plus, Security plus, Server plus, Linux plus, Azure AI Fundamentals, VMware, Linux, ITIL Foundation, TOGAF, CHFI, MCT, and CCNA. This mix of academic work and industry certifications allows him to translate global frameworks into practical controls, measurable indicators, and clear runbooks that keep regulators and boards equally confident.
In recent years Ahmed has become a recognised regional figure in generative AI and secure on premises large language model deployments. He has designed and delivered offline LLM platforms that integrate retrieval augmented generation, vector search, and domain adapters to support SOC and NOC workflows, executive knowledge bases, multilingual search, and policy discovery while preserving privacy and data sovereignty. His technical range covers secure software development, identity governance, endpoint detection and response, network segmentation, storage optimisation, backup and recovery, and vendor governance, and he remains hands on enough to mentor architects, engineers, and students on real systems rather than theory only.
Beyond his executive role, Ahmed is the founder of TechFirm, a specialised group of companies in software and cybersecurity that focuses on secure platforms, incident response and penetration testing services, secure code review, and on premises generative AI servers tailored for the region. Through TechFirm he has helped international companies localise operations in the UAE and has supported universities, competitions, and training programs that build the next generation of cyber talent. He is President of CyberMajlis, which connects technology, cybersecurity, and AI leaders from major institutions in the region to share reference architectures, lessons from incidents, and joint innovation projects. He is also an active media voice with more than 250 live technical television interviews and radio segments, in addition to hundreds of keynotes, panels, and masterclasses across the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, Egypt, Russia, South Korea, China, and Uzbekistan. Through these appearances he focuses on cybersecurity, generative artificial intelligence, smart cities, digital economy, and the practical side of digital transformation for governments, enterprises, and society. Ahmed serves as Advisor to Horizon University College, Alrushed American School, and Plekhanov Russian University of Economics, and as a member of the advisory board of GISEC, where he helps align curricula, competitions such as AiCyberFest and School of Cyber Defence CTF, and conferences with real regional priorities in cybersecurity, data analytics, and artificial intelligence. He is President of CyberMajlis, a community that connects technology, cybersecurity, and AI leaders from major institutions in the region to share reference architectures, lessons learned from incidents, and joint innovation projects that raise overall maturity. He has written several books including Technical Thinking and The Bubbles Theory in Arabic, English, and Russian with 85 languages digitally. and has published more than fifteen mobile applications including Sahih Azkar, Emirates Parking and Insulini, one of which has exceeded one million downloads and supports more than eighty languages.
In 2014 Ahmed founded the Happiness Club, a cross company initiative that now serves more than seventy three thousand members across dozens of organizations and thousands of partners. Through the Happiness Award and the President Select Award, the initiative has recognised hundreds of individuals and entities for positive impact, teamwork, and service. His recognitions include major awards from the UAE Cyber Security Council for outstanding achievements in spreading cyber awareness, as well as national honours for social media innovation and long term success. Fluent in Arabic and proficient in English, he continues to work at the intersection of technology, security, and human happiness, with a simple principle at the center of his journey: technology should make life safer, easier, and more meaningful for people.
Professional Experience
Government Organization (09/2011 - Present) VP & Head of IT Department – President of the Happiness Club
Certifications & Compliance
Successfully obtained multiple ISO certificates for the organization.
Technology Management
Managed the completion of multiple ERP systems, infrastructure upgrades, and implementation of document management systems. Created disaster recovery sites and SOC & NOC.
Partnerships & Agreements
Signed master agreements with multiple providers, benefiting subsidiaries through integrated products and solutions.
Happiness Club
Founded the Happiness Club in January 2014, growing it to over 60,000 members and fostering beneficial relationships through the Happiness Award program.
Strategic Planning & Development
Established a strategic roadmap to transform the IT department, focusing on policies, procedures, security, capacity, availability, and performance. Engaged in major projects across Dubai, providing technological support and supervision.
Dubai Media Inc (2009 - 2011)
Senior IT Manager

Restructured IT infrastructure, achieving significant cost savings.

Implemented internal backup and disaster recovery solutions.

Introduced Google Apps Email Solutions, saving 450k AED.

Pioneered mobile app development, laying the foundation for Emirates247.com.
Other Key Positions
Emarat Al Youm & Emirates247 Newspapers (2008 - 2009)
Provided IT support across multiple companies and branches.
Department of Islamic Affairs Sharjah (2004 - 2006)
Improved IT services and managed significant projects.
Dubai Airport (2006 - 2008)
Founded and managed the IT section in the electronic department.
Skills and Expertise
IT Governance
Cloud Computing
Crisis and Change Management
Business Domain Knowledge
Cyber Security
ERP, HRMS, CRM Systems and Apps
Training and Public Speaking
Public Relations
Awards and Recognitions
Acknowledged by board members and Managing Director of a leading government entity for efforts in promoting happiness and teamwork within the organization.
Recognized by the UAE Cyber Security Council for enhancing cyber awareness across various platforms.
Awarded by the Emirates Creative Association for leveraging social media to drive technological innovation.
Celebrated for consistent dedication and outstanding achievements over a decade at a prominent government entity.
Publications
Tawzea Publication (2020)
"More than 120 practical technical ideas that will develop your life."
Technical Thinking - 2nd Edition (2021)
"More than 210 practical technical ideas."
Technical Thinking - English Edition (2022)
The Bubbles Theory (2023)
Available in 2024 in English and Russian translations, this comprehensive guide helps individuals navigate personal and professional challenges using the metaphor of life as a complex web of bubbles.
Key Projects and Initiatives
Happiness Club Initiative
Founded in January 2014, the Happiness Club is dedicated to enhancing workplace culture and employee satisfaction. The club has grown to over 60,000 members and includes 35 member companies, 35 Happiness Champions, and 6,500 partners. It hosts the annual Happiness Award program, recognizing individuals and organizations that excel in fostering a positive workplace environment.
Mega Projects in Technologies
Led numerous high-value technology projects worth a total of 10 billion AED, including smart city developments, infrastructure upgrades, and advanced cybersecurity implementations.
Public Awareness and Education
Conducted over 150 public awareness sessions, international events, and live seminars covering topics such as emerging technology, cybersecurity, and digital transformation. These efforts reflect Ahmed's commitment to continuous learning and community engagement.
Advisory Roles and Board Memberships
- Board Member of CIOMajlis
- Advisory Board Member in GISEC
- Advisory Board Member of Skyline University College
- Advisory Board Member of Alrushed American School
- Advisor on DMI Future Majlis
Volunteering and Community Engagement
Ahmed is deeply committed to community service, acting as a technical advisor and providing support to the public through social media interactions, tech groups, and direct engagement. His mission is to enhance technical literacy and make technology accessible to all, reflecting his dedication to accessibility, education, and social responsibility.
For inquiries or to learn more about Ahmed Al Zarouni’s work, please visit aaz.ae or reach out via email at [email protected]