Dedicated business leaders overcome all the odds and deliver their very best. They possess nerves of steel and sheer determination to transform their vision into reality. These leaders are compassionate and responsible. They not only work towards attaining their personal objectives, but also, focus on overall development of their employees and the society at large. They are strategic visionaries, who possess business acumen and technical knowhow. These leaders focus on transforming adversity into opportunity, while changing the face of the industry.
One such trailblazing leader who is taking the business to newer heights of excellence is none other than Mr. Hamad Aish, the Service Owner, Data Center Management of First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB).
Mr. Hamad was born on December 5, 1987, in the vibrant city of Dubai. He spent his early years in a city known for its innovation and ambitions. He started his educational journey at New Academic School and developed a keen curiosity about the world.
After finishing school, he faced significant choices regarding his career. Initially interested in airplane engineering because of his love for travel, Mr. Hamad soon realized it wasn’t his true calling. With the tech boom in 2006, he decided to pivot towards Computer Science.
While pursuing his degree, Mr. Hamad worked as a network engineer at CBD, balancing the demands of work and education. These early challenges sharpened his focus and determination, eventually leading him to successfully complete his bachelor’s degree.
Post-graduation, Mr. Hamad joined NBAD, the largest bank in the UAE, as a senior network engineer. Despite the demanding daily commute from Dubai to Abu Dhabi, he was dedicated and resilient, managing to take charge of the networks in Dubai and the Northern Emirates.
A defining moment in his career came in 2017, when NBAD merged with FGB, forming a larger institution. This merger offered new challenges that enriched his experience. During this period, he was entrusted with leading the International Data Centre team. In just three months, because of his significant achievements and dedication, Mr. Hamad was promoted to lead both the international and local Data Centre teams.
After just seven months and a series of significant accomplishments, he was promoted once again, this time to become the Data Center Service Owner. This role has been a major milestone in his career, allowing him to influence and innovate at a larger scale.
Education remained crucial to Mr. Hamad’s goals. He earned a master’s degree in management information systems from the University of Dubai, graduating with second-class honors.
Family is a cherished part of his life. Growing up in a house with four sisters and three brothers, living as part of an average wealth family, has shaped my values.
A Journey of Self-Discovery, Ambitions, and Opportunities
Growing up in Dubai, a city synonymous with innovation, Mr. Hamad was naturally drawn to the dynamic world of technology. The initial interest in airplane engineering was fueled by a love for travel, but he soon realized that his real passion lay in the ever-evolving field of Computer Science.
The idea gained shape during the tech boom around 2006, a pivotal moment that showed me the potential and endless avenues technology could offer. With technology seeping into every facet of our lives, Mr. Hamad saw an opportunity not just to build a career, but also to make a meaningful impact in the tech landscape.
Balancing a full-time job as a network engineer at CBD while completing his Computer Science degree was challenging, but it laid a strong foundation for the future. It was during these formative years that his vision crystallized—working at the intersection of technological advancements and practical, scalable solutions.
The real turning point came at NBAD, where Mr. Hamad was thrust into leading roles during the bank’s merger with FGB. It provided a platform to handle massive challenges and leverage technology to streamline and enhance operations. Here, the idea behind his career trajectory came full circle: creating value through technology by building efficient networks and data centers.
Mr. Hamad’s core idea was to become a versatile problem-solver capable of adapting to any technological challenge, particularly in large-scale environments. By leading both international and local Data Centre teams, he focused on optimizing processes and fostering innovation within data center operations.
The journey so far, filled with both achievements and learning opportunities, reaffirms the initial idea behind his career—leveraging technology to empower organizations, drive efficiency, and create transformative solutions. The continuous evolution in the tech field keeps the spark alive, urging him to explore further and innovate continually.
Balancing Professional and Personal Lives
Mr. Hamad has a clear vision of his professional and personal commitments. Accordingly, he is able to align his daily actions to support his long-term objectives. “It’s like having a roadmap for my life,” expresses Mr. Hamad. This makes it easier to navigate choices and maintain focus on what truly matters.
According to him, scheduling downtime is as important as work appointments. This means planning time just for himself to recharge. It could be a spa day, a hike in nature, reading a book, or simply doing nothing. “It’s my time to disconnect from responsibilities and reconnect with myself,” shares Mr. Hamad.
He believes that sometimes, integrating work and personal life can be beneficial, rather than strictly separating them. For instance, engaging in team-building activities with colleagues can strengthen professional relationships while also being enjoyable. Attending a personal finance seminar might improve both one’s personal life and professional skills.
According to Mr. Hamad, communication is the key in balancing both realms. Keeping open lines with one’s employer about work expectations or with one’s family about work commitments ensures support and understanding from both sides. This prevents misunderstandings and fosters cooperative relationships.
In Mr. Hamad’s opinion, being self-reflective helps in identifying when things are off balance. “Regularly assessing how I feel about my routine and making adjustments keeps life dynamic and in equilibrium,” he says. He believes that it’s about being proactive and preventive rather than reactive.
Furthermore, technology has been a great aid in balancing Mr. Hamad’s life. Apps for meditation, fitness, meal planning, and even virtual workspace platforms can streamline tasks, leaving him more time for personal endeavors.
“In the end, everyone’s balance looks different, and that’s completely okay. It’s about personalizing my approach to fit my unique lifestyle and values,” says Mr. Hamad. “As life changes, my balance may shift, requiring ongoing adjustments to maintain that sweet spot of satisfaction and success,” he further adds.
A Passionate Frontrunner
As a data center leader, Mr. Hamad’s passion extends beyond just the operational aspects. It’s about fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement. This means embracing emerging technologies like AI and machine learning to optimize processes and predictive maintenance, ensuring systems are not only efficient but also future proof.
Mr. Hamad believes that leadership in this role also involves nurturing a team-oriented environment where talent is developed and encouraged to think creatively. “Building relationships with stakeholders and aligning the data center’s objectives with broader organizational goals are crucial, enabling businesses to leverage technology for strategic advantages,” he opines.
Mr. Hamad is a firm believer in sustainable development. According to him, implementing green technologies and practices to reduce the carbon footprint is not only good for the planet but also aligns with corporate social responsibility goals.
His passion comes from the challenge of balancing all these elements—technology, people, processes, and sustainability—while ensuring reliability and security. It’s a dynamic role that requires foresight, adaptability, and a keen eye on both current performance metrics and future trends. Mr. Hamad’s satisfaction lies in enabling a resilient infrastructure that empowers innovation and propels businesses forward in the digital age.
Opinions about the IT Sector
Mr. Hamad states that the Information Technology (IT) field is a dynamic and ever-evolving domain, pivotal in the way we live and work today. It’s a universe of its own, rich with innovation, creativity, and endless possibilities.
At its core, IT is about the use of systems, particularly computers and telecommunications, to store, retrieve, and send information. This encompasses a wide spectrum of activities—ranging from simple data management to complex systems implementation.
“One of the fascinating aspects of IT is its diversity. It covers areas like software development, network administration, cybersecurity, data analysis, and artificial intelligence,” expresses Mr. Hamad. Each area contributes uniquely to advancing technology, solving problems, and improving efficiencies in various sectors.
According to him, innovation is a key driver in IT. It’s all about pushing boundaries and exploring new possibilities. Whether it’s developing cutting-edge software, enhancing cybersecurity protocols, or creating immersive virtual realities, IT professionals are at the forefront of innovation.
Moreover, IT plays an essential role in connecting the world. Through advancements in networking and telecommunications, we’re more connected than ever. Information travels globally in seconds, enabling businesses to operate across borders and people to communicate effortlessly.
Achievements Galore
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Hamad has made many remarkable achievements. He successfully supervised the complex data center relocation from Al Ain to Dubai for the National Bank of Abu Dhabi (NBAD). This involved not only ensuring the smooth replacement of chillers to maintain continuous cooling and boost performance but also streamlining operations by decommissioning outdated infrastructure. Mr. Hamad conducted rigorous disaster recovery tests to ensure the organization was fully prepared for any unforeseen events.
In addition to technical project management, Mr. Hamad has played a crucial role in advancing AI-driven solutions. He developed the m-advisor, an AI application designed to enhance personalized guidance and tailor recommendations to meet user needs. This project is one aspect of his broader efforts to promote data security across the UAE. Specifically, Mr. Hamad led the initiative to achieve ISO 27001 compliance, which involved compiling a detailed Risk Management report that identified potential risks and ensured successful project implementation.
Mr. Hamad’s impact extends to optimizing financial processes, such as enhancing the withdrawal procedures for various UAE banks, which resulted in significant improvements in efficiency and customer satisfaction. His contributions also include working on Dubai’s m-government initiatives and spearheading innovative solutions in healthcare through the development of smart applications. These efforts resulted in measurable efficiencies, such as a 15% reduction in data center Power Usage Effectiveness (PUE) and a remarkable 56% decrease in yearly maintenance contract costs.
The contributions of Mr. Hamad in leadership and technological innovation have not gone unnoticed. Owing to his brilliant leadership skills, his team received the honor of the “Best Team in Information Technology,” and his individual performance was recognized with an Employee of the Quarter award. Furthermore, Mr. Hamad has been decorated with noteworthy accolades such as the Outstanding Leadership Award at Internet 2.0 Dubai and the Nafis Award 2024 in the supervisory jobs category.
His dedication to excellence, strategic thinking, and exceptional team leadership underpins his significant contributions to technology advancement and organizational efficiency, continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in this evolving digital landscape.
Words of Wisdom
Mr. Hamad believes that it is essential for aspiring leaders to develop emotional intelligence. This means not only managing one’s own emotions but also empathizing with their team members to foster an environment of trust and respect. It’s about being attuned to the emotional undercurrents within the group and responding with sensitivity.
“Clear and transparent communication forms the backbone of effective leadership,” says Mr. Hamad. He further states, “ensure that your team is fully aligned with the overarching vision and objectives by being open and honest in your interactions. This could involve regular updates, open-forum discussions, or one-on-one meetings to address specific concerns”.
In his opinion, empowering one’s team is crucial. Delegating responsibilities and encouraging team members to take ownership of their projects can reap better results. This not only boosts their confidence but also helps build a culture of accountability and innovation. Leaders should recognize and celebrate the achievements of their teammates, no matter how big or small, to motivate and inspire them.
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