Faisal Alharbi
Riyadh
Summary
Accomplished professional with a strong background in strategic planning, satellite communications management, and team leadership. Demonstrated expertise in developing and implementing viable plans to achieve long-term goals, managing operations, and prioritising resources. Proven success in directing satellite communications initiatives across diverse industries, enforcing project management methodologies, cost controls, and best practices. Adept at creating high-performing teams to meet targeted goals within set timelines and reporting status to facilitate decision-making. Recognised for leadership acumen with a leadership medal awarded by the Saudi Defence Minister for excellence in leadership and decision-making.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
2009
2009
years of post-secondary education
Work history
CEO
Taqnia Space
2021.11 - 2025.08
- Secured strategic partnerships with global space industry leaders to localize cutting-edge satellite technologies and capabilities.
- Drove the deployment of advanced satellite communications, earth observation, and navigation solutions to support the Kingdom's economic and security priorities.
- Championed the growth of the local space industry by nurturing startups and small-to-medium enterprises through targeted investment and mentorship programs.
- Represented Taqnia Space at high-level international forums, advocating for Saudi Arabia's space ambitions and strengthening the country's global position.
- Represented Taqnia Space to various stakeholders, fostering positive relationships and managing expectations.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations at Taqnia Space, delegating responsibilities to senior executives and monitoring their performance.
- Managed the organization's finances at Taqnia Space, working closely with the executive team to develop and manage budgets.
- Identified and pursued new business opportunities for Taqnia Space, driving business development efforts and strategic partnerships.
- Represented Taqnia Space in external engagements, such as negotiations, industry events, and public relations activities.
Senior Executive, Special Projects
Taqnia Holding
2021.07 - 2021.10
- Led the development and implementation of a highly secure satellite communication platform for critical military operations.
- Collaborated with senior military leaders to define requirements and integrate advanced security measures.
- Managed the end-to-end project lifecycle, ensuring reliability, scalability, and adaptability.
- Leveraged local expertise to foster national capabilities in satellite communication technologies.
- Provided leadership for strategic projects aligned with organizational objectives.
- Drove cross-functional collaboration to ensure project success.
- Fostered innovation and problem-solving to address challenges.
- Communicated progress to stakeholders and managed project performance.
- Contributed to continuous improvement of project management processes.
Director of Satellite Directorate
Ministry of Defense (MoD)
2016.06 - 2021.06
- Developing and leading a plan which delivers key target objectives.
- Performing as a reporting director and a consultant to the chief of Staff in Military Satellite requirements.
- Formulating and implementing operational policies & strategic plans for the continuous growth of the organization.
- Implementing Military Strategic Programs for the government with international partners, i.e., Saudi Geostationary Satellite (SGS-1) (Launched Feb. 2019), and other secret programs.
- Delivering consulting services to various military divisions in the field of the space industry and downstream space applications.
- Holds proven distinction in managing and maintaining working relationships with international government/private partners in Space and Satellites.
- Successfully implementing strategic human capital development programs with international partners to carry out technology transfer and localization of specialized space know-how.
- Interacting and collaborating with all departments to coordinate processes for project development and timeline.
- Evaluating needs for the company to implement a plan of action for smooth operational flow.
- Ensuring skills enhancement and development of every individual in the team by providing direction and training team members.
- Developing modern satellites infrastructures to support national security.
- Functioning with the Strategic Team at SSC to formulate the Saudi Space Strategy and associated SSC’s establishment matters.
- Member of the Steering Committee (SSC) that supports the establishment of the Saudi Space Commission
Transition & Organization Specialist
Ministry of Defense (MoD)
2014.06 - 2016.05
- Served as ahead of the Advisory group and personal advisor to the Director of the MoD Satellite Directorate.
- Successfully maximized the growth and the performance improvement of the Directorate. Primarily strategy, structure, management and operations.
- Looked after all commercial documents including, but not limited to, RFIs and RFPs.
- Assessed Business Process and the alignment of the Directorate programs: Architecture, Service Management, Logistics, Organization and Security.
- Effectively implementing MoD Plan to build and operate Telecommunication, Remote Sensing, and Early Warning Satellites.
- Key Deliverables
Director of Research and Planning Officer, Electronic and Communication Directorate (ECD)
Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF), MoD
2009.06 - 2014.05
- Holds proven distinction in planning, designing and supervising RSADF VSAT network, and STC leased circuits.
- Actively participated in all acceptance tests (PAT, FAT) and active stages.
- Investigated any design deficiencies in VSAT network and suggest the best solution.
- Utilizing satellite data for remote sensing purposes and analyzing images obtained from satellites.
- Key Deliverables
Operation Authority
RSADF
2009.06 - 2011.06
- Reviewed C4I (Command, Control, Communications, Computers, and Intelligence ) requirements and facilitated discussions with multiple vendors.
System Operation Officer, Air Defense Operation Center (ADOC)
King Khaled Military City (KKMC)
2008.01 - 2009.06
- Coordinated real-time operational activities and ensured seamless functioning of the Air Defense Operation Center (ADOC) at King Khaled Military City (KKMC).
Relationship Officer
Saudi Embassy, London
London
2005.11 - 2008.12
- Developed and maintained strong relationships with key stakeholders and diplomatic counterparts as a Relationship Officer at the Saudi Embassy, Military Attaché in London.
Project Manager & Consultant Engineer
2001.07 - 2002.09
- Led and successfully managed projects related to microwaves, Fiber Optics, VHF, and UHF as a Project Manager & Consultant Engineer, ensuring efficient implementation and delivery of cutting-edge technologies.
Junior Telecommunication Officer Engineer
1996.10 - 2001.07
- Installed, configured, and maintained telecommunication networks while troubleshooting network issues. Documented network configurations and procedures. Collaborated with cross-functional teams and stayed updated on industry trends.
Education
PhD - Digital Signal Processing Techniques for Peak-to-Average Power ratio Mitigation in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) Systems
University of Loughborough
Leicestershire, UKBusiness Administration Certificate - undefined
Leicester Adult Center
Leicestershire, UKMaster of Science - Mobile and Satellite Communications
University of Surrey
Guilford, UKEnglish Language Course - undefined
University of Surrey
Guilford, UKDiploma of Microsoft Certificate specialist Engineer (MCSE) - undefined
Microsoft Training Center
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaBachelor of Electrical Engineering - Telecommunication
King Saud University
Riyadh, Saudi ArabiaSkills
- Strategic Planning: Proven skills in strategizing viable plan to ensure long-term goals are realized Manage operations, prioritize resources, and develop creative solutions to broad issues
- Satellite Communications Management: Proven success in directing Satellite Communications initiatives across diverse industries Skilled in enforcing project management methodologies, cost controls, and best practices
- Team Leadership: Creating high power teams to achieve targeted goals within set timelines and reporting the status to management to facilitate decision-making purposes
- Leadership Acumen: Received leadership Medal for excellent in leadership and right decision-making awarded issued and signed from Saudi Defense Minister
PERSONAL DOSSIER
Linguistic Abilities: English and Arabic
PERSONAL DOSSIER
- Date of Birth: 21 August 1971
- Location: Saudi Arabia, P.O. Box 7537, Riyadh 12624
Timeline
CEO
Taqnia Space
2021.11 - 2025.08
Senior Executive, Special Projects
Taqnia Holding
2021.07 - 2021.10
Director of Satellite Directorate
Ministry of Defense (MoD)
2016.06 - 2021.06
Transition & Organization Specialist
Ministry of Defense (MoD)
2014.06 - 2016.05
Director of Research and Planning Officer, Electronic and Communication Directorate (ECD)
Royal Saudi Air Defense Forces (RSADF), MoD
2009.06 - 2014.05
Operation Authority
RSADF
2009.06 - 2011.06
System Operation Officer, Air Defense Operation Center (ADOC)
King Khaled Military City (KKMC)
2008.01 - 2009.06
Relationship Officer
Saudi Embassy, London
2005.11 - 2008.12
Project Manager & Consultant Engineer
2001.07 - 2002.09
Junior Telecommunication Officer Engineer
1996.10 - 2001.07
Business Administration Certificate - undefined
Leicester Adult Center
Master of Science - Mobile and Satellite Communications
University of Surrey
English Language Course - undefined
University of Surrey
Diploma of Microsoft Certificate specialist Engineer (MCSE) - undefined
Microsoft Training Center
Bachelor of Electrical Engineering - Telecommunication
King Saud University
PhD - Digital Signal Processing Techniques for Peak-to-Average Power ratio Mitigation in Multiple Input Multiple Output (MIMO) Systems
University of Loughborough