NEP 1.0

Yaqoob Al Shamsi is a recognized national leader in data strategy, business intelligence, and information security, with a track record of shaping how data is governed, integrated, and activated to drive decision-making across the United Arab Emirates. He currently serves as a Director at the Abu Dhabi Executive Office, where he plays a central role in delivering high-impact, cross-government strategic initiatives.

His career spans senior leadership roles across government, semi-government, and the private sector, including the Statistics Centre – Abu Dhabi, Presight (G42), and the Abu Dhabi Early Childhood Authority. In these roles, he has led the design and execution of enterprise data strategies, built integrated digital platforms, and launched cross-sector initiatives that have strengthened policy development and enabled data-driven governance at scale.

Al Shamsi has been instrumental in advancing flagship national data programs, including the development of the register-based population census in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and the comprehensive early childhood data ecosystem. He has also contributed to the deployment of integrated data platforms that enhance government interoperability and deliver actionable insights for policymakers.

He combines strong academic depth with applied leadership experience. He holds dual master’s degrees in Business Administration and Information Security & Digital Forensics, as well as dual bachelor’s degrees in Aeronautical Engineering and Computational Mathematics & Physics. He is currently a PhD candidate in Systems Engineering and Management, further reinforcing his capability to lead complex, data-driven transformation agendas.

Al Shamsi is known for his forward-looking, execution-focused approach—bridging strategy with delivery, and building scalable data ecosystems that enhance national competitiveness and enable future-ready governance.