As CEO of Digital Applications and Platforms Sector, Digital Dubai Government Establishment, Digital Dubai, H.E. Dr. Moza Suwaidan is at the forefront of innovation and digital transformation in Dubai. With over 24 years of experience in technology solutions, strategy and performance, quality management, excellence, enterprise architecture, and portfolio management, she has led strategic initiatives in Dubai’s digital transformation, including the groundbreaking Invest In Dubai, the Dubai Paperless Strategy, and ICT City Architecture.

After working in IT in the private sector for 12 years, she transitioned to government to lead digital transformation programs, where she earned recognition through award-winning initiatives. This phase, she tells us, was instrumental in shaping her professional growth.

“I realized I wanted to be in the technology and digital transformation industry early in my academic career. During my undergraduate studies in business information technology, I was captivated by the potential of technology to drive innovation and solve complex problems. My initial coursework and early projects sparked a deep interest in how digital solutions can transform businesses and improve operational efficiencies. This passion was further ignited during my early career in the private sector, where I saw firsthand the impact of technology on business processes and growth. These formative experiences confirmed my commitment to pursuing a career in this dynamic and ever-evolving industry,” says Suwaidan.

In 2023, she was appointed as the CEO of Digital Applications and Platforms Sector at the Digital Dubai Government Establishment, Digital Dubai, where she is responsible for steering major initiatives to bolster Dubai’s ambition to be a global leader in digital innovation.

“My role involves leading the digital city products conceptualization, design, development, and launch addressing complex challenges, integrating cutting-edge technologies, and ensuring that our digital solutions align with Dubai’s strategic vision. My extensive experience across both the private and public sectors has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of IT and digital strategy, enabling me to drive impactful advancements in Dubai’s digital landscape,” she says.

Suwaidan began her career as a programmer, which gave her a strong understanding of coding and software development. She was later promoted to the role of systems analyst, senior project manager, and head of applications throughout our career in the private sector, which deepened her expertise in understanding and translating business requirements into technical solutions and driving business value and growth through technology. She credits her proactive mindset with helping her to effectively bridge gaps between technical teams and business stakeholders to drive successful outcomes.

“The most decisive moment of my professional journey was my transition from the private sector to the government sector in 2014,” she says. “Although I was thriving in the private sector, the decision to move to the government sector was driven by a desire to broaden my impact and contribute to large-scale public initiatives. This transition was both challenging and exciting. It required me to adapt my skills to a new environment and tackle complex, high-impact projects with a different set of objectives and stakeholders,” she adds.

Suwaidan has continually invested in her professional development, earning an MBA in 2006 and her PhD in 2021. “On a personal note, I am also a dedicated wife and mother, roles that bring immense fulfillment and fuel my passion for both my professional and personal endeavors.”

Suwaidan, who praises her many mentors, now embraces the opportunity to give back by mentoring young professionals. “This role as a mentor has been incredibly rewarding, as it allows me to contribute to the growth of the next generation of leaders and share the knowledge and experiences that have shaped my own career,” she says.

Critically, Suwaidan has also navigated the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated field. “When I began my career in the IT industry as a young female in a predominantly male-dominated field, I faced some initial challenges. The competitive environment and the need to navigate assertively made the early stages of my career demanding. However, addressing both external and internal obstacles, including overcoming personal doubts and learning to seek guidance from experienced colleagues, ultimately fostered my growth and development.” she says.

With time, Suwaidan overcame these self-imposed challenges and broke out of her comfort zone. She credits her ability to navigate the competitive tech industry with personal growth.

“Today, I am not only a leader in digital transformation but also an accomplished public speaker. Sharing my journey and insights with others has become a key part of my role. Speaking at conferences and events allows me to inspire and guide the next generation of professionals, demonstrating that perseverance and a proactive mindset can lead to significant success, regardless of initial challenges,” she says.

Her advice to young women in the industry? “Embrace your unique strengths, build confidence and assertiveness, seek mentorship and network, stay curious and keep learning, and take on challenges and be resilient,” she tells us.

“By following these principles, you can navigate the industry with confidence, build a fulfilling career, and make a significant impact in the field,” she adds.