AUS alumnus leads digital solutions company into the future

American University of Sharjah (AUS) alumnus Amin Al Zarouni was only 12 when his father bought him his first computer. His fascination with the “magic inside the box” grew as he started university, and lead to his graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering from AUS in 2007. Today, he is CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions, specializing in digital solutions, business applications and IT services as part of the Sharjah Asset Management Holding portfolio.

“When I look back, I regard becoming CEO of Sahab Smart Solutions as the culmination of all the effort and hard work that I had put into my professional career. I did not aspire for a CEO title per se but rather the opportunity to create something unique in the UAE,” said Al Zarouni. 

His 14 years of experience working with international and national organizations such as Dubal, Sharjah Media Corporation, Bee’ah, SAP and Sahab Smart Solutions have led him to develop a strong business acumen resulting in his operational success.

“As CEO, you face new challenges every day, especially when building a tech organization in a fast-paced world. I am lucky to have a very strong team which lifts a big weight off my shoulders. Think of this organization as a fully functioning body where organs work in perfect symbiosis to achieve optimum results. Should one fail, the whole body suffers. So, as a leader, I must lead by example, which is why I need to stay on top of the operations. I am proud and humbled by my journey,” said Al Zarouni. 

He added: “I am grateful for each and every organization I worked for because without the experience I gained, I would not be who I am today. The interaction with different people, cultures and work environments shaped my personality and gave me the confidence to lead.”

Al Zarouni noted that his AUS education played a major role in equipping him with the technical knowledge, network of connections and opportunities that paved the way for his professional success. He maintains strong ties with AUS, and is currently a member of the Consultative Committee for the Department of Computer Science and Engineering (SCE) at the College of Engineering (CEN). 

“It would be unfair if I tried to list the names of the courses or events that helped me, because each one of them contributed to shaping the individual I am today. Major-related courses gave me the technical knowledge in the field and equipped me with the right tools to venture into the working world. Meanwhile, elective courses contributed to building my soft skills and general knowledge. I was also a member of the Emirati Cultural Club, and as much as academics are an important component in a university education, the social aspect is equally as important. Building a network that will support your growth is one of the pillars of success, and that work starts as early as university days,” he said. 

As Al Zarouni embarks on his journey to make Sahab Smart Solutions a globally recognized brand, he summarized the lessons he learned along the way: “Work hard and follow your dreams. Everything is possible if you believe. Each one of us is responsible for making and shaping their own journey. Get inspired, be motivated, and improve continuously. The future is bright and requires great minds to seize it.”

AUS offers undergraduate and graduate programs in computer engineering. For more information on these programs, please visit www.aus.edu/cen/department-of-computer-science-and-engineering.