Artificial Intelligence
Why scaling AI is about company culture, not winners and losers
Companies and nations should build AI cultures by creating a shared understanding of what these new technology tools can achieve – now and in the future.
Nezar Banabeela
Nezar Hussain Banbabeela
Chief Executive Officer, Mobily
A visionary leader with over two decades of experience delivering impact across
telecommunications, digital infrastructure, and logistics. As the Chief Executive Officer of
Mobily, one of Saudi Arabia’s most strategic enablers of the digital economy, Nezar is steering
the company’s evolution into a future-focused, integrated TMT powerhouse aligned with
Vision 2030.
Recognized for his entrepreneurial mindset, high ethical standards, and ability to lead at scale,
Nezar brings a track record of launching bold initiatives that have redefined organizational
futures and influenced national ecosystems. Under his leadership, Mobily has achieved
sustainable growth, profitability, and expanded influence, positioning itself as a catalyst for
innovation, digital inclusion, and global connectivity.
Prior to Mobily, Nezar served as Group Head of Special Projects at STC Group, where he was
entrusted with group-wide transformation initiatives, strategic alliances with global
hyperscalers, and the development of new platforms in AI, API marketplaces, and open
gateways.
As CEO of STC Bahrain, Nezar executed a full strategic reset, launching six new revenue
streams, rebranding the company, and unlocking regulatory wins that reshaped the telecom
landscape in Bahrain. His leadership resulted in record-high customer satisfaction, major cost
optimizations, and the successful relaunch of STC Pay.
Earlier, Nezar led Bahri Dry Bulk as President, scaling revenues by over 350% and expanding
global partnerships, including a landmark joint venture with Bunge and a long-term
partnership with the Suez Canal Authority. He also held senior roles at Mobily, STC KSA, and
VIVA Bahrain, where he built wholesale and enterprise functions from the ground up.
A frequent contributor to business forums and recognized as one of the Top 40 CEOs Under
40, Nezar has received multiple regional and international awards for customer experience,
digital innovation, CSR, and infrastructure leadership.
Nezar holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Umm Al-Qura
University, and has completed executive education programs at Harvard, Wharton, London
Business School, IESE, and Cambridge, reflecting his deep commitment to lifelong learning and
strategic excellence
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