Satellite, Space & Telecom Industry News & Insights

Saudi Arabia’s Neo Space Group (NSG), a commercial space services provider and a strategic company under the Public Investment Fund’s vision portfolio, has appointed Dr Abdullah Aljohani as its new Chief Technology & Operations Officer (CT&OO), strengthening the company’s leadership as it expands its space and satellite communications capabilities.

Dr Aljohani brings more than two decades of expertise in satellite communications architecture, advanced wireless technologies and artificial intelligence-driven communications systems. In his new position, he will head NSG’s Technology & Operations Division, overseeing the company’s technology strategy, engineering development and operational performance across its growing portfolio of space and satellite communications services.

Eng. Haithem Alfaraj, CEO of Neo Space Group, said: “Dr Aljohani’s appointment marks an important step in NSG’s journey to scale advanced space and satellite capabilities from the Kingdom to global markets. His deep technical expertise, strong understanding of national priorities, and proven leadership across research, innovation, regulation, and academia will be instrumental as we continue to build secure, resilient, and future-ready solutions that support Saudi Arabia’s ambitions in the space economy and contribute to Vision 2030.”

As CT&OO, Dr Aljohani will be responsible for advancing technology and operational capabilities designed to support government agencies, defence organisations and critical national infrastructure. Working closely with national stakeholders, he will also help align NSG’s innovation and technology investments with Saudi Arabia’s broader strategic objectives, space ambitions and digital transformation initiatives.

Before joining NSG, Dr Aljohani served as Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), where he played a key role in establishing the organisation and driving national programmes focused on 6G technologies, quantum computing and semiconductors. Earlier, he held several senior positions at the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), leading international spectrum initiatives, contributing to Saudi Arabia’s spectrum policy framework and representing the Kingdom on the global stage, including as Vice Chairman of the ITU-R Study Group 3.

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Abdullah Aljohani stated: “I am honoured by this appointment at such a defining stage in the development of Saudi Arabia’s space sector. NSG has a unique mandate to advance commercial space services while building national capabilities that are secure, scalable, and globally competitive. I look forward to working with the leadership team and our national and international partners to accelerate innovation, strengthen operational excellence, and deliver technologies that create long-term impact for the Kingdom and beyond.”

Alongside his executive career, Dr Aljohani has made significant contributions to academia as an Associate Professor and former founder of a research laboratory at King Abdulaziz University. His research has focused on next-generation wireless communications technologies. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and holds 13 US patents covering areas such as the Internet of Things, wireless communications, waveguide technologies and free-space optical systems. He earned his PhD in Wireless Communications from the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom.