Chairman – WATAN

WATAN Chairman

Moaz Al-Sibaai (معاذ السباعي) is a highly regarded digital transformation strategist, senior executive, and philanthropist, recognized for his leadership in both business and humanitarian efforts. He currently serves as the chairman of WATAN, an NGO he founded with a global reach. Moaz has been instrumental in driving digital transformation across sectors throughout his career.

Education

Born in the United Kingdom to Syrian parents, Al-Sibaai pursued his academic interests in technology and business. He holds a Master’s degree in Computing from Loughborough University and completed his Executive MBA at North London University, focusing on business strategy and digital innovation. He has also Certificate of Global Management from INSEAD. He is also an ICF certified coach. His educational background has shaped his ability to integrate technology with strategic business growth.

Work

Al-Sibaai is the General Manager at the Saudi Cloud Computing Company (SCCC), where he leads major digital initiatives, including projects that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Previously, he led SAP’s program aimed at accelerating digital transformation in line with Vision 2030, driving the digitalization of key sectors like public services, healthcare, and education.

Throughout his career, Moaz has held leadership roles at several global financial and technology firms, including JP Morgan, HSBC, and Dell EMC. At HSBC, he contributed to their expansion in Islamic finance, and at JP Morgan, he played a role in their technology strategy in the region. His work at Dell EMC focused on developing cutting-edge solutions for large enterprises.

Voluntary Work

While working in Canary Wharf, Moaz founded the Canary Wharf Muslim Association, fostering community outreach and interfaith dialogue within the business community. He also established the HSBC Islamic Society to support HSBC’s growth in Islamic finance, promoting a deeper understanding of Islamic financial principles within the Bank.

In 2006, Moaz founded the Syrian Business Group, which aimed to support professional networking within the Syrian diaspora (this later was re-branded to WATAN). As the crisis in Syria unfolded in 2011, he turned his focus toward humanitarian work. He served as a board member of the Riyadh Group for British Business (RGBB), a British Embassy-sponsored organization that promotes British business interests in Saudi Arabia.

Moaz Al-Sibaai currently chairs the WATAN Foundation, a UK-based NGO with affiliated organizations in Turkey, the US, and Canada. WATAN has positively impacted millions of lives, with an annual turnover of USD 30 million. Under his leadership, WATAN has partnered with leading UN agencies, the EU, and international organizations such as Caritas and NORWAC to deliver education, protection, livelihood support, and food security to vulnerable populations.
WATAN, initially founded in 2006 and formally registered in 2012, has played a critical role in providing humanitarian assistance in the Middle East. The organization remains independent, pluralistic, and apolitical, working across various sectors to ensure a holistic approach to aid and development.
In July 2011, Moaz organized the SYAN conference and called for the independence of civil society organizations from political agendas, stressing the critical role of neutrality in humanitarian efforts. In 2014, under his leadership, WATAN advocated for a civil society code of conduct for Syria, reaffirming the principles of non-political engagement and inclusive service to all. WATAN utilized capacity-building tools and training programs to accelerate the development of Syria’s emerging civil society, equipping organizations to operate impartially and effectively in the challenging context of the Syrian conflict.

WATAN Theory of Change

WATAN’s theory of change is centered around empowering communities to achieve sustainable development by fostering local capacity and resilience. This approach ensures that communities can rebuild and thrive in the face of adversity.

Innovation and Partnerships

Under Moaz's leadership, WATAN has pioneered new approaches to humanitarian aid by leveraging digital platforms and forming strategic partnerships with major global organizations. Through collaboration with tech companies, international NGOs, and public institutions, WATAN has built a unique ecosystem that bridges traditional aid delivery with digital innovation.