Fayez Ibbini
Jordanian by nationality, Fayez has made the UAE his home for more than three decades, arriving in Abu Dhabi shortly after receiving his BSc. in Electrical Engineering from Leeds University (UK).
In 1981, he set up Alpha Data Processing Services; initially as a bureau offering data processing services– this was, of course, at a time when outsourcing of data processing was a necessity for most as computers were priced at more than AED 1 million each. The age of the personal computer, however, was just around the corner and – quickly recognising these shifting trends – Fayez signed an exclusive partnership deal with IBM for Alpha to become the first and sole distributer of IBM personal computers into the UAE market.
In direct relation to the rapid growth the UAE has witnessed over the last three decades, the IT market also started to boom in the 1980’s and Fayez directed the company’s sustained progress by successfully identifying solid B2B opportunities and started to cater to a growing demand for Networking, Infrastructure Cabling, and Computer Accessories; Alpha later adding Telecommunications, Audio Visual and Radio divisions to its portfolio of services. Recognising the investment and growth coming into Abu Dhabi’s northern neighbour, by the late 1980’s, Fayez opened Alpha’s Dubai office, in 1987.
As Managing Director of one of the longest standing companies in the UAE, Fayez has made it an ethos of the company to be continually committed to sustained growth and success through driving innovation and quality through everything Alpha Data does. This was recognised in 2000 when Fayez was the recipient of that year’s Outstanding Achiever Award from H.H. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, the current Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
From an initial two-man operation, on Alpha Data’s day one of operations, to a company today of over 700 employees, Fayez has steered Alpha Data through three decades of steady growth into a company now grossing revenue of over AED 710 million per annum and establishing Alpha as the UAE’s leading systems integrator, to government and private enterprise alike.
Away from the office, Fayez is a dedicated family man, avid golfer, and keen environmentalist.
Fayez Interview with City 7:
