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NEO SPACE GROUP Appoints Dr. Abdullah Aljohani As Chief Technology & Operations Officer

June 22, 2026

Neo Space Group announces the appointment of Dr. Abdullah Aljohani as Chief Technology & Operations Officer (CT&OO).

Dr. Aljohani brings more than 20 years of experience in satellite communications architecture, advanced wireless systems, and AI-driven communications technologies. In his role, he will lead NSG’s Technology & Operations Division, driving the Group’s technology vision, engineering strategy, and operational excellence across its space and satellite communications portfolio.

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 oversee the development of advanced technology and operational capabilities that support government, defense, and critical national infrastructure requirements. Through close collaboration with national stakeholders, he will help ensure that NSG’s technology investments and innovation agenda contribute to Saudi Arabia’s strategic objectives, space ambitions, and long-term digital transformation goals.

Prior to joining NSG, Dr. Aljohani served as the Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships at the Research, Development and Innovation Authority (RDIA), where he played a foundational role in establishing the Authority and advancing national initiatives in 6G, quantum technologies, and semiconductors. Earlier in his career, he held senior roles at the Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST), where he led international spectrum engagement, contributed to national spectrum policy, and represented Saudi Arabia globally, including as Vice Chairman of ITU-R Study Group 3.

Dr. Abdullah Aljohani, Chief Technology & Operations Officer at NSG, said: “I am honored 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 is an Associate Professor and former research lab founder at King Abdulaziz University, with extensive contributions to next-generation wireless communications research. He is a Senior Member of IEEE and the inventor of 13 U.S. patents spanning IoT, wireless communications, waveguide technologies, and free-space optical systems. He holds a Ph.D. in Wireless Communications from the University of Southampton, UK.

Through this appointment, NSG reinforces its commitment to attracting national and global expertise, advancing Saudi Arabia’s leadership in space and satellite-enabled technologies, and delivering innovative solutions across satellite communications, geospatial services, in-flight connectivity, and emerging space applications.