The Strategic Visionary Bridging Technology and Infrastructure
In an era where technology reshapes industries overnight, Steven Nasser, CTO/CIO of SABER/IRF and Chairman of the IRF MENA, IRF Global, stands as a beacon of innovation and strategic foresight. With a career rooted in engineering, entrepreneurship, and transformative leadership, Nasser has spent over two decades harmonizing cutting-edge technology with global infrastructure demands. From pioneering smart transportation solutions to digitizing manufacturing ecosystems, his work epitomizes the essence of big-picture leadership—a balance of technical mastery, cultural agility, and unwavering integrity. As the world races toward an AI-driven future, Nasser’s journey offers a blueprint for aligning human ingenuity with technological advancement.
A Dialogue with the Disruptor
Please share the beginning of your career journey with us.
Steven Nasser: My journey began after graduating from Boston University’s Manufacturing Engineering program and pursuing an MBA in Entrepreneurship at Babson College. I started as a pre-sales and post-sales engineer in the U.S., bridging the gap between technical solutions and business objectives. Whether in the U.S. or UAE, my role has always been to streamline communication between stakeholders—translating complex technical requirements into actionable strategies. Today, as CTO/CIO of SABER/IRF and Chairman of the IRF MENA committee, my focus is on revolutionizing transportation through AI, autonomous vehicles, and digitized manufacturing. The sector is at a pivotal juncture, and I’m committed to ensuring we meet tomorrow’s demands with today’s innovations.
Could you highlight the key offerings of your company?
Steven Nasser: SABER, co-founded by my father and HE Sultan in 1976, began as a road furnishings and highway infrastructure specialist. Over 49 years, we’ve expanded organically into safety, security, and mobility solutions. Beyond manufacturing, we provide contracting services for highway construction, repair, and retrofitting—delivering end-to-end infrastructure expertise.
The COVID pandemic was a turning point. We retrofitted a manufacturing plant with advanced 3D laser machining systems, shifting from traditional B2G models to build-to-print applications. Today, our sensor-integrated, HMI-driven systems use Solidworks design files to machine precision parts in steel, aluminum, and copper. This pivot ensures agility in aerospace, defense, and beyond—a testament to our adaptability.
What are your long-term goals, and where do you envision yourself in the coming years?
Steven Nasser: Growing up, Knight Rider’s autonomous car fascinated me. Today, I’m shaping that future. My goal is to lead the adoption of autonomous platforms—land, sea, and air—while integrating AI, ML, and Big Data into smart, sustainable infrastructure.
But technology alone isn’t the answer. As Agentic AI becomes the automation norm, I aim to build ecosystems where technology amplifies human potential, not replaces it. The absence of human experience in critical systems can be catastrophic. My mission is to create win-win frameworks where organizations grow with their workforce, balancing innovation with accountability.
Who has been the most significant source of inspiration in your life?
Steven Nasser: My father, Maher Shafik Nasser. A Palestinian refugee turned UAE infrastructure pioneer, he fled war, studied in Lebanon, and arrived in Abu Dhabi as a civil engineer. With no signage industry here, he sketched maps for friends and founded Giffin Traffiks LLC—the UAE’s first signage company.
He transformed scrap machinery into cutting-edge tools, empowering his team to innovate. Through market crashes and competitors, he never surrendered. Two lessons guide me: “Knowledge is everywhere—learn relentlessly” and “The pen is mightier than the sword.” His resilience and ingenuity are my compass.
Please list some notable recognitions and accreditations.
Steven Nasser: In 2024, I received the Leap Conference Award for Excellence in CIO Leadership and the FuelD Conference’s Trendsetter to Watch honor. These reflect my work in AI, cybersecurity, and mobility. I’m also a frequent speaker at global tech summits and serve as a board advisor for firms shaping industrial policy. Recognition isn’t the goal—impact is.
What were the most challenging obstacles you’ve encountered?
Steven Nasser: Change is inevitable, but aligning stakeholders across cultures and egos is an art. Early in my career, I learned that even the best solutions falter if teams aren’t united. During joint ventures, conflicting board expectations and governance hurdles often derail progress.
Warren Buffett said, “Invest in yourself.” I’ve embraced adaptability—training my mindset to navigate “business shockwaves.” Integrity is non-negotiable. When egos clash, I focus on common goals, steering conversations back to purpose. It’s not easy, but clarity and authenticity always prevail.
A Leader for the Next Frontier
Steven Nasser’s story is one of legacy and evolution. From hand-drawn maps to AI-driven highways, his career mirrors the transformative power of strategic vision. As SABER/IRF pioneers autonomous mobility and sustainable infrastructure, Nasser remains grounded in lessons from his father: Innovate relentlessly, but never lose sight of humanity.
To the leaders of 2025, his message is clear: “The future isn’t built by technology alone—it’s forged by those who dare to align it with human potential.”
