Work Experience

Work Experience

Dr. Usman Zafar, a forward-thinking leader with over 20 years of expertise in academia, industry, and innovation, serves as Executive Chairman of World Business Hub and holds a PhD in International Trade and Business from European International University - Paris. He excels in building strategic partnerships, optimizing organizational efficiency through technology, and aligning educational programs with market demands to enhance employability and entrepreneurship. His advisory roles include the Industry Advisory Committee at Higher Colleges of Technology, the College Advisory Board at Ajman University, the Advisory Board at Al Ain University, and Advisor at Datamatix, where he advances academia-industry collaboration, accreditation, and global event promotion.
As a Board Advisor for market acceleration, Dr. Zafar supports companies such as World Business Hub, Init Germany, X0PA Singapore, Sriven UK, Cloudbuy UK, Imex Canada, Bizmoni USA, and various global tech firms, guiding strategic alliances and market expansion. He has spearheaded impactful projects, including the "Just Ask a Local" travel website and the automation of Dubai Courts’ eNotary System. As a CEO and Board Advisor, he has driven over 100 tech projects, secured multi-million-dollar investments, and accelerated growth in Smart Cities, Public-Private Partnerships (PPP), and Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) initiatives across the Middle East, Asia Pacific, and Africa. His expertise spans smart cities strategy, digital transformation, and fundraising.
Recognized as a Top 51 Global Smart Cities Leader (2019) and honored with "The Leading Global Advisor of the Year 2024" by the International Prime Awards, Dr. Zafar is a prominent keynote speaker on smart cities, blockchain, and e-governance. He continues to shape innovation through university advisory roles and public sector leadership, including his former role as CIO in the UAE.

CONFERENCE SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS

gLOBAL COMPANIES

Satisfied Clients Globally

SMART GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENTS

World Business Hub (WBH) - CEO

2021 - Present

World Business Hub is your ultimate partner in unlocking the vast market potential of Dubai and the broader Middle East and African region.

2024 - Present

Bizmoni - All In One Super App - Board Advisor

Dr. Usman Zafar Joins Bizmoni Corp USA Advisory Board to Fuel Global Expansion and Attract Top-Tier Investors. Bizmoni is more than just an app.

SRIVEN UK - Senior Board AdvisorFeature title

NOV 2024-Present

Dr. Usman Zafar Joins Sriven Solutions as a Senior Board Advisor Dubai, UAE.w a wealth of experience in the MENA and African.

Let's Fame - Business Partner & Senior Board Member

2025 - Present

LetsFAME, a platform connecting talent with opportunities, has partnered with Dr. Usman Zafar to join its Senior Advisory Board.

X0PA AI - Board Advisor

2024 - Present

With extensive experience in the MENA region, I’ve joined XOPA as a Board Advisor to help expand the company’s operations.

AFIK Group - Chief Strategy Officer

2023 - 2024

Senior Board Advisor at Afik Group, a global construction firm founded in 1995, operating in Turkey, Cyprus, Germany, and Greece.

2023 - Present

EMEA Region TR1ton Group - Smart City Advisor

As a Smart City Advisor for the EMEA region, I help cities and governments develop and implement effective smart city strategies.

HyGear - Senior Business Advisor

2022 - 2024

HyGear - Senior Business Advisor As the Senior Business Development Advisor for the Middle East, Africa, and Asia-Pacific Regions at HYGEAR, I was responsible for expanding our global reach.

Prime Event - Board Advisor

2022 - Present

As a Strategic Board Advisor and Jury Member for PRIME Awards, I guide the organization's strategic direction and global expansion.

KSI Malta - Business Head Development

2020 - 2023

I'm proud to serve as the Business Development Director MENA at KSi Malta, a firm with 40 years of expertise in taxation, legal advisory, and corporate services.

Cinch Technologies Ltd - Strategic Business Advisor

2019 - Present

As a Strategic Board Advisor at Cinch Technologies, I drive the company's growth and market presence. My work focuses on global expansion, securing public sector engagement.

TNC Group - Analyst Advisor

2019 - 2022

Senior Advisor & Partner at TNC Group, providing strategic guidance to blockchain companies. Specialize in securing funding, advising on board composition, and leading M&A.

GLG - Council Member

2018 - Present

Council Member at GLG, the world’s knowledge marketplace, connecting top businesses with global expertise.

Locus Chain MENA - Senior Advisor

2018 - 2019

As a business development professional at the Locus Foundation, I was dedicated to expanding the global footprint of Locus Chain.

ExpertSkillz Middle East FZ - Board Advisor & Smart Cities Expert

2017 - Present

Advising on strategic initiatives for digital media and marketing solutions, with a focus on smart city innovations and leveraging digital transformation for clients across government, education, and creative industries.

TAKEAWAY.DK - Regional Adviser

2015 - Present

Regional advisor for Middle East and Asia Pacific region. eTakeaway is one of the largest and best selection of takeaway food on e-takeaway.dk having headquarter in Denmark.

IMEX System Ltd. - Business Development Manger

2015 - 2017

I served as a Board Advisor at Imex Systems Inc., a global leader in e-Government and smart city solutions. I specialized in driving digital transformation.

Various Companies - Board AdvisorSenior Board Member & Advisor

2014 - Present

Over the past decade, I have served on the boards of leading international companies, including:

CloudBuy - Advisory Board Member

2014-2017

CloudBuy, formerly @UK, is the world’s leading transactional Cloud Platform.I have been a Board Advisor for cloudBuy- Middle East Market since July 2014.

ICONMA - Managing Partner

2014-2016

CONMA is a nationwide consulting firm with corporate headquarters in Troy, MI, providing Professional Staffing and Project Based Services and Solutions for Fortune 1000 clients in a broad range of industries.

Init - Country Manager

2012 - 2014

As Country Manager for ]init[ in the UAE, I led our expansion and secured over AED50 million in public sector deals across the GCC, specifically in Abu Dhabi and Bahrain.

AL TAQNYAH Business Solutions Dubai - Managing Director

2006 - 2011

Experienced Managing Director who transformed a startup into a multi-million-dollar business in under 3 years. Skilled in leading major public sector projects

Ajman Government - Director of Information Technology

2004 - 2006

Experienced IT leader with a proven track record of pioneering e-Government initiatives for the Emirate of Ajman, UAE. As Chairperson of the IT Steering Committee.

Visiting Assistant Professor in Various Schools & Universities

1998 - 2008

As a dedicated educator with a passion for technology and business education, I specialize in inspiring and mentoring the next generation of professionals.

Ajman University - Senior Lecturer and Director of Research Centre

1999 - 2004

As a Senior Lecturer at Ajman University—ranked No. 6 in the UAE with 39 accredited programs across 9 colleges, including Engineering and IT

DUC CONSULTING INT - CEO & Founder

2003 - Present

DUC Consultancy International is an innovative consultancy skilled in providing expert advice, coaching and business services to companies of all sizes and Industry sectors..

Detailed Work Experience of Dr. Usman Zafar

Hear what they say!

Testimonials

Jaber AL Lamki

Advisor & Media & Strategic Communications

I have known Dr. Usman for more than 2 years now and one of the ways to describe him would be very talented, practical and smart person who has lots of connections globally. Dr. Usman will never stop to surprise me with his ability to take complex project and problems and come up with easy and cost effective solutions. He is defiantly someone you would like to know and become friends with him. Very proud and fortunate that I met and had the chance to work with him.

Mahemed Noureldin A. Abdelhakim

PhD, Associate Professor at Jumeira University

Smart Home Assistant

Dr. Usman is very creative, talent, smart team leader. He is a prefect lecturer and professional consultant and trainer. Dr. Usman is a competent and hard work researcher.

Jose Graca

Next Gen Decentralized AI Super APP Earn, Learn, Grow | AI & AGI Strategist | CPA | Advisory Board | M&A | Digital Currencies | Web 3

Dr.Usman Zafar is an oustanding person and expert. I have the privilige to work with him under my leadership. He never stops surprising me in every positive way with his knowledge and drive. He is a must to have in every team.

Rodrigo Rivera

Smart Home Assistant

I’m pleased to recommend Usman for his professional experience working with investors, entrepreneurs and global multidisciplinary technology teams. When I joined Bizmoni’s board of directors, he was one of the first staff colleagues to support me with directions to meet our strategic objectives worldwide. He is a great business and technical leader.

Thomas Cort Hansen

CEO at Takeout Group

Dr Usman has been our advisor screening potential business partners in UAE region and facilitating relevant links to other clients throughout Europe via the DUC network and associates. Dr Usman has been very professional in all aspects and he has contributed with several key connections from which we have benefited. Above all Dr Usman is friendly and competent which ensures the best atmosphere for business discussions and negotiations.

Jonny Holden

B2B Commercial Card

It is a pleasure to work with Dr Usman, a world class professional in ecommerce. I have been working with him just for a few months and already we are meeting with C level officers in large Corporates and Governments, and committing to high value commercial contracts in the Emirates. We are also enjoying commercial discussions in other countries which Dr Usman has instigated.

Martin Moser

Director Sales at CCH Tagetik | Strategic Advisor | Board MemberDirector Sales at CCH Tagetik | Strategic Advisor | Board Member

Smart Home Assistant

Transformative leaders who genuinely understand both technology and global markets are rare – Dr. Usman Zafar exemplifies this exceptional combination. As a fellow Board Member at Bizmoni, I’ve witnessed firsthand how his strategic vision consistently translates into actionable growth opportunities across international markets.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

You've Got Any Questions?

Dr. Zafar’s global expertise, engaging presentation style, and tailored content on topics like smart cities, AI, blockchain, and global business strategies make him a dynamic speaker and MC, recognized at events like the International Prime Awards.

Dr. Usman has received numerous accolades, including:

The Leading Global Advisor of the Year 2024 (International Prime Awards)
The Leading Global Investment Advisor 2024 (International Peace and Leadership Awards)
Innovation Provider of the Year 2024 (World Business Hub, presented by UAE Royal Family member)
Leading Smart City Expert in the MENA Region (8th International Smart City Conference & Expo)
Top 51 Most Impactful Smart Cities Leaders Globally (World CSR Day & World Sustainability)
[Follows the keynote speaker question to highlight his recognized achievements, reinforcing his authority.]

You can reach Dr. Zafar at advisor@usmanzafar.com or connect via LinkedIn to discuss AI advisory, board advisory, market acceleration, keynote speaking, or smart city initiatives.

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