Microsoft Gulf shows commitment to governments by appointing Khalid lootah as Gulf Public Sector Director

Lootah will drive Microsoft Gulf's public sector strategy, as well as overseeing the company's overall citizenship and corporate social responsibility initiatives.

A UAE national, Lootah holds a BA in Computer Science with emphasis on Applied Mathematics from San Diego, an MBA with specialization in Information Systems from New Hampshire College Manchester, in USA and a Master of Law in Information Technology and Telecommunications Law from University of Strathclyde, UK. Before joining Microsoft, Lootah was the Director in charge of Information Technology at the Department of Naturalization and Residency Administration.

"We are very excited about having Khaled onboard and his appointment will enable us to further enhance and implement our public sector strategies with governments in the region," said Charbel Fakhoury, General Manager Microsoft Gulf. "Khaled will also be responsible for driving Microsoft's Unlimited Potential and dedicate efforts to our various citizenship initiatives such as Partners in Learning, the Community Technology Skills Program, Local Software Economy, IT Academies, Microsoft Innovation Centers and the Local Language Program across the region.

"We are committed to creating sustainable social and economic opportunity and through our Microsoft Unlimited Potential efforts, we work with governments and communities around the world to foster digital inclusion and to provide access to technologies and skills that stimulate local economic growth."

Lootah will also work with the regional public sector to identify opportunities for innovation in eGoverment and eLearning and improve the level of education across the region.

"I'm looking forward to the challenges and rewards I will be experiencing at Microsoft and through the dedication of the world class talent pool available in the region we will be able to accomplish many milestones in the years to come," said Lootah. "We will work with governments to identify key areas for investment and growth and empower the Arab youth with 21st century ICT skills to prepare them for the 21st century knowledge economy."