Tariq has over 13 years of professional experience in IT where he served as a computer programmer, teaching as an instructor, team manager, consultant and presenter in TV and radio programs. Tariq's projects and achievements stem from his passion to bring new ideas into action and to pursue them towards success. Some of his projects and experience (personal and professional) include:

Batch Programming at an early age
 

• Tariq’s interest in computing began at the age of 5.  Developing computer programs and games were Tariq’s main interest. He created batch programs (using the MS-DOS operating system) that automated how the computer executed applications at home.
   

Representing Oman in the GCC Computing Workshop  
 

• At the age of 13, Tariq joined a local science club (Oman Science Club) to meet and socialize with other kids that shared similar interests and passions. Noting Tariq’s intelligence in computing, the Club selected Tariq to participate and represent Oman in the Gulf Region Computer Workshop for Kids in Bahrain.
   

Computing courses while still at school 

• Tariq’s interest in computing, while still studying in school, led his father to enrol him into various evening class courses that included Database Management Systems (MS-Access, Dbase, FoxBase, Oracle), Network Operating System (Windows NT, UNIX, Linux), and Programming (C/C++, Pascal, Delphi, GW-Basic, Visual Basic, etc).
   

Stand alone Applications (programs) for the public  

• GTO (General Telecommunication Organization – Omantel before privatisation) introduced Internet service in 1997, after privatization (renamed to Omantel). All Internet Subscribers were required to reconfigure their Internet settings (DNS and email SMTP & POP) in order to successfully connect and make use of the Internet. Tariq approached Omantel and offered to create a program (he named as GTO-2-Omantel) that simplified the process by automating the configuration specification outlined by Omantel for all the users to follow. The program was available at Omantel's premises and for download from their website at http://www.omantel.net.om . The program configured the ISP Internet Subscriber’s DNS, POP3 & SMTP protocols settings automatically. The GTO-2-Omantel Program was approved and released by Omantel to the public.
   
• Tariq created many security related programs and released them for the community’s safety. The 'Happy99 virus cleaner' program was selected among the best and was featured in hotfiles.com - one of the popular international files download. Tariq continued to develop additional virus cleaners for the community that included Fix2001 and the I love you Bug which were available to download from his personal website.
   

First professional job, working in a team on various projects 
 

• 
  Immediately after graduating from school, Tariq joined one of the leading media and advertising agencies in Oman, United Media Services (UMS), as a computer programmer. Along with the UMS team, Tariq developed web projects for well-known companies ranging from automobiles, banks, health, insurance, tourism, telecom, entertainment, educational, etc for both private and public institutions, namely,  BankMuscat, IMTAC, Al Hashar Group of Companies, Tawoos Group of Companies, Nissan Automobiles, Marina Bander Al Rowdha, Sohar Beach Hotel, Hallaniyat, British Petroleum, Muscat Securities Market, and Oman Center for Investment Promotion & Export Development (OCIPED). Tariq acquired Advertising and Communication skills in addition to working in a team.
   

First General Web Portal 
 

• Tariq, along with the team, developed the first general/horizontal web portal in Oman called Omanaccess.com. The portal was the main online interface to the country (Oman) where users can view information and services from different industries such as Community, Entertainment, City Guides, Tourism, Automobile, Health, Kids, Education, etc.
   

First IT Portal, single-handedly  

• After his two valuable years with UMS, Tariq embarked on a sole project of developing the First IT Portal/Website in the country. The portal was named after his name Tariq. The IT Portal delivered up-to-date and latest information about the IT scene locally & globally, through an attractive combination of best-of-breed contents with services such as IT News, IT Jobs, IT Conference, Free Emails, Free Downloads, Education, Greeting Cards and more. The Portal was sponsored by reputable organizations such as Bank Muscat, Gulf Business Machine, Khimji Ramdas, Bahwan Cybertek, Genetco, Commercial Bank and Outdoor Marketing.  Tariq worked closely with his father guiding him throughout his venture.
   

Salvaged a hacked web portal 
 

• The success of Tariq’s web portal created many admirers but a few enemies as well. On 23^rd December 1999, the web portal was hacked into and the homepage was changed. In approximately 6 and a half hours, Tariq managed to salvage the portal. In about a month of investigation using social engineering intelligence, Tariq learnt that the portal was actually hacked by an International hacker who was hired, assisted and supported locally by a major firm. Tariq had to disguise himself in order to identify the hacker, the hirer (the firm), and the money which the local bank remitted. The name of the hacker's hirer, his associates, the money remitted , and the local bank and its branch is protected for good reason. The complete story will be released in due time.
   

Web Portal acquired in whopping deal by one of the leading group of companies (Nobody said only Microsoft bought Hotmail) 

• After 3 months of the launch, Tariq’s IT Portal was purchased by one of the largest business group of companies in the country known as Oman Holdings International (OHI). The IT Portal was renamed OHITariq Portal.  
   

Second professional job, managing a team 

• Tariq was appointed as the Internet Services Manager for OHI to manage and head up the development of OHI’s IT portal and Internet related services, from designing, developing and maintaining Internet vertical and horizontal web projects.  During his tenure with OHI, Tariq interviewed and recruited a development team, and coached and supervised the development of the IT portal and other web related services.  The OHI Portal received Best Website Award in Oman in 2000, while Tariq received the best Dot-Com idea. Tariq acquired a number of skills including Management & Leadership, Presentation, Negotiation, Delegation, Marketing, Selling and Public Relation, Team-building and Coaching. 
   

Sharing knowledge as a columnist  

• Tariq contributed various Information and Communication Technology (ICT) articles on a weekly basis in both leading English and Arabic newspapers in Oman for about 7 years since 1998. The articles were specifically targeted at promoting IT literacy.
   

Tutor while studying at the University

• Tariq left Oman to advance his education. Shortly after successfully completing his first semester at the leading undergraduate Canadian University (Acadia) while he was working on his bachelor’s degree in computer science, Tariq was offered a job as Teaching Assistant (TA). He was also offered the same opportunity after the first semester at the Swinburne University of Technology while he was working on his Master’s Degree in Information Technology.

Experience while abroad
 

• While Tariq was studying abroad, he had the opportunity to meet and mingle with different type of people which gave him the chance to explore new interests and cultures. Tariq made friends from many different parts of the world including Canadians, Australians, Americans, Europeans, Chinese, Indians, Africans, Russians, etc. Tariq’s horizon was broadened due to the international exposure.
   

Instructor during vacation
 

• During the University vacation in 2000-2003, Tariq worked for the Oman Training Institute as an Instructor. Tariq’s responsibility was to conduct computer courses for beginners and advanced students in a number of subjects ranging from programming to RDBMS, prepare weekly exercises, assignments and final exams along with a project for each course.
   
• Apart from teaching, Tariq provided the institute with practical experience acquired while studying abroad. The school introduced and requested students to hand in projects after the end of each course apart from the regular exams. The institute received tremendous positive response as well as excellent feedback from the trainees.  The training attracted a very good response from the public.
   

Public Speaker & Presenter
 

• Tariq has accepted a number of invitations to address and present various ICT subjects and developments from the private and public school, companies and government sector that include the Indian School, Muscat College, the German University of Technology, Khimji Training Institute, Muscat Private School, Deslie Training Institute, Shatti Qurum School,  Muscat Private School, Muscat chapter of the Information Systems Audit and Control Association (ISACA), the Royal Oman Police, Nizwa Higher College of Technology, Nizwa Applied Sciences College, Sultan Qaboos University, the Middle East College of Information Technology, Muscat Higher College of Technology, the Modern College of Business and Science, Musaana Higher College of Technology, the University of Dhofar, Omani Society for Educational Technology, and Secur Middle East Congress 2008 in Dubai.
   

• Tariq’s presentations included a number of interesting subjects that are related to IT Security, Hacking Techniques, Secrets of Success, Developing Dynamic Web Sites, IT Careers and Development, Digital Marketing, Green Computing, Software development, etc.
   
• The organizers of the Oman Web Awards competition (local website competition program organizers) selected Tariq to represent the event as the "Master of Ceremonies" (MC).
   

First IT Copyright Case in Oman 
 

• Tariq was contacted by the training institute he worked for (Oman Training Institute - OTI) and was informed that they had decided to cancel the contract and agreement he had with them after they had seen a leaflet and other promotional materials with Tariq’s picture at their competitors stall at one of the annual educational GHEDEX exhibitions.
   
• OTI had made all the necessary arrangements and promotions due to the success of training conducted by Tariq in previous years. But now they saw prospective students turning away from joining the classes as they chose to rather to join Khimji’s Training Institute (KTI) where Tariq would be teaching instead. Apparently, Tariq’s picture was used by KTI without his knowledge or consent.
   
• Tariq upon receiving the news demanded a full explanation. KTI informed Tariq that leaflets had been distributed but that they had stopped further printing and distribution immediately upon receiving the notification of the issue. KTI confirmed that Tariq did not have any agreement with them and had not authorised them to make use of his picture in their promotional materials.
   
• Tariq filed a case in the Muscat primary court through one of the legal firm’s for  financial loss as well as damage to integrity caused by the (KTI).
   
• After two years of trial the jury announced the verdict in Tariq’s favour and was compensated accordingly. The complete story is available in the news section of this website.
   
• Tariq acquired knowledge of law practices through the case.
   

Third professional job, managing online presence through suppliers

• Tariq was appointed as the Online Manager of one of the leading Telecom operators in the country, Nawras, to manage the telecom’s online and web presence in 2005. Tariq’s responsibility was to manage and coordinate the day to day operations related to Nawras in the World Wide Web (Internet) and the Intranet from design, content and technology, typically working as a consultant, advising on what to use, where to get and how to incorporate business activities onto the web medium. Nawras had a website in 2004 before Tariq joined.
   
• Tariq has been involved in the process of selecting and managing external suppliers to carry out the different tasks involved (researching, identifying, shortlisting, selecting, outsourcing and managing projects via external vendors]
   
• Tariq managed the restructuring of the internal internet website (Intranet) as well as managing the re-development of the company’s public website with a fresh new design, structure, content and technology. The new website went public in 2005.
   
• The Nawras website, since 2005, has received numerous golden local and international awards that include Best Telecommunication and Software Company Website,  Best Information and Communication Technology Company Website, Best of the best website for the year 2006, Best ICT website in region (Gulf & Middle-east).
   
• Tariq’s typical work revolved around building the Nawras brand, exposure and communication with employees [internally] and customers [externally] via the online medium. Tariq acquired the skills to manage and supervise suppliers (outsourced projects) so as prepare contracts and review the necessary SLA (Service Level Agreements) for managing external projects for the company.
   

 Sharing knowledge across Oman

• Tariq embarked on a journey across the country under the brand he called the Information Technology Awareness (ITA). The main objective of the journey was to educate the public about IT, and promote digital literacy. The journey started from Muscat and was completed in Dhofar.
   

Managing the First community portal

• Tariq, along with a voluntary team from the community, created the first ICT and Knowledge Sharing Community Web Portal Knowledge Oman (KnowledgeOman.com).
   
• The Web Portal (KnowledgeOman.com) is an online platform specifically engineered to create a knowledge based economy with a focus on developing the Information and Communication Technology Sector in Oman.  
   
• A team of students, professionals and academics have been formed to voluntarily manage and drive the project while Tariq presides by overseeing the design of the system, strategy and direction of the project, and overall development of the portal.
   
• The Web Portal is supported by the largest software company in the world, Microsoft, works closely on some projects with the government led authority, ITA, and has rolled-out some initiatives with the largest electronic store in the country, E-Max.
   
• KnowledgeOman.com has two interfaces, English and Arabic, driven by two community teams, under one roof of steering management.
   
• KnowledgeOman.com has launched many initiatives for the community such as an Online School (KO School), Show Your Potential Program (SYP) in collaboration with ITA and Microsoft to assist public in Passing Microsoft Programs, Quizzes for Knowledge, KO Mobile (a means of accessing portal through mobile phones), free seminars in the community KO Seminar bringing talents, experts and researchers under one roof.
   
• The Web Portal KnowledgeOman.com received an International Standard Web Technology Award within a year of the launch from the Oman Web Awards 2009 Competition.
   

Partnership with OITE to introduce an IT School for Exhibition

• Tariq formed a partnership with the Oman International Trading Exhibition in 2008 to introduce a value added program called “Comex IT School” for (Comex) the largest IT and Telecom Exhibition. The program was held during the complete exhibition period and is now part of the annual programs of the exhibition.
   

Collaboration with the Ministry of Information to Introduce Weekly IT Programmes

• Tariq introduced two IT programs along with the Ministry of Information, one for the radio and the other for local TV, known as “CyberTalk” and “Raqmyaat”, respectively that are aired live for the community on a weekly basis. The programs present the latest local and International IT news, product reviews, various topics, and a question and answer session with the audience Tariq currently works part-time as the editor and presenter of the radio program.