A Qatari at RBAT – From Early Career Development to Key Member

Finding a Purposeful, Collaborative, and Flexible Work Environment in Qatar

Upon graduating from Qatar University in 2019 with a Bachelor's Degree in Public Relations, I was blessed with many opportunities, but I was looking for a very particular type of company to start my career at. I was seeking a place with a strong purpose, great learning and development opportunities, and a flexible working environment. I was full of new ideas, ambition, and energy and was prepared to apply everything I learned in university.

RBAT was the perfect fit, and I accepted their job offer as a Business Development Officer. The defense industry was still embryonic in Qatar, and I was eager to be part of the team that builds, shapes, and develops the industry's roots.?

RBAT is, in fact, a joint venture between two of the most prominent players in the defense industry, the German technology company, Rheinmetall and Barzan Holdings, the entity helping to revolutionize Qatar's defense and security sector. As a Qatari National, I take great pride in being a part of an organization that strives to protect our nation and provide leading solutions to domestic defense and security clients.

Moments that Matter

Nothing is more fulfilling than coming to a workplace with a great emphasis on employee satisfaction and appreciation. RBAT has provided me countless opportunities to grow and expand my knowledge and leverage my role as a Qatari employee. In addition to formal training courses and access to LinkedIn Learning, the company has ensured that my skills and knowledge are continually expanded by participating in all manner of internal and external meetings.

In two years, I've presented to His Highness Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, along with the Defense Minister and Chief of Staff -      events that have been the highlights of my career.?        

As an Arabic-speaking Qatari in the Business Development team, I soon became the lead Qatari Representative for RBAT in high-level meetings and at local and international trade shows – these included DIMDEX and MiliPol, as well as shows in Thailand and Turkey. Most importantly, I have become the trusted conduit between our end-users and RBAT on a daily basis.?

Lessons from the Front Line

At RBAT, there is a great emphasis on knowledge transfer. As a PR graduate, I lacked engineering and technical concepts knowledge and often struggled to relay essential information or answer questions to the end-user community. Being surrounded by experts at RBAT has enabled me to absorb and understand unfamiliar terms and concepts, which aided me in accurately reflecting those ideas to the end user. It has also taught me the importance of continuous self-development and learning, even in areas not directly related to my field of work. At RBAT, I've become more curious and a better listener and presenter.

After continuous end-user meetings, presentations to high-level officials, and interactions with local and international trade show visitors, I learned the significance of delivering well-thought-out and crafted presentations. The goal is to consistently provide the idea in the clearest yet most straightforward way. This rule could be applied to the design of the presentation and to the way it is expressed to the listener. There is significant thought behind every presentation and proposal at RBAT, which is carefully catered to the needs and interests of our end-users.

The Big Picture

I started my career at RBAT with little to no knowledge about the defense industry while constantly requiring guidance before making any decision. My time at RBAT has contributed to my personal growth and shaped me into a confident decision-maker prepared to answer any defense or project-related questions and able to retain greater responsibilities.?

I want to be spearheading RBAT's growth and development and see the company have an evermore prominent position in local and international markets. I take great pride in working in such a fulfilling environment surrounded by a diverse group of talented individuals who are experts in their fields.

To the next Qatari joining RBAT, you will be presented with many opportunities, but you will need to work hard and strive for the best. RBAT is full of employees with a wealth of expertise – so take advantage of all the knowledge because this opportunity might not be replicated in all workplaces and organizations, there is something special about RBAT.

About the writer

Abdulla Al Anssari is a Business Development Officer at RBAT. Driven by ambition, he takes pride in providing end users with the best ideas and solutions. His goals include increasing his knowledge in the industry and paving the way for the growth of RBAT in local and international markets. In addition to his primary job functions, Abdulla has been recognized for his extraordinary photography skills?– check out his portfolio: