United Arab Emirates
I am the Business Development Director at CAE Maritime Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi, with a focus on defence training, simulation, readiness, and growth opportunities across the UAE and wider GCC. My career has developed across the full defence business lifecycle: customer engagement, key account management, contracts, after-sales support, project delivery, operations, and long-term sustainment. That background gives me a practical view of business development: not only identifying opportunities, but understanding what it takes to shape them properly, win them responsibly, and deliver on them after contract award. Before joining CAE, I held senior roles in the UAE defence sector supporting naval and land domains, with C2, Radar, and Electronic Warfare programmes. I worked closely with government stakeholders, end users, shipyards, suppliers, and internal delivery teams, often where commercial expectations, operational pressure, and customer requirements had to be balanced carefully. At CAE, my focus is on strengthening regional relationships, building relevant partnerships, and positioning CAE’s training and simulation capabilities where they can support real operational requirements. I believe credible business development is built on preparation, market understanding, disciplined follow-through, and the ability to translate customer priorities into solutions that can actually be delivered. Alongside my defence career, I spent many years as an international rugby match official. Refereeing at that level shaped how I think about leadership: make clear decisions under pressure, communicate with authority, stay composed when the environment is difficult, and earn trust through consistency. I hold an MBA with Distinction, a Certified Project Director credential through the Chartered Management Institute, and an Extended Diploma in Strategic Business Management at SCQF Level 11. These qualifications support the way I approach business: commercially aware, operationally grounded, and focused on outcomes that stand up beyond the first meeting. My professional focus is the future of defence training, simulation, readiness, localisation, and strategic partnerships across the UAE and GCC.
I lead the Naval Operations portfolio within the Project Management Office, overseeing high-value programmes and ensuring alignment with Saab’s governance framework, strategic objectives, and contractual obligations. I serve as a trusted partner to the UAE Navy, Ministry of Defence, and wider defence stakeholders, enabling operational readiness and supporting the long-term development of national capabilities. I also drive organisational growth by supporting capture planning and providing business intelligence for the Customer Support and Sales teams.
Managed multifaceted projects and after-sales initiatives, ensuring operational excellence and high levels of system availability and customer satisfaction. Demonstrated leadership in coordinating with cross-functional teams and aligning project outcomes with strategic business objectives.
The role involves managing contracts signed by Saab Middle East (SME) in the UAE, including direct contracts with customers, sub-contracts with local partners, and contracts to meet Saab's offset obligations. The After Sales & Project Manager manages the after sales process for existing systems, ensuring customer maintenance and support needs. They also build and maintain good relationships with external and internal stakeholders for supply, technical support, project, and finance matters, ensuring high standards in tenders, projects, customer support, financial and commercial aspects of the company.
Tony Duminy is a South African-born, UAE-based rugby referee with international recognition for his professionalism, fairness, and leadership. From 2013 to 2025, he represented the UAE Rugby Federation on the Premiership and Asia Rugby Panels, achieving World Rugby Level 3 accreditation. He officiated at major tournaments including the Asia Rugby Championships, Southeast Asia Games, and as an Assistant Referee for the World Rugby Sevens Series in Dubai, while also refereeing multiple domestic finals. Recognized with Referee of the Year honors on several occasions, Tony is equally valued for his mentorship and commitment to raising standards, leaving a lasting impact on the rugby community in both South Africa and the UAE.
Mobile Aid is a startup company under Sharaf Investment looking to break into the mobile phone and tablet repair market by creating a niche onsite service that is fast and efficient. My responsibilities cover: - Developing the schedule for the business plan - Sourcing products / Purchasing - Manage the Commercial & Marketing plan and liaise with the in house media department - Guiding the website development team through our requirements - Setting Job Descriptions and Interviewing staff - Directing the HR & PRO process within the relevant departments - Handle the bookings through phone and website and allocate the work to the riders - Keeping basic Finance Records and Tracking the Accounts & Finance Process - Implementing the Accounting system (Sage 50) - Ensure the invoices are correctly issued and the payments are recovered - Manage the cash and deposit to the bank cash surplus - Manage the payables - Manage the inventory - Handling customer enquiries and complaints - Formulate the SOP for the business By developing strategies, schedules and time lines I have been able to guide the business development process forward from the initial idea through to the implementation phase.