As I sit here holding my CCIE 10th Anniversary Plaque, I am filled with a sense of pride and  accomplishment. On October 30, 2012, I earned my first CCIE certification, and it marked the beginning of a decade-long journey of hard work, dedication, and passion for network architecture. This plaque serves as a constant reminder of the sacrifices and effort I put in to achieve my personal and professional goal of becoming CCIE certified, not once, but SIX times CCIE certified in different tracks.

I am humbled to be among the few thousand individuals worldwide who have achieved this prestigious title. I am grateful for all the opportunities this certification has brought me and would like to thank Almighty Allah, my family, and my friends for their unwavering support and blessings. Alhamdulillah.

I come from a family of four, and as the eldest, I am proud to say that I have paved the way for my brothers toward success in the IT field. Choosing the network architect career path was difficult and ambitious, as I could not count on any other support but myself. I had to learn the route to success step by step through sacrifices and hard work. I do not have any regrets for choosing such a difficult path, it lead me to success and inspired my brothers to follow. We are all now network architect certified and experts in our field. I am grateful for the blessings of having a fulfilling career and for the support of my family and friends.

Throughout my journey, I have faced many challenges and obstacles, but my hard work, determination, and passion for my field have helped me overcome them. One of the biggest challenges I have faced has been studying for my CCIE certifications. The CCIE (Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert) certification is one of the most respected and sought-after certifications in the field of network architecture. It is a rigorous and challenging exam that requires a deep understanding of complex network technologies.

Studying for the CCIE certification requires a significant amount of time and effort. It is not something that can be completed quickly or easily. I spent countless hours reading and studying the exam materials, and even more time in the lab, practicing and honing my skills. It was a challenging and difficult process, but one that was ultimately worth it.

One of the most difficult topics on the CCIE certification exam is understanding the different types of network protocols and how they interact with each other. This includes routing protocols such as OSPF and BGP, as well as switching protocols such as VLANs and STP. It also requires a deep understanding of the various network services and technologies, such as security, QoS, VPNs, and wireless. Another challenging topic is understanding the different types of network architecture and design. This includes understanding the different types of network topologies and how to design networks that are scalable, secure, and resilient. It also includes comprehending the different types of network devices and how to configure them to meet the specific needs of a business.

 The CCIE certification is not only challenging from a technical standpoint, but also from a mental one. It requires a great deal of mental fortitude to keep studying and practicing despite the difficulties, setbacks, and doubts that may arise. But it is this mental fortitude that helped me to push through and ultimately achieve my goal of becoming CCIE certified, not once but six times.

 After months of studying and practice, I finally earned my first CCIE certification in 2012, the start of a decade-long journey. I will always remember that time and this plaque serves as a constant reminder of the hard work and dedication I had put into achieving my personal and professional goals. As I reflect on my journey to becoming a CCIE-certified network architect, I am reminded of the countless hours spent reading, studying, and practicing in the lab. It was a challenging and difficult process, but one that has ultimately led to my success.

Studying for the CCIE has helped me with my dream of becoming a network architect, which came true in 2008 when I started working as a Network Engineer at Advanced Communication & Computer Systems (ACCSYS). I quickly learned the basics of networking and was eager to learn more. After my time at ACCSYS, I decided to pursue a more challenging opportunity, and I joined Globinet Solutions as a Senior Network Engineer in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia for almost 3 years.

While at Globinet, I had the opportunity to work with some of the most talented network engineers in the industry. I honed my skills in Data Networks, Managed Services, Cloud Computing, Data Centers, Storage, SDN/NFV/IoT/Unix, and other evolving new technologies. I also had the opportunity to work on large-scale projects, which gave me valuable experience in designing and implementing complex network solutions.

After my time at Globinet, I was ready to take my career to the next level, and I joined Acuative as a Senior Network Consultant. I spent 6 years and 11 months at Acuative, where I provided technical consultancy and strategy to large-scale clients, helping them build designs and architectures for various types of technology solutions to achieve their business goals. My work at Acuative was incredibly rewarding, and I was able to help many companies achieve their goals through the implementation of effective network solutions.

After my time at Acuative, I decided to pursue an opportunity with one of the world’s largest oil and gas companies, ExxonMobil. I am now working as a Senior Network and Virtualization Architect at ExxonMobil, where I have been working since April 2020. My role includes providing technical consultancy and strategy to large-scale clients and helping in building designs and architectures for various types of technology solutions to achieve their business goals. My knowledge and experience in Data Networks, Managed Services, Cloud Computing, Data Centers, Storage, SDN/NFV/IoT/Unix, NSX-T architecture/design, and other evolving new technologies, are highly valued by my employer and clients. It is exciting to be part of a company that is at the forefront of innovation in the energy industry and to be able to contribute to the company’s success through my work in network architecture.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with some of the most cutting-edge technologies in the industry, including Data Networks, Managed Services, Cloud Computing, Data Centers, Storage, SDN/NFV/IoT/Unix, NSX-T architecture/design and other evolving new technologies. My expertise in these areas, along with my CCIE certifications, have allowed me to provide high-quality technical consultancy and strategy formulation to large-scale clients, helping them to build designs and architectures for various types of technology solutions that achieve their business goals.

 I specialize in a variety of technologies including Cisco: Nexus, Catalyst, CRS-1, ASR, ISE, ACI, SDA, SDWAN, ASA, FTD, UCS, Juniper: MX, SRX, EX, QFX, and VMware: NSX-T, vCloud Director, ALB (AVi) vCenter, vSphere7, vCloud Director, vCloud Availability, vRealize Suite and vSAN. My areas of interest include Data Center Transformation, Data Center Modernization, Cloud Computing, Virtualization, Enterprise Architect, Service Provider Networks, SDN, NFV, NV, Team Management, Team Leading, Manage Services, Open-Source Networks, Cisco, Juniper, VMware, Virtualization and Automation. All of this was made possible by my determination and passion for the industry.

I hope that my story will inspire others to pursue their dreams, no matter how difficult they may seem. With hard work, dedication, and a willingness to learn, anything is possible. I encourage others who are interested in network engineering to consider pursuing their CCIE certification as it can be a valuable asset in their career. And I remind everyone that with the ever-evolving technology, there will always be new challenges and opportunities to learn and grow and that mental fortitude is as important as technical knowledge.

My journey to becoming a successful network architect has been a challenging and rewarding one. I have faced many obstacles along the way, but I have also had many opportunities to learn, grow, and achieve my goals. The CCIE certification has been a major milestone in my career, and it has opened up many new opportunities for me. I would like to stress that studying and working in the field of network engineering is not easy, and it requires a great deal of dedication, hard work, and self-motivation. But, it is also a very rewarding field, with many opportunities for growth and advancement. The networking field is a constantly evolving field with new technologies being introduced, and it is important to stay current and updated with the latest advancements and best practices. In order to be successful in this field, one must have a strong foundation in networking concepts and principles, and a willingness to continuously learn and adapt.

One of the most important things I have learned along my journey is that networking is not just about understanding the technology, but also about understanding the business and how to align technology solutions with business objectives. This is where my experience as a consultant comes in handy, as I have had the opportunity to work with various clients from different industries and understand their unique requirements and challenges.

I am proud of my achievements in my career, and I am grateful for the support of my family, friends, and colleagues. I look forward to continuing to work in this field and to helping others achieve their goals. I hope that my story has been an inspiration to you and that you will consider pursuing your dreams in the field of network engineering.

In conclusion, becoming a CCIE-certified network architect is not an easy feat. It requires a great deal of hard work, dedication, and passion for the field. The CCIE certification exam is rigorous and challenging, requiring a deep understanding of complex network technologies. However, with hard work, determination, and a passion for the field, it is possible to achieve this prestigious title. I am living proof that with dedication and perseverance, anything is possible. I have been blessed with a fulfilling career that has allowed me to use my skills and experience to help others. I hope my story serves as an inspiration to others who are pursuing their own career goals and dreams.