Tariq Al Barwani

Tariq Al-Barwani (born 1979) is a technologist, motivational speaker, and a social entrepreneur. He is the founder of Knowledge Oman, a community knowledge sharing platform that organizes free workshops, seminars and trainings for the community. Tariq helps transform the lives of people and organizations positively through projects, speaking engagements, and community initiatives.
Microsoft named Tariq as the “Most Valuable Professional” from the years 2007 to 2017. He is the only Omani to be featured among 30 entrepreneurs in a book titled "Game Of Death: A Survivor's Guide To Entrepreneurship." Tariq is often referred to as a popular IT expert, Silicon SuperKid, Whizkid, Man of the Moment, Brains of Oman, and Marketing Guru by various publications.
==Early life and education==
Tariq first encountered the world of information technology at the age of 5, and since then he has pursued his interest in the field by different means. At the age of 11, Tariq was nominated to represent Oman in the Arab Gulf Countries Council Information Technology workshop in Bahrain. He subsequently completed various courses comprising computing languages, networks, and operating systems in Oman, Canada, and Australia. It was at the age of 19 that Tariq created a simplified programme for the government owned telecom operator formerly known as GTO (now privatized to Omantel) internet services to automate configuration processes.
Tariq holds a diploma in Management Information Systems from the Aptech Advanced Computer Institute. He received his Bachelor's in Computer Science (Honors) from Acadia University, Canada in 2003. Thereafter, he pursued his Master’s in Information Technology from the Swinburne University of Technology in 2004. Tariq also did a mini-MBA in 2008, at EuroMatch Training and Management Consultancy in London.
==Career==
Tariq has been involved with the major information and communications technology firms and government institutions in Oman. After completing his education, he returned to Oman with the goal of transforming his country into a digital society. Tariq founded Knowledge Oman in 2008 as a knowledge sharing platform that organizes free workshops, seminars, and training for the community, in addition to supporting and promoting talents in Oman. Under Tariq’s leadership, Knowledge Oman created 74 projects that involved 700 volunteers and 35 local and international partners. These projects have helped 45 institutions and more than 1.3 million people in Oman.
 
Tariq has created projects in the form of computer programs, events, training, media entertainment programs (TV & Radio), and community initiatives in partnership with the public and government institutions that have also been recognized locally and internationally for its contribution in the society.
 
Tariq worked as an online manager for Nawras (known today as Ooredoo Oman), one of Oman's leading mobile service providers.
Tariq is also a motivational speaker who talks about varied topics like social entrepreneurship, career development, education, information technology, and leadership. He has conducted 100+ workshops so far and his contributions have been featured in over a thousand local, GCC, and international media, including newspapers, magazines, TV, and radio since 1985.
Tarriq has spoken for leading international companies that include Microsoft, Nokia, HSBC Bank, SAP, TEDx, Dahua Technology, US Department of State, BET Education, Maker Faire, Al Ain SME, and Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Tariq has also been a keynote speaker at GITEX Global 2021 in Dubai, Young Owners Forum 2019, 11th Gulf Education Conference, Abu-Dhabi Bett Middle East Leadership Forum 2017, and World Leadership Congress 2018.
The world leading speaker agency, London speaker bureau, signed up Tariq as a “motivational keynote speaker” in 2019.
==Awards==
Tariq has received 28+ awards from local, GCC, and international organizations.
* Tariq was honored with the “Youth ICT Influencer of the year” award 2022 at COMEX 2022
* Tariq was recognized among the top 50 icons in Oman for the TAS icons 2020
* Tariq was honored at the Maker Faire 2019 Award Event
* Tariq became the “Most Inspiring Omani” at the NTI BizPro 2018 awards by KPMG.
* Tariq was declared as an Outstanding Entrepreneur at the Global Giving Awards 2018
* Tariq also won the Global Knowledge Management Leadership Awards 2018
* Tariq was felicitated with the Manager of the Year Project- Summit of Leaders 2018
* Tariq received Microsoft Reconnect recognition in 2018
* Tariq was featured among the top 10 top Arabs in the “Arab Unseen” book authored by Mohammed Mahfoodh in 2017
* Tariq won the title ‘Tech Man of the Year’ at Oman Tech Awards 2016
* Tariq won the title ‘Young Achiever of the Year’ at Asian Leadership Awards 2015
* Tariq was honored by the Indian Ambassador to Oman, His Excellency J. S. Mukul, for his contribution to the IT sector, 2014
* Tariq won the Best Personal Website Award at the Oman Web Awards 2014
* Tariq won the Strategic Cultural Award at Pan Arab Awards, Dubai 2013
* Tariq was featured among the top 50 list of inspiring people by Those Who Inspire, 2012
* Tariq won the Visionary Leadership Award at Knowledge Management Summit, 2012
* Tariq won the Creative Man of the Year Award at the Asian Leadership Awards 2012
* Tariq was listed in top 40 achievers in the Sultanate (Jawharat Oman) 2011
* Tariq won the Exemplary Leadership Award at Global HR Excellence 2011
* Tariq won the Global Brand Leadership Award at World Brand Congress 2010
* Tariq won the Best Personality Award by TRA in COMEX 2009
* Tariq won the International Standard Web Technology Award at Oman Web Awards 2009
* Tariq won the Best IT Professional Award by ITA in COMEX 2008
* Tariq won the Golden Web Awards for Nawras every year from 2006 to 2010.
* Tariq won the Best Dot-Com Idea by Business Today Magazine in 1999
==Philanthropy==
Tariq is also a community leader and a philanthropist. He takes active participation in activities that encourage the dissemination of free education for the purpose of societal improvement. Tariq is also an advocate of organizations that serve the elderly, children, and those in need.
==Personal life==
In his free time, Tariq likes to read, watch films, play chess, and meet new people.
==References==
==External links==
* Official Website
* Company Website
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Category:Motivational speakers
Category:Social entrepreneurs
Category:Community leaders
Category:Omani people
Category:Swinburne University of Technology alumni