Steven Nasser is the Chief Technology Officer of SABER and Chairman of the IRF MENA Committee, International Road Federation – Global. This visionary leader has forged an impressive career by collaborating with multi-level stakeholders to develop policies, implement innovative technologies, and deliver next-gen business models in the US and UAE. Steven’s contributions were recognized in 2025 with prestigious accolades, including the “Most Exemplary Leader in Smart Solutions and Technology Integration” by CToday Awards. His ability to align technology with business objectives has earned him widespread respect as a leader in the ITS space.

Career Journey: Shaping the Future of Transportation

Passionate about technology, automation, and robotics, Steven attributes his early inspirations to childhood influences from shows like Knight Rider and Star Wars. Steven’s expertise in ITS has driven the successful rollout of groundbreaking projects in the UAE, including integrated weather stations on smart highway gantries, ANPR-based parking systems in malls, and emoji-based radar signs for school zones and high-footfall areas. His work emphasizes the importance of road safety and efficiency in addressing the growing demands of modern mobility.

At SABER, Steven has been a trailblazer in Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS), leading innovations that help road authorities maximize asset efficiency through data intelligence and insightful metrics. As a member of the IRF, he has been instrumental in deploying ITS technologies, working with vendors to commission local deployments, and contributing to the ITS Committee by sharing trends, policy updates, and paradigm shifts in the region.

Steven is a key advocate for emerging technologies like V2X communication and autonomous vehicles, which are shaping the future of transportation. He has actively contributed to adaptive traffic signalization and ‘syncho-green’ intersections, ensuring road safety and efficient traffic flow. Through the IRF, he has championed training, accreditation, and certification programs to equip professionals with the skills needed for these advancements.

Overcoming Challenges & Staying Ahead

Steven has faced and addressed challenges in deploying ITS solutions, including resistance to change, policy hurdles, and the rapid pace of technological evolution. He has steered transformative projects with lasting impacts by fostering collaboration, training stakeholders, and adopting cutting-edge methodologies.

The transportation industry is experiencing paradigm shifts, with advancements in multi-modal transportation, micro-mobility, electric vehicles (EVs), autonomous vehicles (AVs), and even EVTOL (electric vertical takeoff and landing) systems. Steven’s leadership in navigating these uncharted waters ensures that road and highway infrastructures evolve to meet future demands.

Advice to Aspiring Transportation Professionals

Steven advises aspiring professionals to build a strong foundation in engineering principles while embracing the fast-paced evolution of technology. He encourages continuous learning, engagement with industry stakeholders, and a problem-solving mindset to create meaningful, lasting solutions.

“Smile and have fun,” Steven says. “This industry is transforming rapidly, and it will be one hell of a ride!”