Arfan has 30+ years’ experience of central government in the Space, Defence and Security Sectors, with a focus on policy development at the strategic level, building effective relationships and partnerships whilst drawing on well-developed communication and influencing skills at Ministerial and Board level.

Arfan has held a number of operational and policy roles, including at Ministry of Defence and Department for International Trade, where he was responsible for delivering the strategy of industry engagement to ensure focused UK Government support for defence and security exports. He has also held several key roles at the UK Space Agency and Space Directorate, including Head of International Policy and Strategy, International Director (where he was responsible for developing the Agency’s policy for international interventions which maximise benefits in trade, security, science and wider policy issues) and Deputy Director International Strategy and Regulation.

On joining the Saudi Space Agency as VP Partnerships, he led the development, build-up and operation of Saudi Arabia’s Space program in line with the National Space Strategy and the Saudi Vision 2030.

Since leaving SSA in March 2025, Arfan has pursued an international portfolio career as a Board Advisor, Non-Exec Director, Global Ambassador, Trustee and Mentor.