Reservoir engineer gained her bachelor’s degree from TAMUQ and a Master degree on Women, Society, and Development from College of Humanities & Social Sciences- HBKU. Founder and Vice Chairperson of Qatar Women Engineers Association (QWEA). Advisory Board member for College of Humanities & Social Sciences. Advisory Board for the International Journal of Contemporary Management & Information Technology. Inventor of Carbo-EcoGen System which made the 3rd place on The Omani Innovation Festival 2024. Named by Entrepreneurs Herald as one of the Top 30 Inspiring Women to Look for in 2023. Co-author technical paper ‘Petroleum Engineering and Geoscience Integration’ on International Petroleum Technology Conference, 2014. Presented and published Master thesis paper ‘Qatari Women's Leadership in Oil and Gas Industry ’ on The World Conference for Women Studies, 2020. Presented technical topics globally in University of Boumerdes, Algeria, and University Pertamina, Indonesia. Active community engagement person where she presents to school, arrange for students Engineering camps, and science advocate. Received Engineer of the Year Award-TAMUQ, 2020. Awarded twice for Al-Hasba (second level) and once for Al-Badla (third level) awards. Awarded volunteer from His Highness Shaikh Tamim Bin Hamad for volunteering on 2022 FIFA World Cup. Awarded from Her Highness Shikha Hind Bint Hamad for being active volunteer.

Ahmad Awada serves as the Divisional General Manager of Digital Health Transformation & Innovation at Mediclinic Group, leading digital innovation in Mediclinic Middle East. A passionate digital health enthusiast and entrepreneur, Ahmad has launched pivotal initiatives such as MyMediclinic 24x7, Chronic Disease Management, Virtual Clinic, and Care Collaboration Center. He also scaled telemedicine services to 153,000 teleconsultations in 2022. With two decades of experience in digital transformation projects, including ten years in digital health and agile software development, he co-founded Mobile Doctors 24-7 and TruDoc 24x7, and established multiple R&D units to develop telemedicine, telemonitoring, and other digital health systems.

Ahmad has a robust educational background, having studied Innovation in Healthcare at Harvard X, Foundations of Telehealth at Johns Hopkins, and Telehealth Best Practices at UC Davis Health. He also completed Product Management and Analysis at Product School New York and is currently pursuing a Master of eHealth Management at Rome Business School, expected to graduate in April 2024.

Recognized as a Subject Matter Expert for the Joint Commission International's telehealth certification program, Ahmad is an active member of several prestigious organizations, including the International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth, HIMSS Telemedicine and Middle East Communities, and the UAE chapter of PMI.

Leads the region-wide strategy for digital health transformation, telemedicine, innovation and AI across 30+ facilities. Recent wins include scaling telemedicine to 153 k consults in 2022, launching the MyMediclinic 24×7 app, Care Collaboration Center, Care Gaps, Chronic Disease Management programme and virtual clinic.

20 years in digital transformation | 10 years in digital health
Co-founded Mobile Doctors 24-7 and TruDoc 24×7, set up multiple in-house R&D units that built Virtual Care EMR, telemedicine, remote monitoring, scheduling, disease-management and patient-experience platforms.

Academic credentials
• Master’s in e-Health Management – Rome Business School
• Innovation in Healthcare (HarvardX)
• Foundations of Telehealth (Johns Hopkins)
• Telehealth Best Practices (UC Davis Health)
• Product Management & Analysis (Product School, New York)

Industry leadership
• Subject-matter expert, JCI Telehealth Certification
• Vice-Chair, HIMSS Virtual Care Committee; member, HIMSS Middle East Community
• Active member, International Society for Telemedicine & eHealth

Andy initiated his career in the manufacturing industry and subsequently transitioned to the building services sector. During this time, he also completed an ONC & HNC in mechanical engineering (HVAC) before moving to work for a global design consultancy and then to a national main contractor in the UK. Andy is currently a resident of the UAE with family back in the UK.

Andy now brings more than two decades of professional experience to the table, serving in diverse engineering and managerial capacities within the construction industry, with a focused expertise in information management using Building Information Modeling (BIM) over the past ten years working for tier 1 contractors.

Known as a vocal proponent for digital transformation across the industry, Andy's current role as Head of Digital Construction has meant a broader focus on ALEC's digitalization with an emphasis on increasing workflow communication and vertical efficiencies. As head of department Andy manages a team of digital construction managers, coordinators and engineers.

With a keen focus on implementing BIM according to the ISO 19650 series, Andy is one of the co-authors of the best practice guidance resources developed within the UK BIM Framework.

Running in parallel to his duties with ALEC, Andy also works in a voluntary capacity as an international ambassador for nima (formally the UK BIM Alliance), where he helps provide independent leadership and support for the adoption of information management best practice across the MENA region.

Carl is a highly experienced industry executive with 29 years service leading large scale construction projects across seven countries (UK, USA, New Zealand, Oman, Qatar, UAE and KSA). With a passion for our industry and mentoring construction professionals, in 2021 Carl founded the platform Construction Mentor and over the past 4 years has provided free mentoring to over 300+ construction professionals worldwide.

With over 25 years of senior executive experience in Business Operations and HR, Cheryl Thornton has held leadership roles across global and regional organisations spanning the Property, Banking, Retail, Education and Aviation sectors.

Cheryl is a results-driven C-suite leader with a strong track record in designing and executing people strategies that drive business performance and support growth. She has led large-scale HR and Operations functions with workforces of up to 70,000 employees, building high-performing teams and delivering transformative initiatives aligned to organisational goals.

Highly regarded as a trusted advisor to Boards and senior leadership, Cheryl currently is a Senior Business Advisor and serves as an Advisory Board Member for CIPD Middle East, a Global Advisory Board Member for the Learning & Performance Institute (UK), and Adjunct Faculty & SME at PwC’s Academy Middle East.

Cheryl holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Education from the University of New England, Australia, and is a Fellow of the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), the Institute of Managers and Leaders (IML), the Learning & Performance Institute (LPI), and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).

An active contributor to both international and local professional communities, Cheryl serves as an Assessor with the Dubai Quality Group, mentors with the Cherie Blair Foundation and the Al Ghurair Foundation for Education and is a Judge for the Emirates Women’s Awards and the CIPD People Awards.

A seasoned leadership figure both regionally and globally, Cheryl is known for her integrity, discretion and credibility in all aspects of her work.

• KAPSARC 2015-present, IHS CERA 2010-2015, Fluor 2006-2010
• MBA, BS Electrical Engineering, BA Philosophy
• Mr. Ward has worked in most aspects of the energy industry from seismic rigs, to refinery design, commercial field development, consulting and strategy work, and now high-impact analysis of issues facing the energy system.
• KAPSARC Oil Market Outlook co-founder
• Carbon/CCUS/Hydrogen projects, including Net-Zero Producers Forum
• Worked in several cross-ecosystem projects including PSI, IES, etc.

Dr. Ali Ismail works as a BIM expert and digital solution advisory for Dubai Municipality since 2019 and actively involved in various digital transformation initiatives and managing the buildingSMART UAE chapter. He is playing a vital role driving digital transformation in construction industry in Dubai and contributing to the im of Dubai BIM roadmap, BIM standards and BIM submission platform.

Dr. Ali has 20+ academic publications about BIM, project planning, simulation methods and is actively engaged in local and international conferences, where he generously shares valuable insights on the progress of digital transformation initiatives conducted by Dubai Municipality and buildingSMART UAE chapter.

Bandar is the General Manager (GM) and a Researcher at the Advanced Manufacturing Technologies Institute (AMTI) at the King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST). KACST is both the Saudi Arabian national science agency and its national laboratories. Before being named GM in December 2022, Bandar was the director and a researcher at the National Center for Advanced Materials Technologies (NCAMT) and at the National Center for Building and Construction Technology (NCBCT), contributing leadership skills in the scientific and technical elements of major projects.

Bandar earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Building Technology from King Saud University (KSU) in Riyadh and a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in Los Angeles. His master’s thesis project “New Flexibility and the Architecture of Time” researched the possibility of designing adaptable buildings that evolve over time in response to their users’ needs and requirements. Bandar received his Ph.D. from Virginia Tech in which his research focus and interest is in the area of Automation in Construction.

Dr Bhakti More is a Chairperson & Associate Professor at the School of Design & Architecture, Manipal Academy of Higher Education (MAHE) Dubai Campus with over 25 years of experience in academia and the design industry. She has pursued her doctoral studies at the School of Built Environment, University of Salford, Manchester, UK and worked as Project Architect in design consultancies. She is currently the coordinator for Manipal Environment and Conservation Students Club which has received consecutive awards for Best Sustainable Green Campus Audit and Best Sustainability Action Project from Environment Agency Abu Dhabi. In her role, she is guiding the MAHE Dubai team for Climate Action Plan for MAHE Dubai for UNFCC, Race to Zero and has led ‘Team Tawazun’ for Solar Decathlon Middle East 2021 for designing net zero homes. The Environment Agency Abu Dhabi awarded Dr Bhakti ‘Best Coordinator’ for commitment in 2015. Dr Bhakti is an ambassador for 'Woman in Construction' Big 5, Dubai, mentor for the Link program for Women Mentorship, Advisory Group for Women in Built Environment (WiBE) and is passionate about encouraging the role of youth towards building a sustainable future. She is currently part of the Advancing Net Zero Volunteering team for Communities and Infrastructure.

Dr. Christopher Abraham is a PhD in Business Administration (Design Thinking & Innovation) and has three Post Graduate qualifications in HRM, Business Administration (Marketing), Labor & Administrative Law.

He is a Certified Design Thinker from IDEO/Stanford and is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Marketing (FCIM), UK. He has thirty-five years’ experience in management consulting, marketing, and management education in India, Singapore and the UAE.

Currently he is the CEO & Head - Dubai campus and Sr. Vice President (Institutional Development)at the S P Jain School of Global Management, a Forbes Top 10, Economist & FT Top 100 ranked Business School, with campuses in Dubai, Singapore, Mumbai and Sydney
Dr. Abraham has been a visiting Professor at many leading universities in Australia, USA, Canada, Singapore and UK. Earlier in Dubai, he headed the Executive MBA Program of XLRI, Jamshedpur, one of Asia’s top business schools.

His areas of competence are Innovation, Design Thinking, Behavioural Design,Neuroscience of Decision Making, Future of Education, Science of Happiness, Leadership, Human Potential, Entrepreneurship, Marketing & Strategy.

A much sought after 3 x TEDx and international keynote speaker, he has successfully presented in numerous global forums and has also conducted many consulting and executive development assignments for global organizations, including The World Bank, The Executive Council (Govt. of Dubai), Emirates Airlines, SEWA (Government of Sharjah), Aramex, DHL, P & G, LG, Reckitt & Benkiser, AW Rostamani (Nissan Auto) etc.

Awards & Recognitions

Twice Awarded “Best CEO in the World” in 2018 & 2019, by Indo – UAE Business & Social Forum

Twice winner of the Education Leadership Award – World Leadership Congress 2015 & 2017

Regularly Interviewed in leading TV & Media Channels like CNBC, Dubai Eye, Dubai TV etc.

Regular News Columns and quotes in leading newspapers like Gulf News, Khaleej Times, The National, Times of India, Economic Times, The Hindu, Mumbai Mirror etc.

Positions & Memberships

Honorary Fellow – Leaders Excellence at Harvard Square, US

Advisor – RTA Innovation Lab, Government of Dubai

Global Advisory Board Member - World CMO Council, US

Member of the Board – The Abrahamic Business Circle

Advisory Board Member – CEO Clubs Worldwide

Senior Advisory Board Member –WASME World Association of SMEs (An UNESCO Initiative)

Senior Advisory Board Member – World Sustainable Business Forum, UK

Director – S P Jain Centre of Excellence for the Science of Happiness

Member of the Governing Board – Gulf Marketing Association

Executive Board Member – CIVITAS DEI Institute of History and Archaeology of Jerusalem, Israel

Member of the Board of Directors – Talents of Endearment

Member of the Board – Joblio, An AI enabled ethical recruitment solutions company, US

Member of the Academic Board – World Masters Academy, Italy

Member of the Advisory Board – Economic Times HR World (ETHRWorld)

Member of the CII-Elite Group (SCM) – Confederation of Indian Industry

Conferred as the Knight of Parte Guelfa, Italy representing India for Ecology & Environment

Dr. Fadi Aloul is the Dean of the College of Engineering and a Professor of Computer Science & Engineering at the American University of Sharjah (AUS), UAE. He leads a college consisting of an outstanding 85 faculty, 25 lab instructors, 15 administrators, and 2400+ students. The college has seven undergraduate programs, nine master’s programs, and one doctoral program. He previously served as the Computer Science & Engineering Department Head from 2016-2021.

Dr. Aloul holds a PhD and MS degrees in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA, respectively, and a BS degree in Electrical Engineering summa cum laude from Lawrence Technological University, Michigan, USA. His research and industrial interests are in Cyber Security, Mobile Applications, Teaching Innovation, and Design Optimization. He is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Reviewer for the UAE Commission for Academic Accreditation (CAA).

Dr. Aloul received a number of prestigious awards including the Global Engineering Deans Council (GEDC) Airbus Engineering Diversity Award, the H.H. Sheikh Khalifa, UAE’s President, Award for Higher Education, the Sheikh Rashid's Award for Outstanding Scientific Achievement, the Abdul Hameed Shoman Award for Young Arab Researchers, and the AUS Excellence in Teaching Award. He has 145+ publications and 1 US patent. He is a regular invited speaker and panelist across a number of international conferences related to Cyber Security, AI, Technology, Innovation and Education.

Dr. Georges Kachaamy is the Director of the Center for Research, Innovation, and Design (CRID) at the School of Architecture, Art, and Design, the American University in Dubai. He has served as the chairperson of the Department of Architecture under which the program has received the NAAB Accreditation. He is a professor of architecture, a registered architect, a certified VR Sketch trainer, a GRAVITY SKETCH Certified Trainer, a VictoryXR Certified VR Educator, an associate member of the American Institute of Architects, an affiliated member of the UAE Society of Engineers, and a former member of the Order of Engineers & Architects in Beirut. He was the recipient of the Japanese Government Monbukagakusho Scholarship and received his doctorate from the University of Tokyo in Japan.

As an academician, Dr. Kachaamy’s research interest relates to future and virtual environments, space planning, well-being designs, phenomenological theory in architecture, and evidence-based spatial experiments. He is mostly known for his vision towards futurist architecture that deals with Gravity Defiant Architecture (GDA) a.k.a. Airborne Architecture. He has more than 14+ years of academic experience where he received the American University in Dubai President’s award for teaching excellence, the President's Award for Institutional Effectiveness, the Provost's Award for Creativity in Design and the Visual Arts. In addition, he served on the board of the AIA Middle East Chapter as the Director of Continuing Education.

As a practicing architect, he has over 15 years of experience between Dubai, Tokyo, and Beirut. He worked on different national and international urban and architectural designs. His work spans from universal spaces for meditation to the urban conservation and design studies for cultural heritages and urban developments. His latest contribution was the design of the Executive MBA educational facility on AUD campus.

As an Artist, he has evolved a specific technique that combines automatic art and meditation practices. His artwork is an ongoing and ever-growing compilation of works known by “Unconscious.” The 100+ art pieces have been exhibited internationally in Venice, Dubai, Munich, and London.

Moreover, Dr. Kachaamy has won international prizes from renowned organizations such as the International Union of Architects, UIA (Union Internationale des Architects) and for the past 15 years he has published many articles and has been involved in architectural/artistic talks, and exhibitions. In 2018, 2019, and 2021 he was invited by the European Cultural Center to exhibit his architecture project “Rising Oases” and artwork "Unconscious" at the Palazzo Bembo and Mora in the context of the Venice Biennale. In addition, his works and contributions have featured on major multiple media outlets such as CNN, TIME Magazine, MBC1, Skynews Arabia, Dubai TV, SAMA Dubai, Dezeen Magazine, ArchDaily, ASCE Magazine, Middle East Architect, MTV, and Future TV.

Dr Harpreet Seth, Associate Professor, is the Head of Architecture and Director of Studies in the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure and Society (EGIS) at Heriot-Watt University Dubai (HWUD). She played an instrumental role in establishing the Architecture programme at HWUD, a RIBA Part 1 candidate course. Her current role is characterized by a strong commitment to a distinctive pedagogy which addresses current and future challenges through design and critical thinking in architectural education internationally and within the MENA region.

Prior to joining HWUD, Harpreet has held several senior academic positions in reputed institutions across the UAE. She is a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (UK) She steered her own practice in Architecture, Landscape, and Interior Design in Dubai for over a decade before entering the world of academia to fulfill her ambition to meaningfully contribute to teaching and research.

Her research interests continue to be the microcosm of built structures within the macro urban setting that is focused on people and creating more ‘liveable’ environments including:

• New iconism in young cities: A perspective from nascent cities like Dubai
• Cognitive spaces in educational landscape: Understanding potential of un-built spaces
• Innovative learning and teaching approaches in architecture and design
• Creativity as a culture in project-based learning in design
• Sustainability and symbolism in the urban matrix
• Future of the new healthy smart cities
• Soul of Architecture and the unmeasurable in Architecture

Harpreet has won many accolades in recognition for her innovative studio project-based teaching and learning approaches such as the ‘EGIS Graduate Award’ and ‘Learning and Teaching Oscars’ from Heriot-Watt University. She is a senior member of the Council of Architecture (CoA) in India and a founder member of the Association of Professional Interior Designers (APID), UAE.

Harpreet completed her PhD at Wolverhampton University, UK with a specialization in Urban Design and Architecture, and her Master of Architecture (M.Arch.) degree at the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), India. She is an avid sketcher and a founder member of Urban Sketchers Dubai (USD), the Dubai chapter of the International Urban Sketchers. In her free time, she also practices and teaches yoga as a certified instructor of Himalayan Kriya Yoga.

“Dr. Maher is a highly accomplished professional and visionary leader with over two decades of dedicated experience in the fields of engineering, academics, management, and sustainability.

Currently serving as the Vice President and Head of Khatib & Alami's Riyadh office, Dr. Maher oversees the operations of Khatib & Alami in Riyadh-KSA, managing a team of around 2,000 employees. In addition, Dr. Maher is the General Manager and Executive Board Member of Khatib & Alami Regional Headquarters in Riyadh. His leadership has been instrumental in successfully delivering several prestigious projects’ awards, establishing Khatib & Alami as a trusted partner for esteemed Clients.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Dr. Maher holds a Ph.D. in Environmental & Water Resources, exemplifying his dedication to advancing knowledge in his field. He serves as a lecturer at Beirut Arab University and the Lebanese University, and also holds a position in the advisory board of the Civil Engineering Department at Beirut Arab University. His expertise spans a unique combination of managerial acumen, technical prowess, and academic distinction, evident through his numerous research contributions and publications in respected international journals.

Dr. Maher has several publications and is actively engaged in seminars and conferences, where he generously shares valuable insights on engineering and sustainability.”

Dr. Mohamad Nassereddine is a distinguished electrical engineer specializing in renewable energy, smart grid technologies, and power system operations. His research is dedicated to enhancing sustainable energy solutions, smart city development, and maintaining electrical network stability. As a Senior Member of IEEE and a reviewer for leading journals, Dr. Nassereddine is committed to innovation and excellence in electrical engineering, significantly contributing to knowledge advancement and the development of cutting-edge technologies. His work greatly impacts energy management, sustainability, and the future of electrical power systems. Dr. Nassereddine's publications from the years 2023, 2024, and 2025 encompass the following sectors:

• Renewable Energy Systems: Research on hybrid photovoltaic and biogas systems, solar power prediction, energy storage, and integrating renewable energy sources into power networks.
• Smart Grids and Smart Cities: Concentrating on smart grid stability, advanced electrical network design for smart cities, IoT applications in intelligent transportation, and energy efficiency in smart energy management.
• Electrical Power Systems: In-depth study of transmission line earthing systems, lightning protection for PV systems, advanced earth grid monitoring, and substations.
• Machine Learning and Data Analytics: Application of machine learning for electricity demand forecasting, smart grid security, and fraud detection in financial transactions.
• Waste to Energy: Examination of hybrid waste-to-energy solutions.
• Power Prediction in Photovoltaics: Enhancing performance using machine learning techniques.

Mohammed S. Al Surf, holder of PhD. in Sustainable and Green Construction. Director of Carbon Department at Tilad Environment. Founder of the Sustainability Professionals in Saudi Arabia Network (SPSA) reaching more than 9000 members. First Saudi to become a USGBC® Faculty, an ISSP® Sustainability Associate and a TRUE® Advisor. LEED® Accredited Professional in BD+C, ENV SP credential and a Green Classroom Professional. Author of the books titled “Sustainable Housing in Saudi Arabia: Opportunities & Challenges” and “10 Steps to Become a Sustainability Professional”.

Member of several local and international professional entities such as the U.S. Green Building Council, the Saudi Council of Engineers (SCE), the Pacific Rim Real-Estate Society (PRRES), Asian Real-Estate Society (AsRES) and Project Management Institute (PMI). Dedicated to applying a systematic approach to Green Construction and Sustainable methods applied on projects in Saudi Arabia to induce quality of life while preserving the depleting supply of natural resources.

Dr. Mustafa Batikha holds a PhD in Structural Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, UK. He currently serves as an Editor for the Materials journal. From 1994 to 2015, Dr. Batikha was a full-time academic at Damascus University. In 2015, he joined Heriot-Watt University in Dubai as a full-time faculty member in Structural Engineering within the Civil Engineering programme. He also served as the Associate Director of Research at the School of Energy, Geoscience, Infrastructure, and Society from 2016 to 2024.

In addition, Dr. Batikha was the Founding Editor of the Centre of Excellence in Smart and Sustainable Construction (CES²C) Research Bulletin between 2019 and 2023. He is an active consultant engineer with the Syrian Engineers Syndicate in Damascus and holds chartered membership with the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE). He is also a member of the International Institute for FRP in Construction (IIFC), the national training team at the Syrian Engineers Syndicate, and the Teachers’ Syndicate of Damascus.

Dr. Batikha’s research is focused on innovative areas within structural engineering, both independently and through the supervision of research students. He has authored over 40 publications covering topics such as structural engineering, tall buildings, sustainable concrete, and 3D concrete printing. Additionally, he is a peer reviewer for several high-impact journals. His contributions have earned him recognition in research competitions, international workshops, prestigious global events, CPD programs of professional bodies, academic conferences, and industry news platforms.

For more details, please look at:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-mustafa-batikha-phd-ceng-mistructe-aa4b8041/?originalSubdomain=ae

Dr. Peiman Kianmehr is the Chair of the Department of Civil Engineering and Associate Professor of Civil Engineering at American University in Dubai (AUD). He accomplished his PhD program at University of Waterloo-Canada in water resources group. His expertise is in environmental engineering and sustainable built environment. Prior to joining AUD, he worked with Environment Canada and he also worked as the director of several dam construction and water transmission projects. During his work at AUD, he has published about 40 journal and conference papers in prestigious journals and conference proceedings. He received several awards including School of Engineering Excellence in Teaching Award and best paper awards from international conferences held in Montreal, Dubai, Zurich and Ottawa.

Education: M.Sc.Eng. in Building Engineering/Architecture (University of L’Aquila); Ph.D. in Building Engineering/Architecture (University of Pavia).

Pierluigi is part of the Swiss BIPV Research team of SUPSI since ~ 10 years, where is currently senior researcher and responsible for the BIPV Advanced Building Skin Team. He is active in R&D projects, industry developments, pilot constructions and sensitization activities on solar architecture at swiss and international scale. He’s a construction & energy specialist, passionate about the relation between technological innovation, energy and architectural quality. He developed and implemented innovation actions in several multidisciplinary projects focused on BIPV (Building Integrated Photovoltaics) in collaboration with international consortia and partnerships. Prior to that, as architect, project manager and site supervisor he conducted real projects such as "Energy Box", a nearly-zero energy building awarded in the post-earthquake reconstruction in L'Aquila. Pierluigi is member of the expert group of Task 15 IEA-PVPS at the International Energy Agency, and of other scientific and technical committees such as review expert for EUPVSEC and team member of IEC TC82.

Pierluigi is senior researcher and head of BIPV Research team at SUPSI. He’s active in R&D projects, industry developments, pilot constructions and working groups at swiss and international scale. Pierluigi main mission is to enable market implementation, competitiveness and quality of solar architecture, using photovoltaics as a building material. He’s also member of the Task 15 at international Energy Agency.

Dr. Hawileh is Professor of Civil Engineering at the American University of Sharjah. Since joining AUS in 2007, he was able to build a strong and active research focus that has resulted in around 145 journal papers published in well reputed international journals and around 75 papers in conference proceedings. His research interests are primarily focused on strengthening of reinforced concrete structures, computational and analytical modeling, fire resistance, AI and machine learning applications in Civil Engineering, and in the analysis and design of sustainable concrete structures.

Dr. Hawileh received the College of Engineering “Research Excellence Award” for the year 2013-14 and was awarded a scholarship by the Arab Fund Fellowships Program in 2015. He has also been ranked, since 2020, among the top 2% Scientists worldwide in their field based on their career-long citation impact, according to a study published and led by Stanford University researchers.

Dr. Reem Sabouni, P.Eng., is a highly accomplished civil engineer with over 20 years of experience and currently serves as an Associate Professor at Abu Dhabi University (ADU). She has authored many publications in the fields of structural and geotechnical engineering and has served as Principal Investigator (PI) and Co-Principal Investigator (Co-PI) on several research grants. She also played a pivotal role in establishing the Abu Dhabi University College of Engineering’s 3D Concrete Printing Research Lab. Dr. Sabouni’s influence extends well beyond academia. She is deeply engaged with the professional engineering community, serving as the President of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) UAE Section and as a founding member and Chair of Women Engineers for the International Federation of Structural Concrete (fib) UAE Chapter. Moreover, she has organized and chaired the highly successful Women in Engineering Forum, now in its seventh round.

Dr. Sabouni holds a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.) designation from Ontario, Canada. She earned her doctorate and master’s degrees in civil engineering from Western University in Canada. She was the first researcher in North America to conduct extensive testing on circular concrete shafts in a controlled laboratory environment. These tests were conducted at Western University's Large Scale Geotechnical Testing Facility in collaboration with the Ontario Concrete Pipe Association.

Dr. Reem is the recipient of several Canadian awards and research scholarships, including the prestigious Milos Novak Memorial, the Industrial NSERC Scholarship, the Ontario Graduate Scholarship, and the University President Scholarship. She also received the Excellence Award from H.H. Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak for first place in the Class of 2002 at the United Arab Emirates University.

Dr. Saraa Alasadi is an accomplished academic and industry professional with extensive expertise in civil engineering, engineering management, and digital transformation in construction. At the American University of Bahrain, she teaches and supervises research in areas spanning sustainability, traffic and transportation engineering, and BIM.

Her research and publications focus on innovative applications of machine learning, BIM, and sustainability in civil engineering, with several papers featured in IEEE and other leading journals. She is also a frequent speaker at regional and international conferences on smart cities, sustainability, and digital transformation

Dr Stephen Wilkinson, is the Director of Research and Graduate Studies at the University of Wollongong in Dubai. Leading the University’s research initiatives to ensure that they have real world impact through collaborations with industry. He is also an internationally recognized researcher in the applications of sustainability including the development of new zero carbon materials and processes. He has published over 60 papers in this field focused on supporting companies to make a difference. He is an alumnus of Imperial College London and the University of Liverpool. He is also a Fellow of the Geological Society, a Fellow of the Royal Microscopical Society and a Fellow of the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation. He supports professional bodies in the UAE including as the Vice Chair for the Chartered Institution of Highways and Transportation Dubai Group.

Dr. Zaid Alyami has extensive industry experience with key focus on Business Transformation, Operations Management, Asset Management and Strategy Development and Execution. Dr. Alyami has progressive experience in public and private agencies in Saudi Arabia and Internationally. Dr. Alyami currently is at the Ministry of Transportation and Logistics Services, Saudi Arabia where he holds several leadership roles under road affairs key strategic programs including Heading the Roads Asset Management, Roads Operation and Maintenance Transformation Program, and Leading Roads Public Private Partnerships projects.

Mohamed is a GIS & Engineering Digital Transformation Expert with over 25 years of experience in geospatial systems, urban planning, and construction. He holds a Master’s in IT and a Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering, along with professional certifications in project management, quality, and technical training.

He currently serves as an Expert at Dubai Municipality’s Buildings Regulation & Permits Agency, providing consultancy on digital twin, building information modeling (BIM), and geospatial information. Previously, he led major GIS initiatives such as Dubai’s SDI Project, Dubai Digital Twin, Dubai BIM roadmap, and Dubai Horizons, and held senior roles in Abu Dhabi, Ajman, and Dubai.

Abdallah is a qualified project management professional with over 8 years of in-depth industry experience on iconic developments, including the Bee’ah Headquarters designed by Zaha Hadid. He is responsible for a diverse and flexible set of roles, including management, planning, productivity, supervision, and the commercial aspects of projects. He is currently working as a Project Manager with Alpago Properties, a high-end luxury developer known for creating exceptional villas on Palm Jumeirah.

Eng. Faisal Al Atel earned his degree in Electrical Engineering from California State University,
Fresno, USA, and a Master of Science in Engineering Management from Sunderland University,
UK. He currently serves as a faculty member at the Public Authority for Applied Education and
Training.

In addition to his government role, Eng. Faisal is actively involved with the Kuwait Society of
Engineers, a non-governmental organization, where he has served in various capacities,
including President since 2017. His commitment to volunteer work extends internationally; he
served as President of the Federation of Arab Engineers in 2020 and is an active National
Member of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations under the auspices of UNESCO.

Locally, Eng. Faisal has made significant contributions to renewable energy technology and has
fostered a culture of teamwork and leadership. With over a decade of teaching experience, he is
dedicated to motivating others and enhancing the quality of life through engineering initiatives
within his community.

BSc Civil Engineering & Master degree in Civil Engineering completed by University of Bahrain.

Working Experience:

1. About 4 years in the Central informatic organization.
2. 30 years in Ministry of Housing, as:
   • Engineer
   • Head of Estate Management Section
   • Chief of Estate Management section
   • Chief Quality Management Section.
3. part time lecturer in the University of Bahrain
4. Member in Manama Municipal Council in the kingdom of Bahrain.

Proffisional @Personal Skills:

• Wide experience in the engineering field as a civil engineer, construction works, project manager, maintenance engineer.
• Estate management works
• Material Quality regulations & control
• Volunteer works in Bahrain Society of Engineering, in the training field, treasurer, media etc.

Achievements:

• Awarded the king efficiency honor medal, one of the highest medals in the kingdom of Bahrain.
• Appreciation certificates form Ministry and Bahrain Society of Engineering.

Imran Shaikh, Chairman of CIBSE U.A.E, is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer and Fellow of CIBSE with over 15 years of experience in technical and commercial management, energy efficient MEP design, site execution, green building, and energy auditing facilitation, supported by ASHRAE and other prestigious certifications. He is enthusiastic about technology driven sustainable design.

In his current role as Director of MEP and Specialisms for Ramboll Middle East, Imran leads the team and provides strategic guidance to the MEP and Specialism team on a wide range of high-profile prestigious projects including hospitality, mixed use developments in the Middle East region.

“Award-winning Chartered Project Manager (MCIOB) and accomplished business leader with a strong track record of delivering complex, high-value projects across the UK and Middle East. Kamel leads GHD’s Project Management business in the UAE, overseeing both pre-contract and post-contract delivery across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and built environment projects.

Known for his delivery excellence and operational discipline, Kamel brings deep expertise in project lifecycle management—ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. His leadership combines strategic insight with hands-on experience in project controls, risk management, and commercial governance, enabling him to drive performance across teams and projects alike.

As a key member of GHD’s UAE Leadership Team, Kamel is responsible for the direction and performance of a 60-person project management team. He plays a pivotal role in aligning delivery with business objectives, championing continuous improvement, and ensuring operational excellence across all engagements.

Kamel also contributes to regional business development by leading major pursuits and embedding innovative delivery models that address client needs and market dynamics. He is widely respected for his ability to build trusted client relationships, navigate complexity, and create lasting value.

In parallel, Kamel is a strong advocate for talent development and industry leadership. He leads project management training across the GCC and serves as Chair of the Abu Dhabi Hub for the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), mentoring professionals on their journey to chartership and promoting best practices across the built environment sector.”

Karan brings 17+ years of international experience from SLB, Weatherford and EY-Parthenon, and holds an MBA from London Business School and a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Western Ontario. At EY, Karan is a recognized global expert in oil and gas and is a trusted strategic advisor to C-suite leaders in Canada, the U.S., and across MENA. His expertise includes oil and gas, clean fuels, critical minerals, the energy transition, and a continuously developing knowledge of the uses and limitations of Generative AI. He actively advises clients on corporate and growth strategy, cost takeout and operational efficiency, transformation and value creation efforts, and commercial due diligence to support M&A transactions. He is known for his pragmatic, data-driven approach that combines field experience, technical depth and business acumen. With a leadership style built on trust and accountability, Karan has built a strong track record of leading high-performing teams, turning around underperforming operations, and scaling businesses across geographies.

Lina Saeed is a distinguished lecturer in quantity surveying and a chartered construction manager with over 9 years of experience in academia and industry. Holding a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering and a master’s degree in commercial management and quantity surveying, she brings a wealth of expertise to her field.

With years of industry experience in major industrial and oil and gas projects, Lina Saeed has a deep insight of the strengths, weaknesses and opportunities that the construction sector currently faces. Her experience is complemented by her current role as the Vice Chair of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) Hub in Bahrain, where she contributes to enhancing the industry standards and practices within the region by collaborating with major regional policy influencers.

Her academic career aims at equipping and inspiring the next generation of construction professionals to influence positive change in areas of sustainability, construction law and financial management. She is fully committed to enhancing innovation and promoting excellence in the industry.

Louise is Partner and Director at Focal Middle East, steering the firm’s engineering, sustainability, and cost consulting services across the UAE and wider MEA region. She supports clients in hospitality, commercial offices, residential, education, and industrial sectors with strategic advisory encompassing engineering design, cost management, sustainability consultancy, and net-zero implementation.

With over 23 years’ experience in Europe and the Middle East, Louise has worked in roles such as Design Consultant, Principal Engineer, Project Manager, and Client Representative. She is passionate about delivering energy- and water-efficient solutions and remains at the forefront of Focal’s transformative sustainability agenda.

Louise is a Chartered Mechanical Engineer, LEED AP, holds an Executive MBA, and co-chairs the CTBUH Middle East Regional Hub.

Featured among the Top 50 Sustainability Leaders in MENA in 2023 by Sustainability Middle East Magazine. Majd is a decarbonization strategist and award-winning engineer with a track record in assisting NGOs and government organizations in developing and implementing innovative strategies and programs aimed at advancing decarbonization, energy efficiency, and green building principles in the region.

Currently, Majd leads strategy and policy development related to demand side management, water management, green mobility, and circular economy at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, Dubai government. He is the committee secretary at two high-level government committees in Dubai which aim to accelerate efficiency principles in order to reduce Dubai’s energy and water demand by 30% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

Majd is also the director and board member of the Advancing Net Zero Volunteering Team which aims to accelerate the transition to net zero cities in the UAE. Prior to that, Majd held several positions including senior energy advisor to the Royal Danish Consulate General in Dubai, technical lead at Emirates Green Building Council, and project manager of the National CDM Program for Solar Energy in Lebanon.
Majd is the founder of an online platform #MajdTalks which aims at raising awareness about sustainability and decarbonisation topics.

Majd was a speaker at 100+ flagship sustainability events in the UAE and region and a jury member of several regional awards programs. He is also the lead author of 10 technical energy publications and has been interviewed by 15+ regional magazines, radios, and newspapers on energy and sustainability topics.
Majd was selected to be part of the first cohort of Emerging Board Leaders Fellowship, powered by HSBC which recognizes exceptional Arab and North African men and women under the age of 45 and accelerates their pathway to boardrooms.

Majd holds a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy from Saint Joseph University and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the Lebanese University. He also holds a Certified Energy Manager, LEED Accredited Professional (Operations and Maintenance), and TRUE Zero Waste Advisor credentials.

Manosh De is an award-winning urban development professional specializing in resilient, human-centered, and sustainable city solutions across global contexts.

With over 22 years of experience, Manosh has led transformative, cross-disciplinary projects across the Middle East and North Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean—collaborating with teams spanning design, economics, engineering, sustainability, and smart city innovation.

He combines expertise in policy development, urban design, and strategic partnerships to deliver outcomes aligned with sustainable development goals and regulatory frameworks.

Manosh currently serves as an advisor at ADPIC, Abu Dhabi’s Projects and Infrastructure Center, which oversees major capital projects aimed at enhancing quality of life across the Emirate.

He is an alumnus of the U.S. Department of State’s International Visitor Leadership Program, a UK Chevening Scholar, and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma.

The CIOB are the largest and most influential professional body for construction management and leadership. At the CIOB we stand for the science, ethics, and practise of the built environment across the world. Everything we do is to improve the quality of life for those using and creating the built environment.

Matt heads up the Dubai branch of The CIOB and leads the strategy for the MENA region.

Matt has been an inspirational influence in the construction industry over the last two and a half years, creating over 100 events for members and partners capturing a global audience of over 20,000 covering approx. 50 countries.

Matt posted the largest membership growth of any region throughout the pandemic and has successfully supported over 200 individuals through to chartered manager status in his time with CIOB. The CIOBs Chartered Manager and Fellow status’ are equivalent to a honours degree and masters in UK.

Matt is also responsible for revitalising the CIOBs hub communities across countries and now has over 50 active construction professionals supporting the strategy. This is one of the many ways that the CIOB can influence change in the industry.

Matt is a keen collaborator and has travelled across the region in order to develop strong relationships for CIOB and the industry.

Paul Pring is Executive Director, Infrastructure at the Diriyah Company, leading the organization’s infrastructure delivery team for its Phase One masterplan development.

Paul has 42 years’ experience managing major international business changes across transportation, power, civil engineering, and construction sectors and successfully delivering major strategic programmes to tight timescales. His work has led him to Africa, Australasia, Canada, East Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Russia, and the US.

Prior to joining Diriyah Company in 2020, Paul was Managing Director of Bittaford Consulting in the UK and Canada, where he led on change and innovation on multiple high profile infrastructure projects. Before that, Paul was Director of Infrastructure, Rail at Babcock International where he was responsible for delivering engineering and telecommunications electrification across railway lines in the UK, including the Southern Region New Trains Program, where construction was completed in 15 months on a live operating railway. He also held various roles over 15 years at Mott McDonald Group, spearheading business growth throughout a variety of sectors.

Paul holds a BSc in Quantity Surveying from Thames Polytechnic and an MA in Building Rehabilitation from the University of Greenwich. He is additionally a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport, a Fellow of the Association for Project Management and was one of the first 500 individuals globally to be an accredited Chartered Project Professional.

Pedram is a RIBA Chartered Architect with master’s degree in architecture. He is co-founder of U+A who has set goals and visions for the company to become one of the world’s finest design studios.

Pedram has over 23 years of architectural design experience in hotel & hospitality design, residential housing, high-rise and commercial mixed-use development. He provides an expertise in initiating Project Briefing and Development Strategy, Space Planning, Program Management, Technical Detailing & Project Strategic Management from inception to completion on multitude projects. He has worked in many projects in MENA region including Dubai Towers, Emirates Towers Expansion, Maritime City, Dubai Hills, Creek Harbour Towers, Floating Homes etc.

Being in Dubai, UAE over 20 years gave him a vast knowledge on the region’s culture as well as understanding of developers/clients which resulted to numerous project awards in Dubai and MENA region.

Peter is a Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with over 10 years’ experience across the Middle East, Africa, UK and Eastern European real estate markets.

Currently, he is a senior manager in the strategy & product development team at TECOM Group.

• CEO of Span Management Consulting
• Professor of Structural Engineering and former university president.
• Holds a PhD from Cornell University and an MSc from George Washington University in the USA.
• Held senior engineering positions, including the design expert and technical and the project advisor of the Abu Dhabi Municipality.
• Played leadership roles in major engineering projects and companies, and led the establishment and development of multiple universities.
• Certified Professional Engineer in Ontario, Canada (PEng), and a fellow of the UK Chartered Institute of Builders (FCIOB).
• Fellow of the American Concrete Institute (FACI), Fellow and Life Member of the American Society of Civil Engineers (FASCE) and Past President of its UAE Chapter.
• Board Member of the Afro-Asian Council of Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity - CAAAIC.
• Distinguished academic experience as a faculty member, visiting professor, or researcher at several universities in the USA, Canada, Syria, and the UAE.
• The inaugural recipient of the prestigious “George Winter Award” from Cornell University in the USA.
• Recipient of the International “ASCE Region 10 Distinguished Service Medal Award” in the USA (2023)

Prof. Carlos Montaña PhD is the first foundation faculty in the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation DIDI (in collaboration with MIT and Parsons), and a full professor (adjunct) at Queensland University of Technology QUT. He is an academic, design and innovation strategist, advisor for government and industry, jury of international design awards, speaker, and an entrepreneur currently based in the Middle East. An award-winning design and academic leader, he has 30+ years’ experience in Colombia, Italy, Japan, Singapore, Australia, and the United Arab Emirates. His transdisciplinary research in design, innovation and entrepreneurship focuses on sustainable development, with expertise in biomimicry and design for health. He was program director of Industrial Design in the University of Canberra, Assistant Professor of Industrial Design in the National University of Singapore, and Adjunct Assistant Professor in Product Design Engineering in EAFIT University in Colombia. Many of his projects, as well as projects by his students, received international design awards, including Braun Prize, Dupont Imagineering and Red Dot, among others.

Throughout my career, I have developed a passion for helping people understand the importance of cultural heritage and architectural conservation. I have also developed a strong understanding of project management, change management, strategy, leadership, and more. My mission in life and career is to help people find their purpose and unlock their full potential. I am a maximizer, and my prime motivation is to see the inner greatness in people and help them maximize all the purpose and significance in life that is already within them.

In Briefing:

• Experienced in cultural heritage and architectural conservation, having worked with the Ministry of Antiquities in Egypt
• Developed a passion for helping people understand the importance of cultural heritage and architectural conservation.
• Proven track record of project management, change management, strategy, leadership, and more.
• My mission in life and career is to help people find their purpose and unlock their full potential.
• Maximizer, motivated to see the inner greatness in people and help them maximize all the purpose and significance in life that is already within them.
• With more than 30 years of experience in architectural preservation and world heritage site management with 250+ Projects
• Collaborated with a team of 1200 in the development of Qatar National Museum Project
• Managed a 25-member cross-functional (product, engineering, sales, support) team and coordinated with six business partners towards the successful launch of an international conference.
• Candidate of several global awards in leadership and professional development.

Sandeep has over 25 years of experience in the healthcare industry with rich experience in strategic business consulting, hospital projects, operations & management, and HCIT solutions.

He has managed over 750+ research and consulting projects across MEA and South Asia region in the areas of ; healthcare delivery, medical technology, healthcare IT, biotech & pharma, diagnostics, wellness, extended care, business & financial Sector (Private Equity & IBs) and healthcare development advisory

Sandeep ‘s core strength lies in growth strategies, market entry strategies, geographical expansion, new product launch, detailed business plan & feasibility studies, business facilitation and partner search, competitive benchmarking, technical , commercial & operational due diligence & M&A support, healthcare IPOs. Sandeep has worked with most of the leading healthcare clients in the region:

Sandeep is responsible for growing the JLL’s healthcare and life science practice , clients relationship management, business development and overseeing the delivery of client assignments across healthcare and life science space.

In his previous assignments Sandeep has worked with Frost & Sullivan, Dubai as Head and Associate Partner of Healthcare practice for MEA and SA region, Televital India, Narayanan Health Bangalore, NU Hospitals Bangalore

Sandra is a Fellow of the Royal Institute of British Architects, the Royal Society of Arts and the Academy of Urbanism who has lived and worked in the UAE for 30 years. She leads tangramMENA’s design studio who are recognised for the delivery of regional, award-winning social and critical infrastructure projects, and recognised as pioneers in Sustainability and Climate Tech.

Sandra's design approach utilises traditional desert urbanism and building materials used in a contemporary manner, creating contextually climatic responsive designs which incorporate nature based solutions to promote an improved health and wellbeing for the benefit people and planet.

Outside of her professional practice, Sandra engages in writing, publishing, teaching, presenting, and advocating for sustainable design and urbanism across the Middle East region, whilst, working to mentor, sponsor, support and promote women in the industry globally.

Infrastructure and Project Finance. Leading development on infrastructure projects, Developing Public Private Partnership Strategy. Leading multicultural and multi-disciplinary teams.

PPP, PSP Transaction Advisory. Structuring complex infrastructure and PPP Deals.
Working with Itochu Corporation, leading Infrastructure finance. Previously with PwC in the Middle East, JPMorgan and HSBC in India and KPMG in Ireland.
Advised on project finance deals and projects worth more than USD 10bn across power, transport, industrials and advised clients on Project Finance, PPPs, Mergers and Acquisitions, Acquisition financing.

Mr. Simon Townsend is a Chartered Surveyor with over 30 years of experience of which 22 years within the GCC and is a Fellow of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (“RICS”). Mr. Townsend brings experience in the implementation of regulation and transparency in real estate activities across the region and has been active in leading and advising multi-sector real estate acquisition and disposals Internationally with transactions of more than US$2bn and advisory assignments across the region on many of the most prominent developments and masterplans.

Through his experience in both advisory and client side, Mr. Townsend has been involved in establishing businesses in new geographies, growing and diversifying existing businesses while managing and leading cross border multi-sector and multi-region teams.

Mr. Townsend notably held directorship and senior leadership positions including as Chief Executive Officer of Ellington Capital (DIFC) Ltd and  as a Senior Director at CBRE Middle East within the region. He is currently the Chief Executive Officer for Avison Young MENA, part of the global Avison Young business.

Mr. Townsend holds a bachelors degree in Urban Land Economics from Sheffied Hallam University, UK.

Stephen Board is a distinguished leader in the construction industry with a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and an MBA in Construction and Real Estate. A Chartered Quantity Surveyor with both the RICS and CICES, and a Chartered Construction Manager with the CIOB, he brings deep technical expertise and a strong commercial perspective to complex projects.

Currently, Stephen serves as Chairman of the CIOB Abu Dhabi Hub and Chairman of the Lighthouse Club Abu Dhabi, the region’s leading construction networking organization.

Raised across Uganda, Kenya, Pakistan, Abu Dhabi, the Philippines, and Cambodia, Stephen’s international background has shaped a culturally attuned and globally minded approach to leadership. This perspective has been central to his success in navigating large-scale, multinational infrastructure projects.

Over the past 20 years in the UAE, Stephen has held senior roles as a consultant, contractor, subcontractor, and claims consultant. This breadth of experience gives him unique insight into the technical, contractual, and commercial dynamics of the industry. His proven leadership, combined with his ability to bridge cultural and professional perspectives, has earned him recognition as a respected and influential figure in construction.

Vinod Raghothamarao is currently Director Middle East, Africa and India for GaffneyCline and based out of Dubai. He has 21+ years of work experience across Consulting and C-level Advisory, Research, Knowledge Monetization, Strategy, Technology and Management Consulting, P & L Management, Sales and New Business Development across energy (upstream oil and gas, LNG, midstream,downstream,),energy transition (Hydrogen, CCUS), industrial, EPC and mining sector. I have strong business development, analytical, project management, leadership skills as well as advanced communications skills. I have extensive experience working with a diverse set of executive clients across Asia (including Southeast Asia), USA, Latin America (Brazil), Europe (Spain, France) and the Middle East (GCC, Iraq, Egypt, Jordan) & Africa.

Vinod Raghothamarao is a regular contributor to Middle East and Global Media on energy and energy transition thought leadership articles apart from moderating and chairing panels on energy transition. Hydrogen  and jury member of Middle East energy awards for the last few years.

Vinod Raghothamarao has an MBA (Finance & Strategy) from ESADE Business School in Barcelona Spain and an undergraduate degree in Computer Science Engineering from NIT Surathkal,India.

Wael Debs is a distinguished Lebanese architect whose career bridges innovative design, academic leadership, and professional service. He served as Vice President of the Order of Engineers and Architects – Tripoli (2022) and as President of its Architects Branch (2019–2022), where he championed architectural excellence and professional advocacy.

A graduate of ALBA University, Debs has led the design of more than 150 projects, ranging from residential developments to landmark public spaces, earning multiple awards and recognitions in Lebanon and across the Gulf region. His practice is defined by a strong commitment to thoughtful design and strategic project management.

Since 2012, Debs has been shaping the next generation of architects as a lecturer in Architecture Studio for graduate students at the Lebanese University and the University of Balamand. His work—both in the field and in academia—reflects a dedication to creating spaces that inspire, endure, and connect communities.

"Winning these prestigious accolades is a testament to the dedication, expertise, and commitment of The Arab Contractors team in delivering impactful projects that contribute to the region’s development. Upon receiving the news, we felt immense pride and joy. Each project represents months—if not years—of hard work, overcoming challenges, and striving for excellence. These awards validate our efforts and inspire us to continue pushing boundaries in the construction industry.

Winning at the MENA level reinforces our position as a leader in the field, motivating us to maintain the highest standards of quality, innovation, and sustainability. We sincerely appreciate MEED’s recognition and your efforts in organizing these prestigious awards."

“We are honored and proud of this award as it’s our first MENA Winner even though we have won many National Awards over the last 10 years with MEED. As EPC Contractors this is truly inspirational and motivational to be recognized as Leaders in Quality and not just in delivery.

We live by our moto of “We Deliver” but our core values extend from our CEO and Founder Mr. Hassan Ibrahim who always says “You are leaving behind your footprint for generations to come and we don’t want anyone to speak poorly of our work so do it right or don’t do it at all”

Looking forward to continue doing what we do best and thank you so much MEED for taking the initiative with such awards.”

“This award is a great recognition of the efforts that entire ILF desalination team has undertaken.

We are honored to be awarded for the MEED Mega Project of the year 2022.

This is an inspiration for keep doing our job at best and serve our clients with the same high standards.”

"We're honored winning the 2022 MEED Projects Awards as MENA and National winner in Oil & Gas Project of the Year category and additional winning National Winner in the Mega Project of the Year category. The pride and excitement should be shared with all project stakeholders and partners who are involved in our project's success. Samsung Engineering will keep priortising in providing innovative and quality solutions to our clients, that will benefit them as well as their countries, in order to cherish their local developments."

"We are delighted at Gulf Consult (Kuwait), to have received the New Mercedes-Benz 2S Customer Services Facility; Small Project of the Year National award and for the Social Infrastructure Project of the Year; National and Regional (GCC) awards for the College of Science. MEED in association with Mashreq is a unique platform for firms like ours which have a regional scope, providing solutions to urban requirements and environmental constraints in the Middle East. Our collaborative based practice involves clients, stakeholders, and experts from a wide range of fields from early on in the creative process. The results have been exemplary. The outspoken MEED award winning projects enable the region to strive towards a better future."

“I was delighted to receive the MEED 2022 Project Award for Engineer of the Year. It is a wonderful recognition of the ambition, commitment and effort put in by all those in Robert Bird Group who have contributed to our digital transformation journey over the last few years. It was great to see that the judges recognised the broader role of engineers in encouraging change in the industry; in particular working with clients to find innovative and value-adding solutions using appropriate new technologies, investing in internal processes and training, and communicating to stakeholders and the wider industry about the challenges and opportunities.

The award bolsters my belief that a true engineer does much more than design, and should be a champion for wider professional, societal and moral issues, be a promotor and catalyst for change, an investor in technology, and a believer in people. Thank you MEED Project Awards!”

We are happy to be the national and regional winners of “Hotel Project of the Year” at MEED Projects Award. Masterplanning Habitas Alula Resort (a hidden canyon in-between the mountains), was an exciting project to work on alongside Habitas & AECOM. This award highlights our dedication and showcases the creative solutions we offer. We’re happy to see this project come to life. Looking forward to continue doing what we do best, thank you MEED Projects Awards!

“ We are working with MEED with almost 6 years now and would like to say that The Level of Precise Project information that you get from MEED researcher that hardly any platform offer. MEED is working on Ground intelligence that generate realistic data while we make analysis. We wish Good Luck MEED team to be with future Generation of Data Analysist”

"We are proud and honored to have our project " Rabigh 3 IWP been selected as the overall MENA Winner in the Mega Projects category of this year’s 2022 MEED Projects Awards, in association with Mashreq. It is a great recognition, and we will continue our best effort to operate the project sustainably and deliver more new projects serving the humanity within and outside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia."

Parsons is honored to be recognized as the MENA Winner for the Development Project of the Year recognizing our contributions in delivering the Seef Lusail Project in Qatar.

We would like to express our thanks to MEED for acknowledging our team's commitment to excellence and innovation in design, as well as our dedication to sustainable and forward-thinking urban development.

This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our exceptional team who continue to push boundaries, set new standards, and make a positive impact on critical infrastructure in the region.

We are honoured to have received the 2023 MEED Projects Awards as National and MENA region winners under the ‘Water Transmission Project of the Year’ category for the Sohar to Al Dhahirah Water Transmission project for the Sultanate of Oman.

Winning the prestigious awards is a huge achievement for the entire team. It has been an opportunity to celebrate the value of teamwork and to recognise the benefits delivered to the community by this project.  

The success of the project is also testimony to the unwavering efforts of the project stakeholders and partners. Congratulations to NAMA Water Services Oman and well done to the whole team.

“We are glad to be the National and MENA winners of the Road Project of the year for “Shura Bridge & Causeways”. This accomplishment signifies not just success but a testament to our unwavering dedication, expertise, and collaborative spirit. Becoming a winner in this prestigious competition is a validation of our commitment to excellence and innovation, marking a milestone that amplifies our reputation in the construction field. It’s a source of pride and motivation, fueling our passion for delivering exceptional projects and setting new standards in engineering and construction. Congratulations to the Archirodon team for this well-deserved recognition.”

Khatib & Alami was honoured to receive the 2024 MENA Best Development Project of the Year award for the Bulgari Ocean Mansions project.

This amazing project is special and unique—not only for the refinement and elegance of its design but also for the sensitivity of its location, both from an environmental perspective and in terms of its strategic importance to the development. Khatib & Alami felt privileged to be involved as the lead consultant for engineering design and project delivery, bringing continuity of vision and quality throughout the entire process.

I believe the success of this project personifies the partnership approach that Khatib & Alami brings to every delivery, working in close collaboration with a supportive client and contractor. It is the behaviour of our teams, both as individuals and as a group, that is the main differentiator in achieving success. I know that throughout the design, operational delivery, and all the interactions in between, the Khatib & Alami team exemplified this culture.

For that reason, this award celebrates the commitment and excellence demonstrated by this team and all the Khatib & Alami teams who work tirelessly every day to deliver for Dubai and our clients.

Thank you to MEED, the judges, and the organizers.