Speakers
Get to know the distinguished speakers of the RAK Energy Summit 2024.
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HH Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi
UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah
HE Eng. Suhail Mohamed Almazrouei
UAE Minister of Energy and Infrastructure
His Excellency Suhail Mohamed Al Mazrouei is the Minister of Energy and Infrastructure of the UAE. In this capacity, he oversees the Ministry’s mission of putting the energy, infrastructure, housing, and transport sectors on a sustainable, progressive path through effective measures, policies, and initiatives.
Prior to his current role, His Excellency was Minister of Energy and Industry.
His responsibilities included sustainably utilizing the country’s petroleum, minerals, electricity, and water resources for its socio-economic development. Earlier, His Excellency served as Minister of Energy, where he led the UAE’s efforts to enhance its energy security.
In addition to his ministerial responsibilities, His Excellency Al Mazrouei is the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Etihad Water and Electricity and Emirates General Petroleum Corporation. Moreover, he is Vice-Chairman of the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, Nawah Energy Company, and Barakah One Company.
He is also member of the Board of Directors and of the Executive Committee of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and member of the Board of Directors of Mubadala Investment Company and Dolphin Energy.
His Excellency Al Mazrouei holds a bachelor’s degree in petroleum engineering from the University of Tulsa in the US.
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HE Francesco La Camerra
Director General, International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
HE Ambassador Majid Al Suwaidi
Chief Executive Officer, ALTÉRRA and Director General & Special Representative, COP28 Presidency
Majid Al Suwaidi, an experienced ambassador, climate change negotiator, and executive in the international energy sector, is double tenured as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the nascent ALTÉRRA climate investment fund and Director General/Special Representative (DGSR) of the COP28 Presidency. Mr. Al Suwaidi played an integral role at COP28 in helping to deliver the landmark UAE Consensus,
that provides a roadmap for the transition to a clean energy and climate resilient pathway. As the CEO of ALTÉRRA, a new catalytic climate fund launched to mobilize investment at scale to finance the new climate economy, Mr. Al Suwaidi is responsible for leading the effort to mobilize US $250 billion globally by 2030 towards climate positive solutions at scale. ALTÉRRA is the world’s largest private investment vehicle for climate change action, currently managing a US $30 billion commitment, with focus on transforming emerging markets and developing economies.
As DGSR of COP28, Mr. Al Suwaidi is responsible for championing implementation of the COP28’s Presidency Action plan to deliver long-lasting transformational impact to advance key initiatives well beyond COP28 and help keep the goal of keeping global average temperature rise to 1.5°C within reach.
Prior to ALTÉRRA and COP28, Mr. Al Suwaidi held leading roles as UAE Ambassador to Spain, Andorra, and Vatican City; UAE Consul General in New York; and as the UAE’s Lead Negotiator on Climate Change, Energy and Sustainability in multilateral negotiations processes that led to the adoption of the Paris Agreement and of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.
Mr. Al Suwaidi earned a Master of Science in Geosciences from Simon Fraser University in Canada and a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from Brunel University in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Government of Spain for extraordinary services as Ambassador in the promotion of international relations.
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As DGSR of COP28, Mr. Al Suwaidi is responsible for championing implementation of the COP28’s Presidency Action plan to deliver long-lasting transformational impact to advance key initiatives well beyond COP28 and help keep the goal of keeping global average temperature rise to 1.5°C within reach.
Prior to ALTÉRRA and COP28, Mr. Al Suwaidi held leading roles as UAE Ambassador to Spain, Andorra, and Vatican City; UAE Consul General in New York; and as the UAE’s Lead Negotiator on Climate Change, Energy and Sustainability in multilateral negotiations processes that led to the adoption of the Paris Agreement and of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in 2015.
Mr. Al Suwaidi earned a Master of Science in Geosciences from Simon Fraser University in Canada and a Bachelor of Science in Earth Science from Brunel University in the United Kingdom. Additionally, he was awarded the Grand Cross of the Order of Isabella the Catholic by the Government of Spain for extraordinary services as Ambassador in the promotion of international relations.
HE Munther Mohammed bin Shekar Al Zaabi
Director General - Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
His Excellency Munther Mohammed bin Shekar is the Director General of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality since 2014. Under his leadership, the Municipality has undergone an important transformation towards digitisation and smart services, has achieved higher integration of its departments and has expanded its scope into the field of energy sustainability. In order to ensure the most advanced municipal services to residents and businesses,
Munther made significant steps towards strengthening and developing cooperation avenues with other leading entities in the government and the private sector.
Before joining the Municipality, Munther took senior management positions at Etisalat, Emirates Post and in the Office of the Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. His areas of responsibility in those positions included customer service, logistic operations and corporate communications respectively.
Munther is a graduate from the College of Literature, and believes in the principles of teamwork, creativity and continuous improvement
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HE Razan Al Mubarak
UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for COP28
Her Excellency Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak is a United Arab Emirates native who for more than twenty years has supported her country’s efforts to realise a more sustainable future while spearheading progressive environmental protection, species conservation, and global climate action. She was elected President of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN),
the global authority on the status of the natural world and the measures needed to safeguard it, in September 2021. She is the second woman to lead the organization in its 75-year history and its first president from West Asia. Her Excellency Razan Al Mubarak serves as UN Climate Change High-Level Champion for the leadership team of COP28 Presidency, which will take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from November 30 to December 12, 2023.
Her diverse experience leading the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, the largest environmental regulatory agency in the Middle East, the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund, an international philanthropic organization supporting species conservation projects worldwide, and Emirates Nature – WWF, an Emirates-based NGO focused on citizen engagement, earned her recognition as one of the top 100 Young Global Leaders by the World Economic Forum in 2018.
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HE Eng. Sharif Alolama
Undersecretary for Energy and Petroleum Affairs, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Before joining the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure in 2020, HE Eng Sharif Salim Al Olama held several leading techno commercial positions in ADNOC, including Senior Vice President – overseeing upstream strategy, portfolio planning, and performance management, Head of ADNOC’s Executive Office, Senior Vice President of Onshore Gas Assets, Vice President of ADNOC’s Southeast Fields Operations, and Vice President of Engineering and Projects.
HE Eng Al Olama’s extensive experience, especially in the oil and gas and energy industry, includes strategical planning, engineering, project management, performance management, investment, and operations.
HE Eng Al Olama received his bachelor’s and MSc degrees in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Colorado in Denver, USA.
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HE Yousif Al Ali
Chief Executive Officer, Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE)
Eng. Yousif Al Ali is the CEO of Etihad Water & Electricity, who is contributing to the continued growth and success of the energy and utility sector in the UAE by initiating integrated strategies and bringing diverse leadership perspectives into the sector’s policies and initiatives, as well as coordinating efforts to achieve the UAE’s 2050 energy vision.
With a career spanning over 20 years in the energy and petrochemical industries, Yousif Al Ali is also a the Chairman of Naqaa Desalination Plant. He has extensive and distinguished practical experience in the areas of investment, engineering, planning, and strategic project management.
Prior to joining EtihadWE, Yousif Al Ali took up leadership positions across several entities in the energy sector, including as the Assistant Undersecretary for Electricity, Water & Future Energy Affairs at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure and as the Executive Director of Masdar Clean Energy Unit, where he led several departments including investment, asset management and operations for local and global large-scale renewable energy projects.
Yousif Al Ali holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from IE Business School in Madrid, a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from UAE University, in addition to being a Certified Professional in Project Management.
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HE Esmaeel Al Blooshi
Director General - RAK Transport Authority (RAKTA)
H.E. Eng. Esmaeel Hasan Al Blooshi serves as the Director General of the Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) Transport Authority, where he has significantly contributed to the advancement of the emirate's transportation infrastructure. Under his visionary leadership, the RAK Transport Authority has launched several groundbreaking projects, establishing a model for modern and efficient transport systems in the region.
As a distinguished member of the UITP Board Policy and a board member of RAK International Airport, Eng. Al Blooshi plays a pivotal role in shaping transportation policies and strategic initiatives. His expertise is further leveraged as a member of numerous strategic committees and companies within Ras Al Khaimah, where he provides invaluable insights and guidance. Throughout his tenure, Eng. Al Blooshi has spearheaded various innovative projects that have transformed RAK’s transportation landscape. Notable among these is the establishment of the public bus project in RAK, which has greatly enhanced public mobility. He has also championed the integration of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) and smart solutions for buses, along with the implementation of AI and smart cameras in taxis, reflecting his commitment to leveraging technology for improved service delivery.
A staunch advocate for green mobility, Eng. Al Blooshi has been instrumental in developing comprehensive plans for Green mobility strategy for RAK. It includes many initiatives such as; the distribution of electric vehicles (EVs) and the adoption of other green technologies. His efforts have led to the successful establishment of EV taxis in RAK, marking a significant step towards sustainable transportation solutions. These initiatives underscore his dedication to environmental sustainability and his vision for a greener future.
Eng. Al Blooshi’s academic credentials are a testament to his commitment to excellence and continuous learning. He holds a Master’s degree in Engineering Management from the University of Wollongong, a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from the American University of Sharjah, and a Higher Diploma in Sport Management from Sorbonne University in Abu Dhabi. His educational background is complemented by a plethora of professional certificates, underscoring his dedication to staying at the forefront of industry developments.
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Abdallah Massaad
Group CEO, RAK Ceramics
Mr. Abdallah Massaad is the Group CEO of RAK Ceramics PJSC and a member of the Board of Directors of several subsidiaries and other international organizations.
He is extremely knowledgeable in the fields of ceramics and industrial manufacturing and is instrumental in helping companies engage in the forward and backward integration of the ceramics supply chain.
With over 25 years of experience from field sales, to sales management, to product marketing, Mr. Massaad has highly developed business leadership skills in national and international markets.
Mr. Abdallah Massaad’s tenure with RAK Ceramics began in 2004, when he was invited as a Marketing Consultant to assist the CEO office, and upgrade the branding and positioning of the company in preparation for future sales and marketing challenges arising from ambitious expansion plans.
Mr. Massaad formally joined RAK Ceramics in 2006 as Deputy CEO, responsible for operations management, strategy development, implementation and RAK Ceramics’ global interests. He supported the Chairman and CEO with strategic planning and expansion initiatives enabling the company to reach the milestone of 1 billion square meters of global sales since it began. He was also responsible for implementing corporate governance regulations and overseeing the strategic refocusing of the business portfolio. Mr. Massaad has led RAK Ceramics PJSC as Group Chief Executive Officer since June 2012.
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Eng. Abdulla Alkhemeiri
Chief Operation Officer, Etihad Water and Electricity (ETIHADWE)
Eng. Abdulla Alkhemeiri is the Chief Operation Officer of Etihad Water & Electricity, overseeing Asset Management, Projects, Operations & Maintenance, System Control Center and Health, Safety, Environment, and Quality. Ensures the smooth, efficient, and safe operation of EtihadWE’s assets. This involves strategic planning, resource management, risk mitigation, and continuous improvement across all operational divisions.
With over 25 years of hands-on experience in the energy sector, Eng. Abdulla is a seasoned professional. His expertise spans power and water generation, transmission and distribution businesses, and he has successfully led diverse areas including maintenance, operation, control, project management, engineering, technical, and asset management.
He also led strategy, planning, and performance management and managed special projects such as smart grid, energy storage, and energy efficiency. Prior to joining Etihad, he held leadership positions in various governments, semi-governments, and the private energy sector.
Eng. Abdulla’s academic and professional qualifications are a reflection of his commitment to continuous learning and professional development. He holds a master’s degree in business administration (MBA) and a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. He is also a Certified Professional in Project Management and a Charter Engineer in the UK Institution of Engineering and Technology.
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Ahmed Ali Al-Ebrahim
Chief Executive Officer, GCC Interconnection Authority
Ahmed, a Bahraini National, is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of GCC Interconnection Authority (GCCIA), in charge of its $1.5bn 400kV Electricity Super-Grid interconnecting the Power grids of the six GCC states, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar and Kuwait, availing exchange and trade of electric power between GCC states National Grids, in addition to emergency support during grid incidents.
He has been with GCCIA for 16 years since he initially joined in 2007 as director of operations & maintenance. He has over 30 years of experience in power systems, electric grids and infrastructure operation and planning, including previously working as CEO of Sintegro International, an infrastructure and facilities management development company for large scale real estate developments, and earlier as Manager of System Operations in the Ministry of Electricity & Water Bahrain.
Ahmed holds M.Sc. in Electrical Power Engineering from the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, B.Sc. in Electrical Power Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin – USA, and MBA from DePaul University USA.
He is Steering Board Member and former President of Very Large Grid Operators Organization (GO15), Board Member of the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) USA, Board member and Technical Committee Chairman of GCC Cigre, Board Member of the Association of Power Exchanges (APEx), Board Member of InfraCorp Co. Bahrain, and former Board Member of the GCC Electrical Testing Lab company,
In 2017, Ahmed was voted amongst the Top 15 most influential people in the GCC utilities industry.
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Ali Aljefri
Head, Green Hydrogen Investment Support, Masdar
Ali Aljefri is currently the Head of Green Hydrogen Investment Support at Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s leading renewable energy and green hydrogen company. In this role, he oversees strategic investments and partnerships to expand Masdar's global leadership in green hydrogen, supporting the UAE’s ambitious net-zero goals and renewable energy initiatives.
With over a decade of experience in the energy sector,
Mr. Aljefri has been instrumental in advancing pioneering industrial projects at the intersection of renewable energy and low-carbon solutions. Previously, as Advisor, New Energies at ADNOC’s Low Carbon Solutions and International Growth Directorate, he played a key role in the development of several transformative projects. Notable among these was the region’s first fast-filling hydrogen refueling station, located in Masdar City, as well as a world-scale low-carbon ammonia facility in Ruwais, both of which positioned the UAE as a leader in the hydrogen economy. Earlier in his career, Mr. Aljefri served as a Project Manager at the Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, contributing significantly to the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant, the first and largest nuclear power plant in the region.
Mr. Aljefri holds a master’s degree in Nuclear Science and Engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and a dual bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and Nuclear Engineering from Pennsylvania State University.
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Amna Al Bastaki
COP28 Youth Ambassador
Amna is a young Emirati engaged in diplomacy and global affairs, actively participating in green economic strategies and political cooperation. She is a member of the Abu Dhabi Global Shapers hub, an initiative by the World Economic Forum (WEF). Amna serves on the Youth Advisory Board of the Abdulla AlGhurair Foundation, focusing on philanthropy and youth development in the MENA region.
Anan Al Amri
Section Head- Alternative & Sustainable Mobility, Integrated Transport Center – Abu Dhabi
Anan Alamri is the Section Head of Alternative & Sustainable Mobility at Abu Dhabi’s Integrated Transport Centre (Abu Dhabi Mobility) and a Board Member of the UITP MENA Region Division. With a Bachelor’s in Marketing Management and a Master’s in Transportation Management, she combines strategic expertise with a strong commitment to sustainable mobility, leading key initiatives that support Abu Dhabi’s vision
for a greener transportation network. Anan oversees projects like the Abu Dhabi Link on-demand bus service and the green public transport program, which introduced the UAE’s first electric and hydrogen-powered buses. She also works on advancing micro-mobility and on-demand solutions to create more accessible and environmentally friendly transit options. Through her work, Anan promotes public awareness of sustainable choices, supporting Abu Dhabi’s journey toward a net-zero future and strengthening its role in sustainable urban mobility across the MENA region.
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Andre Martin
Owner, Elandre Conseil SRL
André Martin, about 30 years of experience in the building material industry, held GM/CEO positions in 5 countries across multiple businesses (cement, RMX, aggregates, asphalt) at Lafarge/Holcim. Held Corporate positions in innovation, marketing and business development. Andre has a combination of local and global experience in the field of building materials.
Since 2018, Andre has worked as a consultant on revenue growth assignments for players in the sector as well as strategic projects in decarbonization. Andre combines a very strong track record in pricing improvements across multiple geographies and businesses with thorough strategic thinking.
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Andrea Di Gregorio
Executive Director, Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office - Ras Al Khaimah Municipality
Andrea Di Gregorio is the Executive Director at the Energy Efficiency and Renewables Office (Reem) of Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, UAE, with the mandate to support the development of the Emirate towards lower energy intensity and a higher share of renewables in the generation mix. He has more than 20 years of experience in the energy sector in Europe and the Middle East,
where he supported governments, oil & gas majors and leading utilities in the fields of strategy, operations improvement and energy efficiency.
Prior to joining Ras Al Khaimah Municipality, Andrea Di Gregorio supported the activation of the Dubai Demand Side Management strategy as a PMO Director at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, UAE, and as a Director of Strategy and Continuous Improvement at TAQATI, UAE. Previously, he worked as a strategy consultant at Booz & Company and Oliver Wyman, and as a Business Unit Director at Bertelsmann.
He holds an MSc. summa cum laude in Mechanical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano and an MBA from SDA Bocconi, Milan.
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Anne Dekeukelaere
Executive Director, CWSC (Center for Worldwide Sustainable Construction) - EPFL University
Anne has a dual university background: MBA from ICHEC (Brussels Belgium), and recently obtained a Master in Sustainability (ALM) from the University of Harvard (Boston, USA). Her 13 years executive experience within Lafargeholcim, the cement industry leader, allowed her to gain a large experience in the main key departments of the industry. Anne worked in various departments, including Corporate Finance and Business Development.
She also played a crucial role in implementing Holcim’s Alternative Fuel concept as Deputy to the Corporate Head of the alternative fuels division.
In 2008, Anne founded her own company, Cementis, to contribute the cement industry to be more sustainable. Her expertise has been recognized internationally, and she frequently contributes as an expert in various capacities. Anne was the cement lead during COP29 presidency and now still serves as the cement expert at MOIAT as well as in the “Cement and Concrete Breakthrough Initiative”.
Anne now also took as part time the position of Executive Director of the newly created Center for Worldwide sustainable Construction at EPFL University (Switzerland)
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Dr. Batool Madani
Researcher, International Association of Public Transport (UITP)
Dr. Batool Madani, is a researcher at the UITP MENA, with a Ph.D. in Engineering Systems Management from the American University of Sharjah. She has a combined extensive academic experience with a strong industry focus. She manages and contributes to a wide range of research initiatives aligned with the region's key transportation challenges and sustainable transportation initiatives.
Her work spans first and last mile connectivity, micromobility, walkability, decarbonization, and the electrification of buses. She also has publications in leading academic journals and presentations at high-profile conferences. Her research focuses on the deployment of sustainable, technology-driven transport solutions such as electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, and drones. She also has strong interests in logistics, urban mobility, sustainability, supply chain management, and the application of blockchain in these fields.
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Ben Smith
Director & Group Leader, Climate and Sustainability Services, Arup, London
Ben is a chartered environmental consultant with 20 + years’ experience – gained in the UK, Europe, Middle East and Australia – consulting on sustainable development, energy strategy, climate change and urban resilience. Ben’s early career experience was in delivering energy modelling and energy strategy at development and district / masterplan scale. Over the last decade Ben has supported over 15 global mega cities
and more than 30 local jurisdictions develop energy and / or climate action plans. For 6 years Ben acted as Arup’s partnership director for the firm’s partnership with C40 Cities, which included overseeing energy technical assistance for six cities – from Vancouver to Athens. Ben has also led work for several other city networks including the City Resilience Network, WWF, CDP and UNISDR.
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Dr. Cetin Nazikkol
Chief Strategy Officer, Thyssenkrupp
Dr. Nazikkol brings over two decades of distinguished leadership and transformative vision to thyssenkrupp. Since joining the company in 1996, his trajectory has been marked by his commitment to innovation and operational excellence. In 2010, Dr. Nazikkol assumed the role of Vice President at thyssenkrupp Elevator, where he spearheaded strategic initiatives aimed at enhancing the global Service Business.
He transitioned to CEO positions for thyssenkrupp AG and thyssenkrupp Industrial Solutions in Türkiye, the Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific region from 2013, driving sustainable growth across diverse markets. Since 2020, Dr. Nazikkol is CEO of thyssenkrupp’s Regional Platform Asia, Pacific & Africa.
In addition to his regional role, Dr. Nazikkol was appointed Chief Transformation Officer in August 2023, overseeing thyssenkrupp’s global performance program “APEX”. In October 2023, he became Member of the Board (Chief Strategy Officer) of thyssenkrupp’s Decarbon Technologies segment.
Dr. Nazikkol’s academic background includes a Diploma and PhD in Chemistry from the University of Münster in Germany, complemented by an Executive Master in Business Administration from Hogeschool Zeeland in the Netherlands.
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Chris Wood
Chief Executive Officer, RAKGAS & Chief Executive, RAK Petroleum Authority
Chris joined RAK Gas in April 2022 to lead the Company’s transformation into a broader Energy Company that creates sustainable value for its shareholders and the communities where it operates. RAK Gas is a state-owned entity with exploration and production interests in the UAE and East Africa. The Downstream Business provides energy to large businesses and is the leading gas supplier in the Emirate.
Chris also serves as the Chief Executive of the RAK Petroleum Authority, the Government entity that regulates the petroleum sector in the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah.
Chris has spent over 27 years bringing value to commodity and supply chain companies worldwide. As Managing Director, Chris successfully led the turnaround of the Uniper-owned refinery and trading business in the Middle East. Before Uniper, Chris worked for PetroChina International based in London, where he grew their Downstream Business. Chris spent ten years at INEOS, holding various senior commercial roles. He kicked off their LPG Project, restructured supply chains, and established their Energy Trading Business. Chris has also held commercial roles in P&O, Orica, Rio Tinto, and CS Energy.
As an accomplished Senior Manager, Chris has experience optimizing organizations, growing businesses, leading asset operations, structuring transactions, and managing Government & Investor relations. Before moving to Dubai, he worked in Switzerland, the UK, South Africa, and Australia.
Chris holds a Master of Business and Technology from the University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Cornelius Matthes
Chief Executive Officer, Dii Desert Energy
As the CEO at Dii Desert Energy, Cornelius made its mission to drive the energy transition forward and pioneer the field of energy from the desert, leading the world to 100% renewables! Cornelius is a well-respected leader and investor in the renewable energy industry and built several successful clean energy businesses and start-ups within Middle East and Africa.
He has extensive board level experience from 10 years in Deutsche Bank (among others, youngest board member in Deutsche Bank Italy Group) and several leading renewable energy organisations and associations via pro bono work as well as different startup companies. By building the international shareholder and partner network of Dii (Desertec Industrial Initiative), he was at the forefront of the renewable energy revolution in North Africa and the Middle East. A keen entrepreneur and investor in emerging markets with recognitions such as “Solar Pioneer 2015” for the Middle East, he is lecturing at several universities including St. Gallen and is a regular speaker at international conferences. He holds an MBA (Dipl. Kaufmann) from University of Passau, and speaks German, English, Italian, French and Russian.
His experience ranges from M&A transactions, asset management, developing utility scale renewable energy projects (including mid-market with private PPAs), pay-as-you-go solar to energy efficiency, including ESCO projects and new business models. Some of the projects and companies were executed in challenging settings or countries. He has led sizable organizations both in startup environments and blue-chip companies and has raised funds from angel investments to USD 100m+ projects with institutional investors. “I am glad to be able to work in renewable energy which is also my passion – we can genuinely make an impact with many different things and help people, to make our planet a better place. Having new challenges every day is fantastic and many more mountains to be climbed!” Executive management and boards of a variety of companies in emission-free technologies, as well as investment funds, seek his advice.
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Dilin Varkey
Vice President - Facilities Management, Al Hamra Real Estate Development
Dilin Varkey is an accomplished professional specializing in Asset Management, Facilities, and Community Management, with over 21 years of diverse experience. An engineering graduate in Agricultural Sciences, Dilin has extensive expertise in implementing sustainable and energy-efficient practices across multiple sectors, including the management of District Cooling Plants (DCP), Sewage Treatment Plants (STP),
FM businesses, and large scale community operations. He leads energy-saving initiatives aimed at optimizing efficiency and reducing costs for the group, overseeing the management of two communities with over 4,000 residential units. Dilin oversees Al Hamra’s FM & community operations, DCP, and STP, with sustainability and energy management as central pillars of his strategy.
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Dure Shewar
Manager Mena Office, International Association of Public Transport (UITP)
Dure has been working with International Association of Public Transport- UITP since the past 11 years, currently Managing the Middle East and North Africa region. During these years her passion for public transport has flourished. Currently she is managing a pivotal project focused on advancing women in public transport. She is a strong advocate for diversity, inclusion, and the creation of sustainable cities.
Dure is also as a Strategic Business Management expert has 20 years of experience spanning major multinational corporations, media, government organizations, non-profits, and associations.
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Faisal Rashid
Senior Director - Demand Side Management, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy
Faisal Ali AL Rashid, U.A.E national, a degree holder of Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering-Dayton, Ohio university, U.S.A 1991. Also, a certified PMP-USA. Earn professional certificate in policy making from LSE-UK. Has a solid experience in energy management including supply and demand. Has strong background in process industrial plant including oil& gas, power& water generation process, material handling process.
Mr. Al Rashid has been frequent speaker and active participant at various local and international energy related events. He has published numerous articles on energy management and sustainability topics. He currently holds a position of Senior DSM Director in Dubai Supreme Council of Energy looking after the whole energy demand management spectrum of emirate of Dubai. He has contributed to the success of DSM programs, DSM strategy activation, energy consumption reduction and energy efficiency policy structure in Dubai. He is also a chairman of a newly launched platform Advancing Net Zero Volunteering Team with the objective of accelerating decarbonization of cities in the UAE. Served previously in oil and gas industry for 16 years as project division manager/Project Executive, handled mega feed and EPC projects and worked as general manager in glass manufacturing firm for 3 years.
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Graeme Sims
Director, GLS Advisory
Graeme Sims is an advisor to regulators, governments and firms on the regulation of utilities in the energy and water sectors. An economist by background he has over thirty years’ experience of those industries gained in the UK and UAE. In the early ‘90s Graeme was Deputy Director General at the UK’s Office of Electricity Regulation where he was responsible for the electricity industry in Scotland.
From there he moved to Abu Dhabi to establish the emirate’s water and electricity regulatory body, acting as its first Director General. On his return to the UK he joined United Utilities, a FTSE100 utility company, serving as its Regulation Director and sitting on the board of United Utilities’ water business. He then acted as Executive Director of Dubai’s Electricity and Water Regulator, the RSB, for 11 years.
Graeme is a graduate of Oxford University and began his career with the Boston Consulting Group.
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Hakan Ozdemir
CEO Smart Infrastructure, Siemens Middle East
Ozdemir joined Siemens in 2014 as the director of strategy and business development in Turkey, after working for other prominent companies in the U.S., Germany and Turkey. In addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer of Siemens in Qatar, he was appointed Chief Executive Officer Smart Infrastructure of Siemens Middle East in October 2023. Ozdemir is a seasoned management professional with broad experience in industry,
infrastructure, healthcare and technology. Prior to joining Siemens, he worked at AT&T and IMS Consulting Group. As a management consultant, he advised companies such as GSK, Pfizer, Abbott, Johnson & Johnson and Bayer on digital transformation, organizational structures, go-to-market strategies and due diligence. He held multiple positions of increasing responsibility at Siemens in Turkey – a company with over 4,500 employees involved in manufacturing, R&D and sales. In his role in strategy and government affairs, Ozdemir was involved in major projects in healthcare, high-speed rail, energy, and infrastructure valued at over €1 billion. Prior to his nomination as the CEO of Siemens in Qatar, he was the vice president and head of sales of Siemens in Turkey, with direct responsibility of over €300 million in annual revenue.
As a business executive, Ozdemir is an advocate of implementing technologies in infrastructure and industries that transform our lives and protect our planet. These days his focus is on melding technologies – such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, additive manufacturing, 5G and the future of automation – into a cohesive bundle that will create immense value for Siemens’ customers.
Born in Munich, Ozdemir earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry from at Boğaziçi University in Turkey, and a bachelor’s degree and Master of Business Administration from the University of West Georgia in the U.S.
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Dr. Jauad El Kharraz
Chief Executive Officer, Water-Energy-Climate Expert Network (WECEN)
Dr. Jauad El Kharraz is the CEO OF WECEN (water-energy-climate expert network), a consultancy firm focusing on water, energy and climate projects. He has been the Executive Director of the Regional Center for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (RCREEE) from Oct 2021 to Sep 2024. Dr. El Kharraz is bringing over 25 years of experience in various sustainable energy fields including energy policies, wind and solar technologies, and green hydrogen
in addition to water management, desalination, water-energy-food nexus, climate change, and environment. Prior to joining RCREEE, Dr. El Kharraz has been a senior consultant for several prestigious institutions and programs, and he held the position of Director of Research at the Middle East Desalination Research Center in Oman (2015-2020). He served as a senior expert, advisor, and evaluator for several international institutions (e.g., European Commission, UN-ESCWA, PRIMA Foundation, EU-GCC Clean Energy Technology Network,” , etc.) and he is member of board of the European Desalination Society, AgreeMed and WEFE4Med Nexus projects. He is also member of the International Desalination Association, the Mediterranean Water Institute, Oman Energy Majlis, and Oman Water Society.
Dr. El Kharraz sustainability career officially started in 1998 as a researcher at the Global Change Unit -University of Valencia and projects manager later at the Euro-Mediterranean Water Information System, France (2004-2015). Through his journey, he coordinated, prepared, and contributed to an important portfolio of international programs/projects of millions of euros such as FP5-FP7, H2020, ENPI CBC Med, INCO MED, INCO NGOs, SMAP, LIFE, PRIMA. He carried out projects for national and international donors such as GIZ, SIDA, IsDB, TRC/Oman and USAID apart from private sector companies.
He chaired and contributed to the development of an important number of scientific papers, policy briefs, policies, training & mentorship activities, lectures, awards ceremonies, and events (e.g., World Economic Forum, World Water Forum, World Science Forum, World Urban Forum, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week, MENA Europe Future Energy Dialogue, World Hydrogen Summit, Planetary Security Initiative, Berlin Energy Transition Dialogue Conference, International Higher Education Conference, COP26, COP27, etc.) in more than 60 countries. Dr. El Kharraz is a national of Morocco and France, and a graduate of the University of Abdelmalek Essaadi. Dr. El Kharraz obtained his MSc and PhD degrees in Physics from the Department of Earth Physics and Thermodynamics, University of Valencia, Spain, and a diploma in enterprises management and strategies from SKEMA Business School, France. He is a fluent French, Arabic, Spanish and English speaker.
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Lars Carlstrom
Founder & CEO, Statevolt
Lars is a Swedish-born entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across multiple industries. With a particular focus on real estate and green industrialization, he has always concentrated on identifying new opportunities for accelerating the latest technological advancements. As a strong believer that battery cell factories can be used as a dual-track solution for boosting energy transition and economic development,
he advocates for building them in areas looking for expansion and growth. His mission is to accelerate the transition to a cleaner and greener mobility system, generate employment opportunities and deliver direct and indirect economic benefits for local communities as well as the global market – enabling a future of global energy independence.
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Luc Koechlin
Managing Director and CEO, EDF Middle East
Luc Koechlin holds a Master's degree in Finance and Business Administration from ESSEC Business school, one of the leading French Business School. After 5 years as a consultant in Corporate Recovery and Turnaround Management for Arthur Andersen he joined EDF in 2005.
From 2005 to 2017, he has occupied various positions within EDF Group from advisor and auditor at EDF Presidency,
to Regional Commercial Director managing the transformation of EDF to face the opening of the French electricity market to competition. He joined EDF International Division in 2017, as Vice President for Southern and Eastern Africa, based in Johannesburg, in charge of the development of the Group in the region. During this period, he has been developing projects, especially in Hydropower and Energy Efficiency to support the energy crisis and the energy transition from coal to clean energy.
In September 2022, he has been appointed as Managing Director and CEO, EDF Middle East, based in Abu Dhabi. Present in the UAE, KSA, Qatar, Bahrein, Oman and Lebanon with 650 employees locally implemented, EDF bring its well-recognized expertise to the Middle East region who has started its energy transition. Through a range of diverse solutions involving energy efficiency programs and the use of hydroelectric, wind, solar, biomass, thermal with carbon capture and nuclear power, EDF Group favors the most appropriate and low-carbon solutions answering the regional energy transition expectations.
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Lucas Boehlé
Energy Efficiency Analyst, International Energy Agency (IEA), Paris
Lucas Boehlé is an energy efficiency analyst at the International Energy Agency in Paris. He is the lead author and coordinator of Energy Efficiency 2024, the Agency’s primary annual report on energy efficiency markets and policy developments. Prior to joining the IEA, he worked as a senior policy advisor on energy for the Government of the Netherlands for almost five years.
At the RAK Energy Summit, he will present key findings from the IEA Energy Efficiency Market Report 2024.
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Mayur Nikam
Vice President, Business Development, Tabreed
Mayur Nikam leads the Business Development team in sourcing, structuring, negotiating, financing, and closing Greenfield and M&A opportunities. He has more than 12 years of experience in Investments, Real Estate, eCommerce, Telecommunications, and Consulting, spanning across the Middle East, Eastern Europe, Sub–Saharan Africa, and India.
Mayur is an alumnus of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and completed his MBA with the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad.
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Mohammad Abu Zahra
Head Of Middle East Africa (MEA), Global CCS Institute
Prof. Mohammad Abu Zahra works at the Global CCS Institute since January 2022 as Head of Middle East Africa (MEA) region. He holds 20 years of deep experience and international expertise in the Carbon Capture field. Prof. Abu Zahra is also an experienced university professor and a current member of the UN Council of Engineers for Energy Transition (CEET).
Previous responsibilities included the management of projects in carbon dioxide capture and CCS integrated systems, consultancy, chemical engineering, and process design. Prior to joining the Institute, Prof. Abu Zahra worked as a professor and CO2 capture research leader at Masdar Institute and Khalifa University (2011-2022). He worked at the International Energy Agency Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme (IEAGHG) as a project manager for the carbon capture and integrated energy systems team.
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Dr. Mohammed Al Kalbani
Director General of Sustainable Energy, The Authority for Public Services Regulation, Oman
Dr.Mohammed bin Ali Al Kalbani is a director of the sustainable energy directorate at the Authority of Public Services Regulation. Experienced R&D professional with a PhD in Medical Physics & a Bachelor's with honors in Math and Physics and 10 years experience in renewable energy, solar technology, and drone systems. Proven track record in leading innovative projects, designing and implementing off-grid weather modification stations,
and providing technical consultancy in Quality Assurance / Quality Control management. Skilled in biomedical signal processing, device development, and cross-disciplinary research.
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Musbah Abu Jarad
Executive Director - Construction Procurement, Aldar Properties PJSC
Musbah currently serves as Executive Director of Projects Procurement at Aldar Properties where he leads the tendering and contracts management. Musbah rejoined Aldar Properties after previously holding senior positions at Provis Estate Management, a subsidiary of Aldar Properties PJSC such as Executive Director for the Integrated Facility Management, Handover, and Sustainability Division;
Executive Director of Supply Chain and Procurement; and Executive Director of Business Excellence At Aldar, Musbah served as Senior Vice President of Corporate and Assets Management Procurement at Aldar Properties for two years.
He previously held several roles at ADNOC during his seven-year tenure with the company, including leading the commercial team in the first international/ local company merge, ADNOC Drilling, leading the Drilling Services Contracts team at ADNOC Offshore, as well as leading the first integrated drilling contract in Abu Dhabi.
Musbah started his career in Oil and Gas as a wireline field engineer and gained experience working in different countries around the world, for the leading service contractor Schlumberger.
Musbah holds a Master’s Degree in Quality Management from the University of Wollongong in Dubai and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the American University of Sharjah.
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Nadia Rouchdy
Head of Climate, Emirates Nature-WWF
Nadia Rouchdy is the Head of Climate at Emirates Nature-WWF, the local environmental charity that works in association global conservation organization WWF. She is passionate about energy access, the potential of renewable energy for refugees and driving momentum towards tackling climate and social issues.At Emirates Nature-WWF, Nadia focuses on delivering projects related to decarbonization.
She oversees the UAE Alliance for Climate Action (UACA) – UAE’s flagship domestic non-state actor programme that positions non-state actors at the forefront of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. She manages the pioneering Green Series initiative, which is a partnership with Live Nation to transform the live entertainment sector and enhance the sustainability of concert tours. Nadia is also responsible for the coordination of Emirates Nature-WWF’s engagements at COP28.
This is her second stint at the charity, where she previously spent five years in the Climate Unit, working on energy efficiency, climate mitigation and adaptation.
For over a decade, Nadia has worked across sustainability, climate change mitigation and adaptation, environmental management, energy policy and social impact in the MENA region. With a special focus on technology, she has consulted on multiple projects for UN entities, WWF International, and high-level public figures in the UAE; headed Sustainability and Social Impact at Careem (which has since been acquired by Uber), and was part of the sustainability team at Chalhoub.
She has a master’s in environmental management from SOAS, University of London, where her thesis focused on policy gaps in the protection of refugees, such as from climate change hazards and impacts.
Nadia enjoys paddleboarding, yoga and spending time with her kids.
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Eng. Nawal Alhanaee
Director of Future Energy department, UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure
Eng. Nawal Alhanaee is currently working as Director of Future energy dept. in Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure - Dubai. She has been involved in the Municipality affairs and projects since 2003, and she was the Head of the building section in 2006. In addition, she was the head of the building section and building material laboratory in 2008. After that, she was the Director of project dept. in 2011,
and she worked as Director of Engineering & Land dept. & head of building section from 2012 until 2017 and her work experience is 15 years in FM. She is certified ICF coach, and she holds a Public Sector Innovation Diploma from Mohammed Bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation. In addition to that I’m Certified Innovation Strategist (CInS) from GINI and I hold training course for Future Foresight from the Saïd Business School (Oxford Saïd). She is a PhD candidate in British University of Dubai in the Architecture and Sustainable Built Environment (ASBE) program. She holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the UAE University, and she holds a master’s degree of urban planning from American University of Sharjah. Her area of specialty is Transportation, and she has experience and contributions in making strategic plans and studies for the improvement of public and customer services, managing big projects and environmental protection, as she is one of the core team in Fujairah 2040 master plan.
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Philippe Coquelle
Chief Development Officer, Tabreed
Philippe Coquelle joined Tabreed from ENGIE, where he has performed numerous roles in Project Management, Business Development, Project Finance and Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) worldwide since joining in 2001, most recently as Corporate M&A Director at the Group’s Paris headquarters. For more than 20 years he has operated within the international energy sector, having worked in Paris, London, Brussels, Panama and Dubai.
He spent four years in the UAE between 2014 and 2018, focusing on the development and project financing of power and water infrastructure across the Middle East, is fluent in French, Spanish and English, and has a Master in Energy and Environment from University of Brussels (Brussels, Belgium), and a Master in Finance from the London Business School (London, UK).
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Dr. Ralf Blumenthal
Senior Vice President and Head, Siemens Grid Software Middle East & Africa
Ralf was appointed in January 2022 and has since then been at the forefront of the energy transition in the region. As the Senior VP of Siemens Grid Software in the Middle East & Africa, he supports grid operators to plan and operate their grids and engage with their customers. The portfolio he is responsible for spans transmission and distribution control centers, AMI and metering, grid planning, and energy strategies.
In his previous role as Global Product Manager for Energy Efficiency Analytics, Ralf was leading the way for a SaaS product to derive energy and process efficiency measures from big data and AI analysis of energy consumption and process data in industrial and infrastructure processes. He holds a Dr.-Ing in Thermoacoustic and Dipl.-Ing in Aerospace, Aeronautical and Aeronautical Engineering with majors in Fluid Dynamics and Thermodynamics
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Razann Al Ghussein
Outgoing Curator, Global Shapers Dubai Hub
Razann is an Assistant Manager in Climate Change and Sustainability, working to enable a just energy future and drive long-term sustainable solutions for businesses, people and the planet. Razann is dedicated to accelerating intergenerational climate action, as seen through her role of Outgoing Curator of the Global Shapers Dubai Hub. Razann is also a WiSER (Women in Sustainability,
Environment and Renewable Energy) Pioneer, recognized as a young leader working on the global transition to net zero.
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Robin Mills
Chief Executive Officer - Qamar Energy
Robin Mills established Qamar Energy in Dubai in 2015 to meet the need for regionally-based Middle East energy insight and project delivery. He is an expert on energy strategy and economics. Robin worked for fourteen years for Shell and the Dubai government, concentrating on new business development in the Middle East energy sector. He is non-resident fellow at the Columbia University SIPA Center on Global Energy Policy, the author of two books,
The Myth of the Oil Crisis, and Capturing Carbon, and editor of Low Carbon Energy in the Middle East and North Africa. He is the columnist on energy and environmental issues at The National newspaper (UAE), and comments widely on energy issues in the media, including Foreign Policy, the Financial Times, The Atlantic, CNN, CNBC, BBC, Bloomberg, Sky News and others.
He holds a first-class degree in Geology from the University of Cambridge, and speaks five languages including Arabic.
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Roisin White Barrett
Managing Director Clean Energy Business Council (CEBC)
Roisin White Barrett serves as the Managing Director of the Clean Energy Business Council MENA, where she leads efforts to promote sustainable energy practices and the adoption of clean technologies across the region. With a rich background in international business development, Roisin has effectively facilitated the entry and growth of companies in overseas markets, particularly within the MENA region.
In her previous role as Senior Advisor at a government development agency, Roisin was instrumental in managing diverse portfolios and establishing long-term, sustainable business relationships, notably in the clean technology and sustainability sectors. Her work involved identifying strategic partners and successfully aligning companies with reputable local entities, contributing significantly to their export sales achievements.
As a leader in the clean energy sector, Roisin focuses on driving the CEBC’s mission to support the clean energy transition and position the CEBC as the primary platform for clean energy dialogue, collaboration, and innovation in the MENA region. Roisin facilitates important partnerships and leads initiatives that aim to improve the resilience and sustainability of the energy sector. Her commitment to promoting sustainable development and her skill in engaging diverse stakeholders are key to advancing the region’s move towards a cleaner energy future.
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Eng. Saleh Al Rashidi
Head of Safety Department, Kuwait Municipality
Salah Bakheet Alrashidi is a Kuwaiti civil engineer with profound expertise in developing engineering systems and municipal work. He currently serves as the Director of the Safety Department in Mubarak Al-Kabeer Governorate, with an extensive background in optimizing administrative processes and advancing digital transformation within Kuwait Municipality.
He is dedicated to fostering Gulf cooperation and implementing innovations to achieve sustainable development.
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Salwa Maflahi
Executive Director - Corporate Sustainability and Community Outreach, Aldar Properties PJSC
Salwa Al Maflahi is the Executive Director of Sustainability & Community Outreach at Aldar Properties. In her role, Salwa oversees Aldar's group-wide Sustainability and Community Outreach strategy and implementation in line with the company's position as a leading real estate developer, investor, and manager, and its commitment to becoming a net zero carbon business by 2050.
Salwa has played an integral role in Aldar’s sustainability journey, raising the company’s Sustainability and ESG profile amongst key stakeholders including investors, partners, and the public. In addition, she leads the company’s CSR and social impact efforts to bring value and positive impact to the communities in which Aldar operates.
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Thibaut Burckhart
Exploration Manager, RAKGAS
Thibaut Burckhart is RAK Gas's Exploration Manager, a role he occupies with a 25-year track record in the oil and gas industry. His career is marked by significant achievements, including the discovery of three gas and four oil fields, with the notable Petai field, First Oil, in Malaysia in 2014. A global expert, Thibaut developed his expertise with Shell in various international postings, in the UK, Europe, Australasia, Africa and the Middle East.
His strategic approach to exploration in the UAE and East Africa has been vital in RAK Gas’s growth. Known for his hands-on leadership and positive outlook, Thibaut’s work ethic is evident in his approach to coaching and project management, ensuring that exploration activities meet the company’s strategic goals. Holding a Master’s in Geosciences from Henri Poincaré University and an engineering degree from UPMC, Paris, Thibaut’s educational background and multilingual fluency in French, English, and Spanish underscore his role as an expert in a dynamic, global industry.
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Dr. Yves-Laurent BECK
Hydro Project Manager, EDF Group
Yves-Laurent BECK, PhD, graduated in applied geophysics and civil engineering from the Ecole Centrale de Nantes. In 2008, he joined EDF-HYDRO Engineering and worked more than 8 years on innovative monitoring of civil engineering and mechanical structures, including penstocks, dikes and dams. Between 2016 to 2023, he managed the EDF Group Fleetwide e-Monitoring program:
he worked with the monitoring experts on development and deployment in operational condition of remote monitoring and remote diagnosis to the equipment of power generation (e.g. generators, transformers, thermodynamical and hydraulic performance, ancillary services, penstocks, and gates). Between 2019 to 2023, he was also in charge of the business development of EDF’s engineering services for international clients. He is currently in charge the Hydropower business development in Middle East at EDF International, based in UAE, and is working on several Pumped Hydro Storage projects in this region.
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