2025 Speakers

Alaa Alkiyumi

Head of PMO- National AMI Project, Nama Electricity Distribution Company

Alaa Alkiyumi

Head of PMO- National AMI Project, Nama Electricity Distribution Company

Alaa Al Kiyumi is the Head of PMO for the National AMI Project at Nama Electricity Distribution Company in Oman, leading the rollout of more than one million smart meters nationwide. With over 15 years of experience in the electricity sector, her expertise spans smart grid implementation, risk management, regulatory compliance, and asset optimization. Alaa holds an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering with Business from the University of Strathclyde and is an alumna of the ETIMAD and HEC Paris executive leadership programs. She is a recognized speaker and contributor in the region, including receiving the Best Paper Award at the GCC Power Conference 2020.

Alan Freeman

Head Energy Services, OQ Alternative Energy

Alan Freeman

Head Energy Services, OQ Alternative Energy

Head of Energy Services at OQ Alternative Energy, responsible for the implementation of OQ’s ambitious decarbonization targets with particular emphasis on energy efficiency. Development of appropriate strategies and the implementation of various business models to achieve these targets. Previously led the Business Development team at Enova by Veolia, to develop and deliver energy performance contracts and renewable energy projects across MENA. Before relocating to the Middle East, Alan was part of the Technical Energy Division at Veolia implementing energy projects and Energy Management Systems that conform to ISO 50001 across the industrial and commercial sector. A member of Engineers Ireland, Chartered Energy Manager with Energy Institute and holds CMVP certification through the Association of Energy Engineers.

Amr Abdeltawab

Deputy Manager Generation planning, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)

Amr Abdeltawab

Deputy Manager Generation planning, Dubai Electricity & Water Authority (DEWA)

Experience: Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), UAE Transmission Planning Department – Generation and Interconnection : 16 years Key Achievements: •Represented DEWA as a Trading Participant in the Emirates National Grid (ENG) market platform. •Actively represented DEWA in the UAE ENG Operations Committee, contributing to the revision and alignment of the ENG Grid Code in coordination with other UAE utilities. •Recognized as part of the core team that received the DEWA Excellence Team Award (2013/2014) for achieving the Best Annual Gross Heat Rate in DEWA’s history, in collaboration with the Generation Division. •Served as Project Manager for the implementation of PLEXOS energy modelling software, coordinating efforts between the consultant (WSP), DEWA's Power and Water Planning (PWP) team, and the Generation Division.

Amer Moustafa

Country Manager - Oman, Gulf Experts

Amer Moustafa

Country Manager - Oman, Gulf Experts

I am an accomplished engineering and business leader with over 20 years of experience in energy management, HVAC systems, building automation, and smart control technologies. I currently serve as the Country Manager for Gulf Experts Company in Oman, and as the Energy & Controls Business Director overseeing operations across the Gulf region, including Qatar, Oman, and Egypt. My career began in 2004, and I have gained extensive technical and leadership experience through key roles in major international firms, most notably Johnson Controls. During my time there, I led and delivered large-scale energy efficiency and BMS projects across the UAE and GCC. At Gulf Experts, I have directed the successful deployment of advanced Building Management Systems (BMS), AI-enabled Energy Management Systems (EMS), and intelligent control platforms in government, healthcare, and industrial sectors. These initiatives have consistently delivered measurable reductions in energy consumption and operational emissions. I hold a degree in Mechanical Engineering, a Bachelor’s in Renewable Energy, and an MBA in Digital Transformation. I am also a certified PMP (Project Management Professional), CEM (Certified Energy Manager), and CEA (Certified Energy Auditor). I am passionate about sustainable innovation and actively contribute to regional initiatives supporting Oman’s Vision 2040 and the broader transition to a low-carbon economy.

Dr. Frank Wouters

Director, EU MED-GEM Network

Dr. Frank Wouters

Director, EU MED-GEM Network

Frank Wouters has been leading renewable energy projects, transactions, and technology development for more than 35 years and played a lead role in the development of renewable energy and hydrogen projects all over the world. He served as Deputy Director-General of the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) from 2012 to 2014. Mr. Wouters has served on the board of energy companies in Europe, Asia, the US and Africa and currently serves as: Chairman of the MENA Hydrogen Alliance, Dubai Chairman of the Dii Advisory Board, Dubai Director of the EU MED-GEM Network, Brussels Fellow, Payne Institute, Colorado School of Mines, Denver Chairman of the Benelux Business Council Abu Dhabi Chairman of the HyET Group Advisory Board, The Netherlands Sr. Advisor to the Chairman, Welspun New Energy Ltd, Mumbai Sr. Advisor to Al Mahhar Holding, Doha Non-Executive Board Director of Gore Street Capital, London Frank has authored several books on renewable energy and green hydrogen and has lived in Abu Dhabi since 2009. He has a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Delft University.

Flemming Christensen

Principal Adviser, CESI

Frederic Delhumeau

Technical Assistance Engineer, SEDIVER

Frederic Delhumeau

Technical Assistance Engineer, SEDIVER

Born in 1967, 58 years old. Engineering diploma and M.Sc. in Materials Processing from the “Ecole Centrale de Nantes”, France in 1990. 14 years of experience in electrical and electronic connectors with various positions such as Research Eng., Product Eng. and Project Manager. 13 years of experience in hardware and fittings, damping systems for Overhead Transmission Lines as Technical Eng. and Laboratory Manager within FCI and SICAME Groups. Joined SEDIVER (Toughened Glass Insulators) in 2018 as Technical Assistance Engineer, primarily for Middle East countries, and including testing and numerical simulation of insulator units and complete sets for Overhead Transmission Lines. Active member of the CIGRE, B2 Committee since 2011.

Eng. Haitham Al Omairi

Senior Manager - Business Development, Sohar Port Free Zone

Eng. Haitham Al Omairi

Senior Manager - Business Development, Sohar Port Free Zone

Haitham Saif AL Omairi serves as a Senior Manager - Business Development at SOHAR Port and Freezone, one of the fastest growing port and freezone in the world. Leading and driving the commercial strategy of business development unit. Overseeing the business development team and strengthening Sohar port and freezone business relationships with potential investors and partners, attracting international investments and further positioning Sohar port and freezone as a competitive and dynamic industrial and logistics hub. Since joining SOHAR in 2016, Haitham has been instrumental in forging strategic partnerships, aligning commercial strategies, and driving the Port's and Freezone’s growth trajectory. His academic foundation is robust, anchored by a Bachelor of Business in Operation Management from Sultan Qaboos University. Further honing his expertise, Haitham pursued a Master in Shipping and Transport with a specialization in Port Management and Design from Netherlands & South Korea and recently a postgraduate master student in Hydrogen Economy and Technology from German University of Technology in Oman. His commitment to leadership and strategic thinking was further solidified through his participation in the National Leadership program at the Royal Academy of Management. Haitham's journey is marked by progressive roles and significant contributions, as a Marketing Executive at ASYAD Drydock back 2012, he showed his prowess in market development and client relationship management. However, it was at Sohar Industrial Port Company (SIPC) where Haitham's impact became profoundly evident. He consistently demonstrated his ability to lead commercial strategies, develop relationships with key stakeholders, and ensure alignment with the company’s overarching objectives. A cornerstone of Haitham's leadership is his unwavering commitment to sustainable practices. As an active member of the Sohar Port and Freezone Energy Transition project, he champions alternative energy solutions, with a keen focus on carbon capture, green hydrogen production, and the establishment of solar modules ecosystem within Sohar Freezone. This dedication not only aligns with the port's and Freezone’s sustainability vision but also positions them at the forefront of the global economic zones shift towards a cleaner energy future.

Hamada Diab

Protection Application Engineer, OMICRON Electronics middle east

Hamada Diab

Protection Application Engineer, OMICRON Electronics middle east

Hamada Diab is a senior Electrical Engineer with over 11 years of expertise in testing, commissioning, and protection application, specializing in power system transmission and distribution networks. His technical proficiency is well-recognized in the power system field, particularly within the Gulf region where he has dedicated more than eight years of technical experience. His prior experience in Saudi Arabia as a Testing & Protection Application Engineer involved significant work in automating testing processes utilizing Omicron's advanced products and Test Universe software. Currently, he holds a position at OMICRON Electronics MEA, as a Training & Application Engineer in protection since April 2024. Hamada's solid knowledge in electrical engineering is backed by a bachelor's degree obtained in 2007, beside his extensive practical knowledge and skills in the field.

Hesham Badahdah

Senior Engineer | Senior Project Manager, GCC lab

Hesham Badahdah

Senior Engineer | Senior Project Manager, GCC lab

Hesham S. Badahdah (S’24) earned his B.Sc. in Electrical Engineering (Power & Machines) from King Abdul-Aziz University (KAU), Saudi Arabia. He joined the Saudi Electricity Company (SEC) as a Transmission Energy Engineer in the Transmission Asset Maintenance Department. While working in the industry, he completed his M.Sc. at KAU. In 2019, he began his Ph.D. studies in Electrical Engineering at Marquette University in the United States and earned the degree in 2024. Dr. Badahdah is currently a Senior Engineer and Project Manager at GCC Lab, managing two projects for Aramco. His research interests include electric machine design and power systems.

Hilal Alghaithi

Key Accounts Manager, Aggreko Middle East

Kalyan Tata

Application engineer, Hitachi energy India Limited

Dr. Khalfan Al Kharusi

Principal Engineer for Power Grid and Renewables, Hydrom

Dr. Khalfan Al Kharusi

Principal Engineer for Power Grid and Renewables, Hydrom

Khalfan Al Kharusi holds BSc, MSc, and PhD degrees in Electrical Engineering from Sultan Qaboos University (2008, 2013, 2023). His career spans diverse roles: control engineer at OETC Load Dispatch Centre, electrical engineer at Worley Parsons, and section head of protection analysis at Nama Electricity Distribution Company. Currently, he is a principal engineer for power grid and renewables at Hydrom. His research focuses on power system protection, control, and AI applications. He contributes to the advisory board for SQU's Electrical and Computer Department and as a member in the energy committee of the Oman Society for Engineers, with multiple publications in his field.

Maryam Al Hashimi

Director of Electricity and Energy Efficiency Policies and Strategies, Ministry of Energy and Minerals

Maryam Al Hashimi

Director of Electricity and Energy Efficiency Policies and Strategies, Ministry of Energy and Minerals

Maryam Al Hashimi is a Policy and strategies specialist with over 15 years’ experience in policies and strategies Development. Over her working experience in the government entities, she had participated and led several policies and strategies projects relevant to the overall energy sector and electricity and water sectors. She is the Director of Electricity and Energy Efficiency Policies and Strategies in the ministry of Energy and Minerals. Before that, she held different positions at the former Public Authority for Electricity and Water and Ministry of Economy.

Dr. Mazin Al Shidhani

Renewable Energy Engineer, Petroleum development Oman

Mohamed A. AlEmam

Head of Business Development and Projects Support, EDF

Mohamed A. AlEmam

Head of Business Development and Projects Support, EDF

Mohamed AlEmam is the head of Business Development and Projects Support at EDF Electricity de France. He holds a BSc in Control Systems Engineering from Mansoura University, Egypt, and an MBA in Global Management from ESLSCA France. Mohamed is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) by the Project Management Institute (PMI), a Certified Automation Professional (CAP) by ISA, and a Certified Public-Private Partnerships Professional (CP3P) by APMG International. With extensive experience in systems engineering, contracting, project management, and development for infrastructure projects, Mohamed has established himself as a respected expert in his field. He has authored publications on microgrids and modelling, and has been a featured speaker at various conferences on these topics. Mohamed is passionate about driving innovation and advancing the industry through collaboration and strategic partnerships. 

Mohamed Ahmed

Senior Director, Electric Power Engineers (EPE)

Mohamed Ahmed

Senior Director, Electric Power Engineers (EPE)

Mohamed Ahmed (Member, IEEE) received the B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in electrical engineering from Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt, in 1999 and 2005, respectively, and the Ph.D. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada, in 2012.He was a Senior Researcher with Smart-Planet Division, IBM Canada, Markham, ON, Canada, from 2012 to 2014 and with Independent Electricity System Operator (IESO), Toronto, ON, Canada, as a Technical Engineer from 2014 to 2015. He was a Senior Planning Engineer with SNC-Lavalin, Montreal, QC, Canada, from 2015 to 2018. Since 2021, he has been an Associate Professor with the Electrical Power and Machines Department, Faculty of Engineering, Ain Shams University and also an Adjunct Assistant Professor with the University of Waterloo. He participated in preparing several winning proposals, including both technical and budget estimation activities. Dr. Ahmed has been also responsible for the development of competitive (FERC 1000) and merchant transmission projects in several independent system operators in the US including NYISO, ISO-NE, PJM, SPP and MISO. His research interests include operation of power systems, distribution systems, reliability of electrical systems, power quality, active distribution systems, design of electricity markets, and power system optimization in the context of smart grids and microgrids. Dr. Ahmed is a Registered Professional Engineer with the Province of Ontario and Province of Alberta, Canada.

Naim Echarach

Head of Business Development – North Africa/Middle East, EDF International Networks

Naim Echarach

Head of Business Development – North Africa/Middle East, EDF International Networks

With a strong background in electrical grid distribution, I currently drive EDF International Network’s expansion across North Africa and the Middle East. My role involves expanding our international footprint, developing strategic partnerships, and supporting utilities in their energy transition. Leveraging over 8 years of experience at Enedis, the French DSO, I have strong knowledge in strategic account management, smart grid technologies, and renewable energy integration. My background includes optimizing grid performance, managing large-scale projects like the Linky smart meter deployment, and building key client relationships.

Nainar Balasubramanian

Specialist / Operation Technology, Transco

Nainar Balasubramanian

Specialist / Operation Technology, Transco

QUALIFICATION 1. MASTER OF ENGINEERING. (1987 -1989) ELECTRONICS, MADRAS INSTITUTE OF TECHNOLOGY, ANNA UNIVERSITY, CHENNAI, INDIA. 2. BACHELOR OF ENGINEERING. (1983-1987) ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS. FACULTY OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, ANNAMALAI UNIVERSITY, CHIDAMBARAM, INDIA. YEARS OF EXPERIENCE : 33 YEARS EXPERIENCE SUMMARY: 1. Design, Testing and Commissioning of EHV stations 2. Asset Performance of Power Transmission Systems 3. Integration OT systems and Digital Transformation in Asset management

Dr. Ralf Blumenthal

Senior Vice President and Head Siemens Grid Software Middle East & Africa, Siemens

Dr. Ralf Blumenthal

Senior Vice President and Head Siemens Grid Software Middle East & Africa, Siemens

Dr. Ralf Blumenthal, Senior Vice President and Head, Siemens Grid Software Middle East & Africa, 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 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 across 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

Saravanan Jeganathan

Hub Product Marketing Manager for Power Quality products - Middle East & Africa, Hitachi Energy

Saravanan Jeganathan

Hub Product Marketing Manager for Power Quality products - Middle East & Africa, Hitachi Energy

Saravanan Jeganathan is the Hub Product Marketing Manager for Power Quality products Middle East & Africa, within Hitachi Energy’ High Voltage Products Business Unit based in Dubai, UAE. He holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical & Electronics Engineering in Madurai Kamaraj University, India. Saravanan J has more than 24 years of experience in power quality products, in which he has held several positions in marketing and sales of power quality products and solutions across different geographies. His areas of interest include power quality in utility, industrial & commercial networks, railways, and renewables segment, doing power quality study and design of filter bank. 

Shinoona al Aisari

Sr Specialist Energy Excellence, OQ Alternative Energy

Shinoona al Aisari

Sr Specialist Energy Excellence, OQ Alternative Energy

Shinoona al Aisari is a Specialist Energy Excellence Engineer working with the Energy Excellence team in OQ Alternative Energy. She has expertise in ISO 50001 Energy Management Certification and processes and has successfully delivered certification for OQ corporate and is currently working with other OQ entities for establishing energy management system.

Talal Al Aulaqi

VP Energy Excellence, OQAE

Thuraiya Al Wahaibi

Senior Project Engineer, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company

Thuraiya Al Wahaibi

Senior Project Engineer, Nama Power and Water Procurement Company

Thuraiya Al Wahaibi is a Senior Project Engineer at Nama Power and Water Procurement Company (PWP) in Oman. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechatronics Engineering from SQU and is currently pursuing an MBA in Energy and Sustainability at Universidad Católica de Murcia (UCAM), Spain. Thuraiya specializes in developing large-scale renewable energy projects, that involves in the planning and execution of multiple utility-scale wind power initiatives that support Oman’s transition toward sustainable and diversified energy sources. Her expertise spans project development, technical evaluation, and integrating renewable technologies. Passionate about innovation and sustainability, Thuraiya is also dedicated to advancing knowledge sharing and capacity building within the energy sector.

Waleed Al-Washahi

Renewable Energy Engineer, Petroleum Development Oman

Waleed Al-Washahi

Renewable Energy Engineer, Petroleum Development Oman

Waleed Al-Washahi is an Omani renewable-energy engineer specialising in utility-scale wind and hybrid power systems. Since 2019 he has supported in driving Petroleum Development Oman’s transition strategy, leading design, financing, and execution of the Riyah II 100 MW wind farm. I have over eight years of experience in the power system, with a vast experience stretching from gas-turbine operations to renewable energy project management. Holding an MSc in Electrical Energy Systems from Cardiff University and PMP certification, I aspire to the a future to support the realization of Oman’s Net-Zero 2050 ambitions through collaboration with all stakeholders.

Waqas Hussain

Business Development Manager, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen

Waqas Hussain

Business Development Manager, Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen

Waqas Hussain is a seasoned professional in the renewable energy sector, holding a master’s degree in Renewable Energy Management from the University of Freiburg, Germany (2012). He is also a DEWA Certified Senior Solar PV Expert (2018). Currently, he serves as the Business Development Manager at Maschinenfabrik Reinhausen, specializing in Distribution Grid and Solar PV Applications. With over a decade of international and interdisciplinary experience, Waqas is dedicated to driving innovative solutions for energy transition across the Middle East, India, and Africa.