I am Dr. Abdullah Belhaif Al Nuaimi, a dedicated advocate for climate change and environmental policy. My journey in public service saw a significant milestone when I served as the Minister of Climate Change and Environment in the UAE, beginning my tenure in July 2020. In this pivotal role, I was instrumental in shaping and executing the nation's climate resilience and ecosystem protection strategies through the formulation of impactful policies and initiatives. Beyond my ministerial duties, I had an honor chairing the UAE Council for Climate Change and Environment and the National Biosecurity Committee.
In 2020, I was honored to Chair the Board for Heriot-Watt University's Centre of Excellence in Smart Construction (CESC), a premier research unit dedicated to fostering industry innovations and collaborations in the Built Environment sector. In addition to this role, I was honored with an Honorary Doctorate in Engineering from Heriot-Watt University and received the prestigious Senior Fellow recognition from the American University of Sharjah. These accolades further underline my significant contributions and dedication to the field.
Prior to this, from 2013, i held the position of Minister of Infrastructure Development. During my tenure, i was a driving force behind the advancement of federal infrastructure projects, including inter-emirate highways and government facilities. He also presided over the Sheikh Zayed Housing Program and the Federal TransportAuthority.
In 2023, I had the honour of being unanimously elected as the Chairman of the Sharjah Consultative Council, a role I continue to fulfill with pride.
My recent transition into thought leadership has allowed me to share insights on navigating uncertain environmental futures through keynote speeches. As an active professor and author, I remain dedicated to addressing Climate Change, Renewable Energy, and the built environment.
Im currently teaching g a course on sustainability. This post-graduate course is designed for engineers who are pursuing their doctorate degrees.
Dr. Eng. Aishah Hassan Al Shehhi is a distinguished engineering expert in the office of H.E. the Assistant Undersecretary for the Federal Infrastructure Projects Section at the UAE’s Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MoEI). With over 15 years of experience in project management, urban planning, and sustainable development, she plays a pivotal role as an adviser to His Excellency, contributing to the execution of major national projects.
Dr Al Shehhi holds a PhD in Sustainable Built Environment, making her the first Emirati woman to achieve this distinction. Her research emphasizes the importance of using recycled asphalt as a sustainable and preventive solution to reduce the frequency of road maintenance, contributing to more durable and environmentally friendly infrastructure. She is deeply committed to advancing sustainable infrastructure, fostering knowledge exchange, and leading projects that build smarter, more resilient communities.
She is a certified Innovation Specialist, Trainer of Trainers (ToT), and holds diplomas in sustainability and project management. Her expertise extends to infrastructure policy, innovation-driven project execution, and sustainability strategies that align with the UAE’s vision for a sustainable future.
As an official spokesperson for international delegations, Dr. Al Shehhi represents the ministry in high-profile engagements, facilitating global knowledge exchange on infrastructure development.
Her outstanding contributions have earned her multiple accolades, including the Best Employee Award, Best Research Award, The Happiest Employee Award, and several volunteer honors from Expo 2020, recognizing her leadership, excellence, and dedication to national and international initiatives.
Adrian Alfonso Negre Miro holds a Master’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering from the Technical University of Madrid (Spain) and a Master of Science in Aerospace Manufacturing from Cranfield University (UK). He is an experienced Aerospace Engineer and Executive Advisor, specialising in fleet airworthiness management, Continuing Airworthiness Management Organisations (CAMO), and certification of organisations according to EASA, FAA and EMAR regulations.
Adrian began his career as a Certification Engineer at Safran Seats GB where, amongst other duties, he contributed to the development of the ARP6337 - Design, Manufacturing, and Performance Standard for Composite Materials Used on Aircraft Seat Structures. He later joined British Airways at London Heathrow, where he spent three years as a Planning and CAMO Engineer, overseeing the Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, an aircraft renowned for its extensive use of composite materials.
Since relocating to the United Arab Emirates, Adrian has served for over five years as a consultant and Executive Advisor to the UAE Military Airworthiness Authority. In this capacity, he leads the implementation and oversight of regulatory frameworks and supervises the certification of military aerospace design and production organisations.
Adrian resides in Abu Dhabi with his wife and two sons, both born in the UAE.
Onur Ecerdir is a mechanical engineer born in 1986. Since graduating in 2008, he has built his career in composite manufacturing technologies, taking on technical and managerial roles across various sectors, with a particular focus on defense industry projects.
He is proficient in production methods such as pultrusion, pulwinding, filament winding, molded gratings, hand lay-up, autoclave, and SMC/BMC. With strong experience in design, CAD/CAM applications, and engineering analysis tools, he has been actively involved in all stages of the production process — from material selection to final manufacturing.
Throughout his career, he has led projects in energy, automotive, rail systems, park and garden equipment, aquaculture, telecommunications, and wastewater treatment, including the design and implementation of odor control systems. He served as project manager for FRP pipe systems in geothermal power plants.
Since 2021, he has been working at Roketsan A.Ş. as a Head of Unit Engineer in the Composite Manufacturing Department, combining deep technical expertise with hands-on leadership in high-tech production environments.
Dr Nicola Page is an accomplished Materials Scientist and Engineer with an Engineering Doctorate (EngD) and 20 years’ experience in the fibre reinforced polymer (FRP) composite industry, covering architecture, aerospace, automotive, rail, and marine sectors. Currently serving as the Material and Process Engineering Manager of a multi-disciplinary team, leading material qualification and process improvement projects across PCT. Passionate about problem-solving, Nicola specialises in delivering FRP solutions that meet stringent fire, structural, and aesthetic requirements for complex architectural applications, across the UAE and international markets.
Radek Michalik is a seasoned composite structural engineer with over 20 years of experience in high-performance composite design across aerospace, marine, civil, renewables, and automotive sectors. As co-founder of Composite Design Studio Ltd (London) and creator of innovative web-based composite design software, he has led over 100 high-profile projects worldwide. His expertise spans structural design, finite element analysis, and consultancy for leading companies and institutions.
Amr Azmy is an accomplished International Projects Leader with over 18 years of experience in the construction and manufacturing industries, encompassing project management and consultancy roles across the GCC, Europe, and North Africa. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Engineering and Architecture, he began his career at a leading global consultancy firm. There, he spent over a decade spearheading the design, engineering, production, and installation of significant, high-value projects. These undertakings demanded a deep understanding of intricate technical requirements and effective communication with major clients. After relocating to Dubai, he led the execution and handover of iconic, large-scale pavilions and other substantial projects in Saudi Arabia. He is credited with successfully delivering complex projects efficiently.
Paolo Dassi holds a masters degree in aerospace engineering, majoring in lightweight structures and composite materials. He spent his professional life in the design and engineering of advanced composite components, ranging from racing yachts to bridges, from components for the aerospace industry to architectural ones. He is a pioneer of the use of advanced composites in the architectural / civil engineering industry. He is a believer that composite design engineering needs to be backed by a strong manufacturing awareness and he therefore has been working heavily also on following the production of the components he designed. 5 years ago Paolo started to ork with Bcomp with the goal to expand the use of natural fibre based composites in various applications.
Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from IIT Delhi, with over 5 years of industrial and academic experience. Expertise spans polymer composites, formulation development, thermosets, and polymer processing. Skilled in Design of Experiments (DOE) and a strong publication record with 9 research papers. Deep understanding of both commodity and engineering polymers.
Rowan Elselmy is an award-winning Computational Architect specializing inRobotic Fabrication, AI-driven Automation, and Mass Customization for 3D printing. She develops AI-integrated workflows that optimize material efficiency, precision, and adaptability.
As the 3DP Architect & Head of AI Integrations at DEOND, Rowan leads AI tool integration, streamlines design processes, and drives innovation in architectural design. She has also led robotic 3D clay printing projects and taught digital fabrication at the American University in Cairo and the Arab Academy for Science and Technology, while actively publishing research exploring the intersection of digital design, AI-driven design solutions, and automation.
Mohamed Jaber is the Vice President of Global Marketing at Borouge Pte Ltd based in Singapore, overseeing Energy & Infrastructure applications. With over 20 years of experience in the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical industry, Mohamed is a visionary leader known for driving innovation in plastic infrastructure solutions. He has been instrumental in developing Borouge’s differentiated polyolefin solutions and has played a key role in standardizing plastic pipes as the head of the UAE delegation in ISO TC138. He is also a board member at the PE100+ Association and worked on special projects such as contribution to the UAE50 National Team under the UAE Prime Minister Office and work on non-metallics as part of the Non-Metallic Innovation Center in Cambridge. Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Engineering from Khalifa University. His deep industry knowledge and commitment to innovation make him a sought-after thought leader.
Mohamed Jaber is the Vice President of Global Marketing at Borouge Pte Ltd, based in Singapore, overseeing Energy & Infrastructure applications. With over 20 years of experience in the Oil & Gas and Petrochemical industry, Mohamed is a visionary leader known for driving innovation in polymeric solutions in energy & infrastructure. He has been instrumental in developing Borouge’s differentiated polyolefin solutions and has played a key role in standardizing plastic pipes as the head of the UAE delegation in ISO TC138. Mohamed is also a board member at the PE100+ Association and has contributed to the UAE50 National Team under the UAE Prime Minister's Office. Additionally, he has worked with the Non-Metallics Innovation Center in Cambridge. Mohamed holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the Colorado School of Mines and a Master of Engineering from Khalifa University. His deep industry knowledge and commitment to innovation make him a sought-after thought leader.
Saqer Saleh Al Messabi is a seasoned asset integrity professional with over a decade of experience in upstream operations. He serves as the program manager for all non-metallics and composites projects across ADNOC Group companies, where he leads the piloting and deployment of advanced material technologies to enhance operational efficiency and reliability.
Saqer is also a member of the Non-metallic Innovation Center in the UK, contributing to global advancements in material science and integrity solutions. His expertise spans reliability, safety, and performance optimization, playing a pivotal role in shaping ADNOC’s integrity frameworks and technology-driven strategies.
Latha Ekambaram is a globally respected industry leader with over two decades of transformative impact across Manufacturing, Composites, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals. Her career spans multiple geographies—from the USA to India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East & Africa—where she has led pioneering strategies for business growth, sustainability, and technological innovation across traditionally hard-to-abate sectors.
Her deep expertise in advanced materials and composites has enabled breakthroughs in lightweighting, durability, and cross-sectoral innovation. From transforming rolling stock and railway manufacturing with sustainable composite alternatives to driving composite adoption in renewable energy and high-performance packaging, Latha has been instrumental in showcasing how these materials are revolutionizing infrastructure, transportation, energy, and beyond.
With a future-focused lens, she has also championed closed-loop innovation—advancing composite recycling, material reusability, and green manufacturing principles. Her leadership has directly influenced sustainable transformation efforts, including circular economy roadmaps, carbon footprint reduction, and localized supply chains aligned with Net Zero goals. Her work in chemicals and petrochemicals is particularly noteworthy, where she has integrated ESG-driven approaches in high-emission environments, demonstrating that even hard-to-abate sectors can transition meaningfully.
A frequent speaker at global industry and sustainability forums, Latha is known for advocating bold yet pragmatic approaches to achieving industrial decarbonization and inclusive growth. She has also led regionally recognized Arabian CSR initiatives centered on Sustainable Transformation, Breaking Barriers, and Creating Solutions. Recognized as one of the Global Inspirational Women Leaders to look out for in 2025, she exemplifies cross-border, cross-discipline leadership rooted in innovation and responsibility.
Whether guiding strategy at the board level or scaling new technologies in the field, Latha continues to redefine the possibilities of industrial transformation and purpose driven leadership that bridges performance with long-term sustainability goals.
Syed Mohammed Danish is the Founder of LioShield and Managing Director of FiberFusion. With a background in advanced composites and lithium safety systems, he specialises in developing fireproof containment solutions for critical battery applications. At MECAM Expo, he shares insights into cutting-edge composite materials engineered for safety, durability, and high-performance fire mitigation across marine and industrial sectors.
Experienced Project and Technical Manager with over 20 years of expertise in building, infrastructure, and hydraulic projects across the Middle East. Member of the Society of UAE Engineers – Dubai and recipient of the 2023 Research and Invention Award from the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. Specialized in contract management, client representation, quantity surveying, structural design, and dispute resolution. Multilingual (Arabic, English, Italian, French) with advanced skills in Autodesk Revit, SAP, ETABS, and other engineering software. Strong knowledge of British Standards and Eurocodes, with a proven track record in delivering high-quality projects on time and within budget.
D. Jayaprakash (JP) is the Founder & Director of SkyValue Global FZE and SkyValue Research. With a career spanning three decades and over 50 countries, he has led transformative growth in specialty chemicals, adhesives, and industrial markets. Renowned for his emerging market expertise, strategic vision, and greenfield project successes, JP brings a wealth of global business leadership to every stage.
Matthew Brandli, Chemical Engineer, President of Engineered Bonding Solutions LLC, USA, with patented structural adhesive technology. He has 38yrs expertise in thermoset material science, and 25yrs innovating structural bonding solutions for wind, marine, transportation, and industrial markets globally. Matt combines chemical material and application knowledge with strategic insight, delivering high-performance solutions that improve production throughput and performance, that redefine customer expectations and industry standards worldwide.
Dr Hadeel Alkhatib is a highly qualified Strategic Urban/ Transport Planner & Architect with excellent leadership experience in Planning Cities and Communities with capabilities in planning, designing and supervising projects (residential, mixed use and theme parks). Also, specialized in planning and designing roads network and modelling different transportation systems such as public transport, transit system and mobility management. With 20 years of experience varied between government, semi- government and private sectors initiating and developing new innovative studies and projects through multi-discipline engineering and management aiming to achieve sustainable built environment in UAE.
Worked as an Expert Advisor for Engineering Consultants along with graduate researcher in BUiD. Worked in Ajman Municipality as a Director of Planning & GIS, in Dubai Holding as Project Manager, and in Dubai RTA as a Senior Transport Planner. Recently joined Jacobs Engineering Consultant as a Client Account Director for UAE market supporting Growth, Sales and Operation team. Liaising for business association with different clients and stakeholders such as Municipalities, Roads and Transport Authorities, Planning Council, Services and Utilities Authorities in addition to Major Business clients such as Dubai Holdings.
Holding Bachelor of Science, Higher Diploma in Architect,MSc. Urban/ Transport Planning from School of Architect in AUS., and a PhD Architecture & Sustainable Built Environment from BUiD.
Volunteered as a STEAM Lead within Jacobs and as Enterprise Support Manager in Emirate Planning Association. Achieved 7 awards from different employer and participated in local conferences as a speaker such as Ajman Urban planning conference.
Omar Al Busaidy is President of FPI UAE & Oman, he joined FPI in January 2024 as responsible to strengthen the relationship between FPI and the public sector as well help expand the business into new sectors and markets. Omar is a Fulbright Scholar, Author and Public Affairs expert. With a master’s degree in international Affairs & Intelligence at Florida State University, Omar is also a Non-Resident fellow at Trends Research & Advisory a geo-political think tank based in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
His multiple roles have allowed him to achieve several accomplishments, from publishing his self-help book ‘Just Read It’ to investing in start-ups in the tech sector. A former Global Shaper at the World Economic Forum and an alumni of the State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) , Omar has been invited to mentor students on entrepreneurship, communication and leadership at several universities and conferences across the UAE and around the world. He is married and has a cat. Omar loves playing padel, swimming and cycling.
Experienced and goal-focused business director with strong interpersonal and organizational skills, passionate about new technologies and implementing innovative composite materials for 3d printing solutions
Pascal Gallo is a Swiss entrepreneur with a strong track record in research-driven innovation and technology ventures. He co-founded Composite Recycling SA, a cleantech startup pioneering low-temperature pyrolysis to recycle composite materials at industrial scale.
Earlier, Pascal created a breakthrough initiative with LakeDiamond SA, focused on the sustainable diamond production, financed through one of the world’s first bank-powered ICOs.
Drawing on his background in scientific research and execution-focused leadership, he has successfully bridged deep technology and entrepreneurship. Passionate about the circular economy, Pascal is dedicated to transforming cutting-edge research into scalable, impactful industrial solutions.
A Mechanical Engineering graduate with a PG Diploma in Business Management, bringing over 40 years of professional experience, including more than 25 years in President /CEO roles.
Successfully initiated and independently conducted feasibility studies, negotiated and secured licenses and technology transfers—from LONZA SpA (now POLYNT-REICHOLD) for UPR manufacturing.
Spearheaded and profitably managed three greenfield manufacturing projects in the UAE and Kazakhstan, covering:
For the past two decades, actively engaged with the global composites industry through strategic business development, Trade, workshops, exhibitions, and technical seminars.
Invited at various India-UAE Economic Forums over the past decade.
Currently working as a freelance C-suite Consultant, based in Dubai, UAE.
With over 25 years of expertise in polymer science and resin technology, Mr. Susanta Pramanik serves as the Technical Director at Crest Speciality Resins Pvt. Ltd., a leading developer and manufacturer of specialty polymer resins. His visionary leadership and pioneering work in the field of flame-retardant (FR) polymer composite resins have positioned him as a key innovator in India’s polymer industry.
Since 2001, Mr. Pramanik has been driving innovation at Crest Speciality Resins Pvt. Ltd., spearheading the development of advanced resin technologies tailored for transportation, infrastructure, and industrial applications. His expertise bridges both technical research and practical implementation, ensuring cutting-edge solutions for clients worldwide.
Daniel Sanchez Espinosa is an aerospace engineer specialized in composite materials, currently CBO and business partner at Managing Composites. Previously, he was Quality Manager and Engineering Manager in Airbus Tier 1 suppliers such as Aernnova and Atos, supporting key developments including the A380 and A350 XWB. He has also worked with Airbus Defence & Space on satellites and space launchers. His career combines design, advanced engineering, and technical management in elite aerospace, automotive, and innovative mobility sectors.
