MEP Middle East

< Previouswww.mepmiddleeast.com 30 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With over 18 years of experience, Omnia Halawani has been at the forefront of project governance, risk mitigation, cost control, and sustainability strategies across the GCC. At grfn, she has built a multidisciplinary engineering consultancy known for delivering measurable impact through innovative solutions. Since establishing grfn in 2013, she has played an important role in advancing energy effi ciency and urban sustainability, optimising over 1,000 buildings and overseeing more than two million tonnes of district cooling schemes. Halawani’s expertise extends beyond project execution; she is a recognised industry leader holding multiple certiﬁ cations. She actively contributes to shaping energy and water effi ciency frameworks, demand-side management strategies, and benchmarking initiatives. Her work in policy development and thought leadership continues to drive the industry towards a smarter, more sustainable built environment. On the unspoken challenges that women face in the industry, she says: “Companies need to go beyond just off ering maternity leave and focus on ensuring a smooth transition back to work. Too often, women returning from leave experience stalled career growth or face unconscious bias when new opportunities arise.” Her advice to the younger generation? “Take that opportunity. When you see a gap, step in conﬁ dently. The industry rewards those who create value, not those who wait for permission.” OMNIA HALAWANI CO-CEO & FOUNDER grfn “Stay focussed on impact. Competence shuts down doubt faster than words ever will” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3008/03/2025 15:15www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 31 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Sawsan Dahham, the CEO and Founder of SIENA, boasts 18 years of expertise in ﬁ re and life safety (FLS) across the MENA region. A specialist in engineering consultancy, she has managed diverse mega projects from design to completion, earning recognition for her leadership and industry impact. SIENA is a testament to her passion, resilience, and dedication to advancing the FLS industry. Dahham’s achievements include being a recognised speaker at global conferences, serving as an NFPA instructor, and contributing to publications that raise awareness about ﬁ re safety practices. She has also been part of awards juries and technical committees. While proud of founding SIENA, her journey has not been without challenges, especially as a woman in a traditionally male-dominated industry. She has consistently faced the expectation to work harder than her male counterparts to prove her worth but remains focused on her goals and true to herself. Dahham took time to understand why people often described her as “resilient”. She says: “I aim higher than expected and work relentlessly to reach those goals, never allowing anyone to set my limits or dictate my abilities. Above all, I stay true to myself, unwavering in my values, and consistent in everything I do.” Her advice to the next generation of women: “Love your career, only then will you become a trailblazer in your ﬁ eld and a pioneer in an industry full of worthy challenges.” SAWSAN DAHHAM CEO & FOUNDER SIENA “What may seem like a setback today is often a necessary shift, redirecting you towards a better path and a brighter future” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3108/03/2025 15:15www.mepmiddleeast.com 32 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With 20 years of experience in the MEP sector, Abegail Habunal has been a key contributor to the success of BK Gulf’s mega projects. She has been a mentor to many young women engineers and frequently speaks at her alma mater to promote engineering as a career choice. Reﬂ ecting on her achievements, Habunal is proud of how BK Gulf navigated the challenges of the pandemic, working as a cohesive team to continue the company’s growth and success, particularly in the data centre sector. She highlights the importance of diversity and inclusion, with 50% of BK Gulf’s Emirati graduate engineering intake being women in 2023. Habunal also addresses the unspoken challenges women face in construction, dismissing the notion that site conditions are unsuitable for women. “I laugh when I hear people say that construction sites aren’t good for women. If that’s the case, then they shouldn’t be good for men either. The industry needs to move beyond physical perceptions and recognise that real strength lies in engineering knowledge and competencies,” she insists. On workplace policies, she believes that true inclusion isn’t about special treatment but ensuring a fair and merit-based process. “There is no need for a special policy to achieve inclusion when hiring and career growth are based on objective competencies. Sometimes, these well-meaning initiatives feel as if women have just landed from outer space! Inclusion should not be about statistics or tokenism—it should be about respect and equal opportunity.” ABEGAIL HABUNAL LEAD ELECTRICAL ENGINEER BK GULF “Be yourself, do not expect special treatment, and prove your worth through competence” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3208/03/2025 15:15www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 33 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Starting her journey in 2017 in India and later moving to the UAE, Nikita Singh has navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry with conﬁ dence. Adapting to a new country, new industry, and high expectations, she quickly proved her capabilities, earning recognition and opportunities to contribute on a global scale. Her career has been deﬁ ned by her ability to thrive in dynamic environments, whether visiting offices, active construction sites, or engaging in corporate social responsibility initiatives in South Africa. Nikita recognises the industry’s shift towards greater diversity and inclusion, with more women stepping into leadership roles. However, challenges persist, from managing diverse teams to balancing professional and personal responsibilities. She says: “My mentors have always emphasised the importance of mastering technical knowledge about our produc ts, as it allows us to conﬁ dently make recommendations and establish credibility.” She strongly believes that companies must “walk the talk” by implementing real policies, celebrating women’s achievements, and amplifying their voice to ensure that women are not just included, but empowered to thrive. To women entering the ﬁ eld, she advises embracing conf idence and trusting their abilities. She says: “Ignore the critics, dress the part, stay focused, and let your determination shine. The world is yours to conquer!” NIKITA SINGH SPECIFICATION ENGINEER HIRA INDUSTRIES “As women, we possess strong communication and persuasion skills, which can truly make a difference in any environment” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3308/03/2025 15:15www.mepmiddleeast.com 34 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Noor Sakr has carved a unique path in the MEP industry, blending business strategy with technical expertise. She focuses on expanding brand presence and securing product approvals within the UAE market while guiding global manufacturers towards relevant opportunities. Through her doctorate studies, Sakr is speciﬁ cally exploring the impact of digital marketing on business development, aiming to drive innovation and industrial expansion. Sakr reﬂ ects on her career, saying, “Never shrink yourself to ﬁ t into expectations—learn, grow, and conﬁ dently create the career you envision.” This mindset has been crucial to her success as she has strategically built strong relationships and navigated the challenges of a male-dominated industry. Among her proudest accomplishments are her contributions to the successful establishment of international HVAC and MEP brands within the UAE market and her role as a Masdar WiSER (Women in Sustainability, Environment, and Renewable Energy) pioneer. This program empowered Sakr to deepen her commitment to sustainability and diversity in the MEP ﬁ eld by facilitating key interactions with international leaders. Sakr believes that companies must establish programs that pair junior or senior staff with more experienced professionals for career development assistance. While people recognise the value of diversity, Sakr believes that the next generation of women in MEP must master the art of strategic assertiveness and never shy away from advocating for themselves in the face of challenges. NOOR SAKR ASSISTANT MANAGER – BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND MARKETING FAWAZ GROUP “Never shrink yourself to ﬁt into expectations. Learn, grow, and conﬁdently create the career you envision” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3408/03/2025 15:15www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 35 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Rime Harajly’s journey in the engineering ﬁ eld has been shaped by a strong sense of purpose: to bridge the gap for women in leadership positions. Throughout her ten years of experience, she has won multiple accolades for her skills. “One of my greatest personal achievements has been using these recognitions to shine a light on the role of women in engineering and to inspire future generations,” Harajly says. While diversity and inclusion have made strides, she acknowledges that much more needs to be done. Last year, AECOM organised a women’s forum to discuss leadership improvement, a step she considers eff ective, but only the beginning. Harajly has faced the challenge of being consistently shut down and lacking female role models early in her career. Her resilience comes from staying true to herself. “If someone doesn’t know how to deal with me, that’s their problem,” she says. “Never let anyone stop you from doing or saying what is right.” She also highlights a signiﬁ cant challenge women often face after becoming mothers. “Business structures and policies often hinder women’s career progression after having a baby,” she explains. “Policies that support ﬂ exible working hours, nursing rooms, on-site childcare, and recognise maternity leave as valuable are essential for true workplace inclusion.” Harajly advises the next generation of women to be persistently strategic, choose their battles carefully, and focus on building strong allies who will advocate for them behind closed doors. RIME HARAJLY SENIOR ASSOCIATE - MECHANICAL AECOM “Never let anyone stop you from doing or saying what is right. We owe it to ourselves and to the great women who came before us” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3508/03/2025 15:16www.mepmiddleeast.com 36 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Alanoud Salim is a highly skilled and determined Emirati engineer, recognised for her contributions to the MEP sector. With a passion for excellence, she has secured Civil Defense approvals for ﬁ re and safety systems, showcasing her ability to navigate complex regulatory challenges. In her role as a QA/QC Engineer, Alanoud ensured that all systems and processes met the highest standards, contributing to the success of major projects. “One of my proudest achievements has been earning the trust and respect of my colleagues and teams, despite initial biases about my role as a woman in construction,” she shares. As a woman in a male-dominated ﬁ eld, she has faced societal bias, yet has consistently broken barriers through persistence and strong communication. She reﬂ ects: “I believe that persistence, expertise, and a results- driven approach are the best ways to overcome biases.” She believes that instead of waiting for change, it is better to be the change and prove your worth through dedication and results. So what advice would she give to young women entering the ﬁ eld? “Demonstrating conﬁ dence and taking initiative will help you gain recognition. Additionally, ﬁ nding allies within the industry and networking can open doors to new opportunities.” Through mentorship and continuous professional development, Alanoud remains a trailblazer, inspiring the next generation of women engineers in the MEP industry. ALANOUD SALIM MEP ENGINEER JLW MIDDLE EAST “Conﬁdence and persistence are key to overcoming challenges, and knowledge is the greatest tool for success” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3608/03/2025 15:16www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 37 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Dana Matalkeh is a seasoned marketing leader with over 17 years of experience driving brand growth, product launches, and digital marketing initiatives across MENA and Africa. She is instrumental in shaping the company’s marketing strategy, aligning it with business goals, and ensuring strong customer engagement in the region. Matalkeh’s marketing expertise helped launch Rheem’s largest Innovation & Learning Centre in Saudi Arabia, spearheaded the brand’s 100-year anniversary campaign, and developed campaigns that increased brand awareness across the GCC. Matalkeh has navigated the subtle biases and challenges women face in the industry, such as limited access to informal networks and the struggle for work-life balance. She says: “With limited access to informal networks, much of the industry operates on relationships exclusively built outside of work—on job sites, over dinners, or even through sports. Women may be unintentionally excluded from these spaces, missing out on key mentorship and career opportunities.” Her advice to women in the industry is clear: ﬁ nd mentors, focus on expertise, and create opportunities for other women. She believes that knowing your worth and staying ﬁ rm in your expertise helps push back against the “prove it again” bias. She advocates for deliberate company policies that foster leadership development and mentorship, ensuring women feel a sense of belonging in the workplace. DANA MATALKEH SENIOR MARKETING MANAGER RHEEM MIDDLE EAST “At times, you’ll be the only woman in the room. Don’t let that intimidate you— own your space” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3708/03/2025 15:16www.mepmiddleeast.com 38 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP Si Chen, Head of Sustainability at KPM, brings over a decade of experience in the construction and sustainability sectors. Having worked with prestigious ﬁ rms like Foster + Partners and Sweco, Chen has collaborated on some of the most innovative and sustainable projects across the Middle East, Europe, North America, and Asia. Her expertise in data-driven simulation tools allows her to ensure that sustainable designs are not only innovative but measurable, with a clear, lasting impact. Chen is passionate about driving meaningful change in the industry, and as a member of EmiratesGBC (Green Building Council), she champions sustainability and inclusivity. She is proud to witness the growing representation of women in leadership roles within the construction industry, thanks to platforms like the EmiratesGBC Women’s Network. However, she acknowledges that women still face challenges such as work-life balance struggles, and implicit biases that can make career advancement more diffi cult. So how can workplaces ensure inclusion? She says: “Inclusion is not just about hiring women, it’s about creating an environment where they feel valued and heard. Companies can achieve this by creating clear pathways for career progression with unbiased evaluation and promotion criteria. Implementing pay transparency to guarantee women receive fair compensation for their contributions and expertise is also important.” Her advice to future generations of women: “Embrace what makes you unique and aim to stand out, not just ﬁ t in.” SI CHEN HEAD OF SUSTAINABILITY KPM “Trust yourself and take up space. You belong in this industry just as much as anyone else. Never doubt it” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3808/03/2025 15:17www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 39 www.mepmiddleeast.com WOMEN IN MEP With 25 years in the MEP industry, Mai AlQaq is known for her expertise in large-scale and sustainable electrical system design. AlQaq reﬂ ects: “One of my proudest achievements is my contribution to the design of DEWA headquarters project, Al Shera’a, which will become the world’s largest, and smartest government net zero energy building.” She played a key role in securing approval for the integration of solar PV systems with standby generators to meet Al Shera’a’s ambitious sustainability targets. Her expertise is further recognised through certiﬁ cations as a Junior PV Expert and Qualiﬁ ed Infrastructure Engineer by DEWA. AlQaq’s leadership in guiding diverse engineering teams through the successful delivery of major projects is a point of pride. Beyond her technical contributions, AlQaq actively mentors young professionals. “Women often have to work harder to establish credibility, but resilience comes from building strong networks and believing in your abilities,” she shares. AlQaq continues to advocate for inclusive workplace policies that empower women to lead and innovate. Her advice to the next generation is clear: “Don’t be afraid to fail—every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Your perspective is an asset, and you deserve to be heard." AlQaq continues: "Find communities of like-minded professionals who will support and inspire you throughout your career. Trust that you belong in the industry and stay curious about technological advancements.” MAI ALQAQ LEAD PRINCIPAL ELECTRICAL ENGINEER ATKINSRÉALIS “Believe in your capabilities and do not be afraid to ask questions— there is no such thing as a ‘stupid’ question” MEP_Mar2025_26-59_Women in MEP_13544170.indd 3908/03/2025 15:17Next >