MEP Middle East

< PreviousPARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.com 60 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com P h o to g ra p h y b y : A a s iy a J a g a d e e s h MEP_Mar2025_60-65_BK Gulf_13554058.indd 6010/03/2025 10:28PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 61 www.mepmiddleeast.com REDEFINING NORMS L to R: Rayyan Al Naqbi, Mariam Alqaydi, Mariam Alnaqbi, Noora Alsaleis, Hasna Albreiki, Koulthoum Flamerzi, Shamma Alzarooni, Khadija Alkaabi, Fatmah Saeed, and Shaikha Alsuwaidi From overcoming doubts to leading major projects, these Emirati engineers at BK Gulf are proving that gender is no barrier to success in MEP MEP_Mar2025_60-65_BK Gulf_13554058.indd 6110/03/2025 10:28PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.com 62 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com It is not every day that you see a group of 10 Emirati women engineers walk into a studio for a photoshoot. The atmosphere? A blend of excitement, pride, and quiet conﬁ dence. These women weren’t here to be celebrated for being women in MEP; they were here to be recognised as engineers, problem-solvers, and leaders in their ﬁ eld. Each came in with a story of resilience, ambition, and the determination to make their mark in a ﬁ eld traditionally dominated by men. Undoubtedly, we are witnessing an increasing focus on hiring and training female talent within the MEP industry. BK Gulf, a DUTCO group company and a leader in this eff ort, has long been empowering Emirati women in MEP. These 10 engineers, some of whom balance full-time roles while pursuing postgraduate studies, are a testament to that commitment. In our conversation, they shared insights on how their passion for engineering, resilience in overcoming challenges, and the value of mentorship have shaped their careers. They also highlighted how BK Gulf’s commitment to fostering female leadership has created an environment for women to thrive in this traditionally male-dominated ﬁ eld. POWER OF PASSION The women we spoke to share a common inspiration: a passion for engineering and solving complex problems. For Eng. Mariam Alnaqbi, curiosity about mechanical systems drew her to the MEP ﬁ eld, while the hands-on nature of the work captivated Eng. Hasna AlBreiki. Alnaqbi, who is pursuing an MSc in Project Management at the University of Sharjah, explains: “I became interested in MEP because it integrates systems that bring buildings to life. The challenge of designing, estimating, and executing complex projects excited me.” For Eng. Mariam Alqaydi, pursuing an MSc in Project Management from the American University of Dubai, engineering had always been a calling. She reﬂ ects: “I had heard stories about the dynamic and demanding life of an MEP engineer, 50% Of BK Gulf’s Emirati engineers are women BK Gulf’s reputation for quality, expertise, and large-scale projects make it an ideal place for engineers to build their careers MEP_Mar2025_60-65_BK Gulf_13554058.indd 6210/03/2025 10:29PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 63 www.mepmiddleeast.com how it transforms you into someone who is independent, fearless, and yet adaptable— someone who thrives under pressure, takes risks, and masters the art of solving problems at the very last moment. It is that challenge which excited me. I’ve always loved learning and pushing through complex problems, and engineering felt like the perfect path to test my limits and grow into the person I aspired to be.” So why BK Gulf? For these women, ﬁ nding the right environment for career growth was essential. BK Gulf’s reputation for quality, expertise, and large-scale projects made it the ideal place for them to build their careers—a unanimous response. Alnaqbi shares: “My journey began with estimation, moved to 3D modelling, and later to the commercial team. Now, as a project manager, I use these experiences to lead projects eff ectively.” For Eng. Koulthoum Flamerzi, BK Gulf’s strong reputation for innovation, as well as its commitment to quality and excellence in the industry, were deﬁ ning factors. BK Gulf’s focus on talent development and creating a structured growth environment resonates with women in the industry. The company boasts a 50% Emirati female engineering workforce, with no restrictions on the roles they can pursue. Alqaydi adds: “At BK Gulf, you’re encouraged to explore diff erent divisions, discover your strengths, and carve your own path. Passion leads the way, and with the right team behind you, your career unfolds naturally.” BREAKING BARRIERS While biases and stereotypes remain hurdles, these women have navigated challenges with conﬁ dence, resilience, and a commitment to proving their expertise. Eng. Rayyan Al Naqbi faced one of her toughest challenges as the only woman on-site among hundreds of men. “It was diffi cult at ﬁ rst, and not always accepted,” she recalls. “But I refused to let it discourage me. I motivated myself to prove I was a valuable team member despite my gender. Eventually, they accepted me, started supporting me, and that gave me the strength to succeed.” For many, proving technical competence was the greatest hurdle. Mariam Alnaqbi reﬂ ects: “I overcame this by staying conﬁ dent, continuously expanding my technical knowledge, and delivering results. Networking and mentorship “Emirati women are capable of achieving the impossible. The ﬁeld requires resilience and creativity—qualities we possess abundantly ” Eng. Noora Alsaleis, BK Gulf Noora Alsaleis, Electrical Engineer Mariam Alnaqbi, Mechanical Engineer MEP_Mar2025_60-65_BK Gulf_13554058.indd 6310/03/2025 10:29PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.com 64 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com were key—I sought guidance from colleagues and connected with other women in the ﬁ eld. Over time, my persistence earned respect, and now I focus on mentoring others facing similar challenges.” Mentorship has been pivotal in shaping their careers. Shaikha Al Suwaidi underscores its importance: “Women in MEP often face the challenge of being underestimated. Overcoming this requires conﬁ dence, mentorship, and strong skills, with support from the company.” Eng. Fatima Alsereidi agrees and adds: “Challenges are universal, but overcoming them is what matters. I’ve proven myself through hard work, continuous learning, and quality performance.” BK Gulf has created a professional environment that provides challenging opportunities, alongside structured development programs that focus on mentorship and specialised training, helping women excel in the MEP ﬁ eld. WHAT’S NEXT? For the women in this ﬁ eld, joining MEP is not just about building infrastructure—it’s about shaping the future. They believe there is ample space for Emirati women to make a lasting impact in MEP, “Leadership isn’t just about reaching the top, it’s about lifting others along the way ” Eng. Rayyan Al Naqbi, BK Gulf Mechanical Engineer Mariam AlQaydi on site Koulthoum Flamerzi, Electrical Engineer MEP_Mar2025_60-65_BK Gulf_13554058.indd 6410/03/2025 10:29PARTNER CONTENT www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 65 www.mepmiddleeast.com an industry that needs fresh perspectives and innovative minds. Eng. Shamma Alzarooni, who is pursuing an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering at the University of Sharjah, shares: “The MEP industry off ers exciting opportunities to shape the future of sustainable and smart infrastructure. With determination, continuous learning, and a strong support network, women can succeed and inspire more to join the ﬁ eld.” Alsereidi agrees that conﬁ dence and persistence are key. She says: “Pursue your passion conﬁ dently. By embracing challenges and believing in your impact, you can make a diff erence.” So how can women in MEP leverage existing opportunities? AlBreiki emphasises the importance of mentorship and networking for those eager to learn and contribute. Eng. Noora Alsaleis draws inspiration from His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan: “Emirati women are capable of achieving the impossible. The ﬁ eld requires resilience and creativity—qualities we possess abundantly.” She believes these traits will empower young Emirati women to carve out their place in the industry. Eng. Khadija Alkaabi reminds aspiring engineers not to be swayed by outdated perceptions: “Stay committed, work hard, and never underestimate your potential.” For those seeking a space to truly grow, Rayyan Al Naqbi sees BK Gulf as the ideal environment for Emirati women to thrive. “As more of us enter the ﬁ eld, we’ll pave the way for future generations,” she says. Al Suwaidi advises young women to pursue the ﬁ eld with conﬁ dence: “Your unique perspective can have a big impact on the future of the industry.” BUILDING FUTURE LEADERS At BK Gulf, the focus is on empowering Emirati women by creating clear and structured career paths that nurture growth and development. Over the last two years, the company has invested heavily in professional development, assembling a dedicated team to cultivate local talent and develop essential competencies across all departments. BK Gulf’s comprehensive continuing professional development program includes mentorship, specialised training, hands-on experience, and shadowing opportunities to ensure Emirati women have the resources and opportunities they need to succeed and lead. When asked about how they, as leaders, would support more women in the industry, the responses were as diverse as they were inspiring. Rayyan Al Naqbi, an AI Master’s student at the University of Essex, believes that true leadership is about creating lasting change. “Leadership isn’t just about reaching the top— it’s about lifting others along the way. I would ensure a healthy, cooperative work environment where all women are supported, trained, and empowered. Prioritising practical training, technical courses, and mentorship initiatives would be key to fostering growth.” Alzarooni, pursuing an MSc in Electrical Power Engineering, highlights the importance of visibility and representation. “I’d focus on creating more networking opportunities to encourage more women to enter and excel in the industry,” she says. Mariam Alnaqbi envisions young Emirati women working alongside role models in leadership positions, while Flamerzi, who is pursuing a master’s in AI, and Alsaleis are committed to fostering an environment where women feel supported and valued. Alsaleis says: “Targeted training and ﬂ exible work policies are crucial. By advocating for these changes, we can not only empower women but also propel the industry forward with diverse perspectives.” Flamerzi adds: “I’d put more emphasis on improving gender ratios, and providing a conducive environment for other women in the industry in order to help inspire and support future female leaders.” For these inspiring women, the road ahead is ﬁ lled with endless possibilities, and their message is simple: keep pushing, keep believing, and never stop reaching for more. Their legacy is still being written, but it’s already clear: they are creating a path for future generations to follow, one where passion, persistence, and mentorship are the cornerstones of success. BK Gulf’s commitment to fostering female leadership has created an environment for women to thrive in the industry “Stay committed, work hard, and never underestimate your potential ” Eng. Khadija Alkaabi, BK Gulf MEP_Mar2025_60-65_BK Gulf_13554058.indd 6510/03/2025 10:29WHITEPAPER www.mepmiddleeast.com 66 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com THE FUTURE OF ENERGY The drive towards energy effi ciency is no longer optional; it’s a global necessity. With rising energy costs, net-zero commitments, effi ciency advancements, and a pressing need to combat climate change, the global energy landscape is undergoing a seismic shift. As electricity demands from emerging economies skyrocket and countries agree to policy frameworks aiming to double energy effi ciency progress by 2030, the world is facing both challenges and transformative solutions. As governments and industries around the globe push for sustainable energy practices, the MEP industry stands to beneﬁ t from increased demand for energy-effi cient systems, retroﬁ tting, and electriﬁ cation projects. From global electriﬁ cation trends to a region-wise report card breakdown, here’s how the world is transforming its energy landscape for a sustainable future In GCC, this trend is particularly pronounced due to rapid urbanisation, high cooling demands, and ambitious sustainability visions such as Saudi Vision 2030 and UAE Energy Strategy 2050. The Energy Effi ciency 2024 report, prepared by the International Energy Agency, highlights key opportunities for growth, technological advancements, and the need for skilled professionals to meet evolving regulations and climate goals. BIGGEST FORCES DRIVING ENERGY EFFICIENCY Energy Intensity and Demand Industries were responsible for about 75 percent of the increase in ﬁ nal energy demand during the 75% Increase in energy demand during the pandemic years that came directly from the industrial sector MEP_Mar2025_66-71_Energy Efficiency report_13546244.indd 6609/03/2025 18:34WHITEPAPER www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 67 www.mepmiddleeast.com pandemic years (2020-2021). Despite targeted energy effi ciency programmes on the rise and the world witnessing a historic COP28 agreement, energy intensity improvements are expected to stagnate at around one percent annually in 2023 and 2024. The UK was the only G20 country to achieve an average annual energy intensity improvement of four percent between 2010 and 2019, demonstrating the potential for progress. In 2024, global energy demand is projected to grow by two percent, outpacing the weak global GDP growth of three percent. Greater electriﬁ cation and increased cooling demand in hot regions will drive electricity demand by four percent in 2024. In the GCC region, cooling in commercial and industrial buildings will drive a signiﬁ cant portion of this demand. International Developments At COP28, countries agreed to double the global rate of energy effi ciency improvements by 2030 and set goals to triple renewable energy capacity and reduce methane emissions from the energy sector. In 2024, the G7 and G20 meetings reaffi rmed the goal of doubling energy effi ciency progress, emphasising the need for policy action and collaboration. Many other global action plans highlighted key areas for public-private collaboration to accelerate energy effi ciency advancements. Several GCC countries have committed to increasing renewable energy capacity and improving energy effi ciency as part of their national visions. Policy Developments Governments globally are investing over one trillion US dollars in energy effi ciency between 2020 and 2030, with most funding concentrated in the EU, US, and China. Energy-effi cient buildings will receive USD 340 billion by 2030, with USD 60 billion allocated in 2024. Germany’s carbon contracts will allocate four billion US dollars to support adopting low-carbon technology in various industries. The EU’s revised Energy Performance of Buildings Directive mandates zero-emission new buildings by 2030. The Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) of 190 countries refer to energy effi ciency, with 96 providing quantiﬁ ed effi ciency targets. Most countries in the Middle East (71%) and Europe (66%) have set quantiﬁ ed effi ciency targets in their NDCs. GCC countries also invest in energy-effi cient buildings and low-emission vehicles, supported by government incentives and programs for energy effi ciency upgrades. WHAT EXACTLY IS TAKING UP ENERGY? Global energy consumption is expected to rise by one percent annually from 2023 to 2030. Emerging markets and developing economies (EMDEs) will account for nearly two-thirds of this increase, while advanced economies will see a slight decline in consumption. The industrial sector remains the largest consumer of energy, representing 39 percent of total demand, while EMDEs will experience a higher growth rate of two percent per year. Industrial Sector In the industrial sector, energy consumption reached over 170 Exajoule (EJ) in 2023, accounting for 39 percent of global energy use. Despite a two percent rise in industrial energy demand in 2023, emissions increased by less than one percent. Countries like India and China have seen rapid growth in industrial energy consumption, with India’s energy demand rising by ﬁ ve percent annually since 2010. MEP_Mar2025_66-71_Energy Efficiency report_13546244.indd 6709/03/2025 18:34WHITEPAPER www.mepmiddleeast.com 68 MEP Middle East | March 2025www.mepmiddleeast.com The GCC’s industrial sector, with its signiﬁ cant petrochemical and aluminium industries, presents both a challenge and an opportunity for energy effi ciency gains. Initiatives focused on optimising energy use in these industries are crucial. However, progress on energy intensity improvement is slower in hard-to-abate sectors. Less intensive industries, such as those in the EU and Latin America, are seeing a shift from fossil fuels to electricity, which now represents over 40% of industrial energy use. Many industries are setting ambitious net-zero goals, with 99% committing to energy effi ciency improvements. Countries like Ghana and South Korea are introducing stricter electric motor regulations to further boost industrial effi ciency. Buildings Sector In the buildings sector, energy demand surpassed 120 EJ in 2023, making up 28% of global energy consumption. This demand is expected to rise to over 130 EJ by 2030. However, the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) Scenario aims for a 17% reduction in building energy use by 2030. Energy intensity improvements in buildings have averaged one percent annually from 2010 to 2023, with the NZE scenario targeting a more aggressive four percent improvement by 2030. Over 50% of newly built ﬂ oor areas globally lack mandatory energy effi ciency standards, which may lead to ineffi ciencies in the long run. Heat pumps present a signiﬁ cant opportunity for energy savings, potentially reducing energy use by 60-70% compared to gas boilers, especially when offi ces and industries are better insulated. The GCC’s building sector is a signiﬁ cant energy consumer, primarily due to the demand for cooling. Addressing this requires focusing on building design, insulation, and highly effi cient HVAC systems, like in the case of Al Bahr Towers in Abu Dhabi. Transport Sector In the transport sector, total energy consumption reached 122 EJ in 2023, accounting for 27% of global energy use. The global EV ﬂ eet consumed 130 TWh of electricity in 2023, equivalent to Norway’s entire electricity demand. Appliances The rising ownership of appliances, especially in emerging markets, contributes to increased energy consumption. In saturated markets like Europe and North America, appliance energy consumption has increased by 25% despite effi ciency improvements. Given the high temperatures and reliance on cooling in the GCC, energy-effi cient appliances, especially air conditioners and refrigerators, are crucial for reducing overall energy demand. Over 120 countries have implemented Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) for major appliances like air conditioners and refrigerators, signiﬁ cantly improving effi ciency. While regional standards and regulations for appliance energy effi ciency are still a work in progress in the GCC, standards in the EU have led to a 60% improvement in appliance effi ciency, saving consumers an estimated USD 17 billion annually by 2030. The GCC region stands out with its signiﬁcant potential for electriﬁcation powered by renewable energy sources “The GCC’s building sector is a signiﬁcant energy consumer, primarily due to the demand for cooling” MEP_Mar2025_66-71_Energy Efficiency report_13546244.indd 6809/03/2025 18:35WHITEPAPER www.mepmiddleeast.comMarch 2025 | MEP Middle East 69 www.mepmiddleeast.com ELECTRIFYING GROWTH The transformative power of electriﬁ cation on global energy use is undeniable, with profound implications for energy effi ciency, policy, and consumer costs. In 2024, global electricity demand was projected to rise by four percent, driven by China, India, and Southeast Asia. The share of electricity in total energy consumption is expected to reach nearly 30% by 2030 in the Net Zero Emissions (NZE) Scenario. Notably, the GCC region stands out with its signiﬁ cant potential for electriﬁ cation powered by renewable energy sources such as solar, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable energy future. The High Cost of Climate Impact Extreme temperatures are pushing electricity demand to new heights, with over 40 countries reaching peak demand records in 2024. This is causing demand for air conditioning to soar, especially in emerging economies like India, where electricity demand exceeded 250 GW in 2024, and AC sales surged by over 25%. Smart grid technologies, demand response programs, energy storage solutions, district cooling systems, cooling technologies, and energy-effi cient building designs are turning to be essential tools to mitigate the impact of peak electricity demand and soaring air conditioning demand in the GCC region. While the demand for electricity is high, the cost remains a challenge. In many OECD countries, electricity prices are at least two and a half times higher than natural gas, undermining the beneﬁ ts of electriﬁ cation. Governments are off ering ﬁ nancial incentives to encourage adoption. For example, Germany is covering up to 70% of heat pump costs. Can We Be Flexible? As renewable energy sources increase, the importance of ﬂ exibility in managing energy systems becomes more pronounced. In 2023, global renewable capacity additions reached nearly 565 GW, a 60% increase from the previous year. The smart demand response market is valued at over USD 29 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow by 19% annually until 2032. Battery storage deployment more than doubled in 2023, with China contributing 55% of the growth, underscoring the need for innovative solutions in the energy sector. Negative electricity prices became more common in Europe in 2024 due to high solar output and low demand. Countries like the UK, Australia, and the US are investing in new projects and strategies to support grid ﬂ exibility. Optimising energy usage is one of the top ESG goals for many companies in the GCC While investment in energy efficiency continues to grow, the pace of investment has slowed down 4% Projected increase in global electricity demand in 2024 MEP_Mar2025_66-71_Energy Efficiency report_13546244.indd 6909/03/2025 18:35Next >