Eng. Nawal Alhanaee: --- Qualifications Extensive Leadership In Energy Policy And Strategy: Over 20 Years Of Experience In Public Infrastructure And Future Energy Planning. Led The Revision Of The UAE Energy Strategy 2050 And The Development Of The UAE National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, Aligning With National Goals For Net Zero Emissions By 2050. Advanced Academic Credentials: Master’s Degree In Urban Planning With A Specialization In Transportation From The American University Of Sharjah. Currently Pursuing A Ph.D. In Sustainable Infrastructure At The British University In Dubai. Certified And Recognized Professional: Holds Multiple Certifications Including Project Management Professional (PMP), ICF Certified Coach, Certified Innovation Strategist, And A Public Sector Innovation Diploma. Award-Winning Expert: Recipient Of Over 500 Awards And Certificates, Including: Order Of Zayed II (First Class) By The UAE President For National Service At COP28 Hydrogen Person Of The Year 2024 – World Hydrogen Summit, Rotterdam Sustainability Leadership Award – Solar Week UAE 2024 Emirati Women Achiever 2024 Mentor And Capacity-Builder: Trained And Mentored Over 1,000 Professionals And Youth Across The UAE In Energy, Innovation, Infrastructure, And Clean Technologies. Led Impactful Programs Such As Ajyana/Intilaqa To Develop The Next Generation Of Energy Leaders. Global Diplomatic Engagement: Represented The UAE In International Platforms Including BRICS, G20, COP28, And Global Hydrogen Trade Forums. Spearheaded Strategic Dialogues And Forged Partnerships Supporting Decarbonization, Hydrogen Trade, And Energy Efficiency. Strategic Project Leadership: Managed Infrastructure And Mega-project Portfolios Exceeding $100 Million, With A Strong Focus On Sustainability, Digital Transformation, And Climate Resilience.
University/Institute Name United Arab Emirates University (UAEU) Bachelor Of Science In Civil Engineering American University Of Sharjah (AUS) Master Of Urban Planning – Transportation Specialization British University In Dubai (BUID) Ph.D. Candidate – Sustainable Infrastructure (In Progress)Honorary Doctorate In Sustainability
Eng. Nawal Alhanaee is an award-winning leader in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, serving as Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. With over 20 years of public sector experience, she has led key national strategies including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision. She holds a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from UAEU, a Master’s in Urban Planning from AUS, and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Sustainable Infrastructure at BUID. She is also a certified PMP, ICF coach, and Certified Innovation Strategist. Nawal was awarded the Order of Zayed II (First Class) for her role in COP28 and named Hydrogen Person of the Year 2024. Other honors include:Sustainability Leadership Award & Grand Master in Solar Policy – Solar Week UAEEmirati Women Achiever 2024Best Government Project Award – UAE Wellbeing EconomyGlobal Project Excellence Award (3rd – Female Leader)Women in Energy Transition Leader (2025) Honorary Doctorate in Sustainability She has received over 500 awards and mentored 1,000+ professionals, including launching the ‘ATAA’ platform for women in energy.
As an experienced energy leader and policy innovator, I am honored to express my interest in serving as a Regional Ambassador for Climate Action and Renewables at Sustainability Global. With over two decades of experience in public infrastructure, energy strategy, and sustainable development, I bring a deep commitment to advancing transformative climate action across the Middle East and beyond.In my current role as Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, I have led the development and implementation of national strategies including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, aligning national ambitions with global climate goals and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative. My work has focused on accelerating clean energy adoption, advancing hydrogen as a future fuel, and fostering international cooperation to drive the energy transition.I have represented the UAE in high-level international forums, including COP28, the G20, and BRICS, championing clean energy policies, innovation, and just transition frameworks. As a recognized voice for sustainability, I was recently awarded the Hydrogen Person of the Year 2024 and received the Order of Zayed II (First Class) for my contributions to global climate negotiations.Beyond policy, I am deeply passionate about capacity building and advocacy. I have mentored over 1,000 youth and professionals in energy, climate leadership, and innovation. I am also the founder of ‘ATAA’ – a platform for empowering women in energy and sustainability, reflecting my commitment to inclusivity in climate action.As a Regional Ambassador, I will leverage my network, experience, and voice to:Promote renewable energy adoption and climate innovation across the region.Engage policymakers, youth, and civil society in transformative climate action.Amplify the mission of Sustainability Global through advocacy, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.I am driven by the belief that bold leadership, inclusive collaboration, and science-based action are essential to achieving a sustainable future. I would be proud to contribute to Sustainability Global’s mission and serve as a regional catalyst for change.
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https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0103-3579
- Order of Zayed II – First Class (2024) Awarded by the President of the UAE in recognition of national service and leadership during COP28 as part of the official UAE negotiation team.
- Hydrogen Person of the Year (2024) Awarded at the World Hydrogen Summit in Rotterdam for global leadership in advancing hydrogen policy and implementing the UAE Hydrogen Strategy 2050.
- SQ Customer’s Choice Awards – Middle East (2025) Presented the award on behalf of the Ministry, recognizing exceptional project contributions across the energy sector.
Eng. Nawal Alhanaee is an award-winning leader in clean energy and sustainable infrastructure, serving as Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. With over 20 years of public sector experience, she has led key national strategies including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, aligning with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 vision.
She holds a Bachelor's in Civil Engineering from UAEU, a Master’s in Urban Planning from AUS, and is pursuing her Ph.D. in Sustainable Infrastructure at BUID. She is also a certified PMP, ICF coach, and Certified Innovation Strategist.
Nawal was awarded the Order of Zayed II (First Class) for her role in COP28 and named Hydrogen Person of the Year 2024. Other honors include:
Sustainability Leadership Award & Grand Master in Solar Policy – Solar Week UAE
Emirati Women Achiever 2024
Best Government Project Award – UAE Wellbeing Economy
Global Project Excellence Award (3rd – Female Leader)
Women in Energy Transition Leader (2025)
Honorary Doctorate in Sustainability
She has received over 500 awards and mentored 1,000+ professionals, including launching the ‘ATAA’ platform for women in energy.
As an experienced energy leader and policy innovator, I am honored to express my interest in serving as a Regional Ambassador for Climate Action and Renewables at Sustainability Global. With over two decades of experience in public infrastructure, energy strategy, and sustainable development, I bring a deep commitment to advancing transformative climate action across the Middle East and beyond.
In my current role as Director of the Future Energy Department at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, I have led the development and implementation of national strategies including the UAE Energy Strategy 2050 and the National Hydrogen Strategy 2050, aligning national ambitions with global climate goals and the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 initiative. My work has focused on accelerating clean energy adoption, advancing hydrogen as a future fuel, and fostering international cooperation to drive the energy transition.
I have represented the UAE in high-level international forums, including COP28, the G20, and BRICS, championing clean energy policies, innovation, and just transition frameworks. As a recognized voice for sustainability, I was recently awarded the Hydrogen Person of the Year 2024 and received the Order of Zayed II (First Class) for my contributions to global climate negotiations.
Beyond policy, I am deeply passionate about capacity building and advocacy. I have mentored over 1,000 youth and professionals in energy, climate leadership, and innovation. I am also the founder of ‘ATAA’ – a platform for empowering women in energy and sustainability, reflecting my commitment to inclusivity in climate action.
As a Regional Ambassador, I will leverage my network, experience, and voice to:
Promote renewable energy adoption and climate innovation across the region.
Engage policymakers, youth, and civil society in transformative climate action.
Amplify the mission of Sustainability Global through advocacy, partnerships, and knowledge exchange.
I am driven by the belief that bold leadership, inclusive collaboration, and science-based action are essential to achieving a sustainable future. I would be proud to contribute to Sustainability Global’s mission and serve as a regional catalyst for change.