Riyadh Time Magazine Lists Top 25 Influential Figures in Water Technology Sector
Riyadh Time, a specialized magazine in the water technology sector, has published a list of the top 25 influential figures who have made significant contributions to this vital sector in Saudi Arabia over the past years. The list includes a distinguished group of national leaders and experts in the fields of water, environment, and agriculture.
Leading Figures
At the forefront of this list is H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman Al-Fadley, Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. Also featured are H.E. Eng. Mansour Al-Mushaiti, Deputy Minister, and H.E. Dr. Abdullah Al-Abdulkareem, Governor of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation. Other notable figures include Eng. Khaled AlQureshi, CEO of the Saudi Company for Water Partnerships, and Eng. Majeb AlOdayani, CEO of PureGy.
National Water Strategy 2030
The magazine highlighted the announcement of the Saudi National Water Strategy 2030 in 2017. This strategy aims to address all major challenges, reform the water and sanitation sector, and ensure the sustainable development of water resources while providing high-quality services at affordable prices.
Achievements and Regional Aspirations
Following the wise leadership’s directives, the National Water Strategy has achieved widespread success across various fields and activities, establishing a global standard of excellence in this vital sector. The magazine noted that these achievements have inspired interest in applying this strategy across the Arab world to advance and preserve water resources for future generations.
Reflections on Vision 2030
The list of influencers published by Riyadh Time reflects the significant efforts undertaken by the Kingdom to achieve water security in line with Vision 2030. It also highlights Saudi Arabia’s regional and global leadership in water resource management and sustainability, driven by a cadre of outstanding national talents.
H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley: A Leading Figure in Saudi Arabia
H.E. Eng. Abdulrahman bin Abdulmohsen Al-Fadley is a prominent figure in Saudi Arabia, serving as the Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture since 2016. Al-Fadley holds a degree in chemical engineering from King Saud University and has extensive experience in both the industrial and agricultural sectors.
Early Career and Almarai
Al-Fadley began his professional career in the petroleum industry, where he worked for 13 years. In 1996, he joined Almarai, a leading food and beverage company in the Middle East. He progressed through various leadership roles within the company, ultimately becoming its CEO from 2000 to 2015. During his tenure at Almarai, he chaired the boards of several subsidiary companies and held board memberships in other prominent firms in the agriculture and food sectors.
Ministerial Role and Achievements
Since assuming the role of minister, Al-Fadley has overseen numerous government institutions and agencies related to environment, water, and agriculture. He chairs the boards of several key organizations, driving initiatives that align with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. His efforts focus on supporting social responsibility programs, training the national workforce, and promoting job localization. Additionally, he has been instrumental in the sustainable development of natural resources and agricultural growth.
Vision 2030 Contributions
Al-Fadley’s distinguished administrative expertise in project management and investments has positioned him to lead critical sectors towards achieving the goals of Saudi Vision 2030. His leadership in environment, water, agriculture, and food security has been pivotal in steering these sectors towards sustainable and innovative futures.
H.E. Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti: A Distinguished Leader in Environment, Water, and Agriculture
H.E. Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti is a notable national figure in the sectors of environment, water, agriculture, and energy in Saudi Arabia. Currently serving as the Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, Al-Mushaiti has a rich career filled with significant achievements and experiences in both governmental and private entities.
Educational Background and Early Career
Al-Mushaiti holds a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from King Saud University. He began his professional journey with the Saudi Electricity Company before moving to the Electricity and Cogeneration Regulatory Authority, where he managed economic affairs and tariffs for a decade.
Ministry Roles and Contributions
In 2015, Al-Mushaiti joined the then Ministry of Water and Electricity as the Undersecretary for Planning and Development. Following the restructuring of the ministry in 2016, he assumed the same role in the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture. In April 2017, he was appointed as the Deputy Minister.
During his tenure, Al-Mushaiti has contributed significantly to the ministry’s achievements, including the development of its strategic vision and goals, restructuring initiatives, and proposing an efficient water consumption program for social security beneficiaries. He also played a key role in developing the electricity strategy in collaboration with the World Bank.
Expertise and Leadership
Al-Mushaiti combines practical experience with academic expertise. He holds memberships on several boards and committees of various governmental and private entities, such as the Human Resources Development Fund, the General Authority for Statistics, and the General Investment Authority. Additionally, he is involved with international organizations and bodies.
Vision 2030 Contributions
With his extensive experience and remarkable achievements, Al-Mushaiti is among the national leadership talents capable of contributing to the realization of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 in the fields of environment, water, agriculture, and sustainable energy. His leadership and strategic planning are pivotal in driving forward the nation’s sustainability goals and enhancing the efficiency of resource management.
H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem: Governor of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation
H.E. Eng. Abdullah bin Ibrahim Al-Abdulkareem is one of the prominent national figures in the water sector in Saudi Arabia, currently serving as the Governor of the Saline Water Conversion Corporation (SWCC). Al-Abdulkareem holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Engineering from King Saud University in Riyadh.
Career Progression and Leadership Roles
Al-Abdulkareem has steadily progressed through various leadership roles within the SWCC. He has held significant positions such as the General Manager of Strategic Planning and Budgeting, leader of several strategic committees, and head of planning and development programs. Before his current role, he managed the entire Planning and Development sector.
Contributions and Achievements
Al-Abdulkareem has overseen the development of advanced strategies and operational models as part of a comprehensive program aimed at achieving optimal production efficiency and business development, as well as enhancing service quality in the water sector. He has achieved numerous successes in both the public and private sectors, particularly in the water industry.
Strategic Initiatives and International Contributions
Al-Abdulkareem has played an active role in various local and international forums to advance the desalination industry. He has contributed to the formulation and implementation of strategies to improve the efficiency of desalinated seawater production and transportation through his leadership roles within the SWCC.
One of his notable achievements includes leading the SWCC team in the Privatization Program, recently endorsed by the Council of Ministers. This initiative involves the establishment of the Water Transmission and Technologies Company and the approval of a model for the privatization of production assets. He has also adopted numerous development methodologies and strategic management practices to enhance effectiveness through sustainable economic governance.
Vision 2030 and Future Contributions
With his extensive experience and remarkable achievements, Al-Abdulkareem is regarded as a leading figure in the water sector both locally and regionally. His contributions are instrumental in achieving Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals in water security. Through his leadership, the SWCC continues to enhance its operational efficiency and sustainability, positioning Saudi Arabia at the forefront of global water desalination and management practices.
Eng. Majeb AlOdayani: CEO of PureGy
Eng. Majeb AlOdayani is a prominent national figure in Saudi Arabia’s water, environment, and infrastructure sectors. He has been serving as the CEO of PureGy since September 2023.
Professional Background and Leadership Roles
Al-Odiyani brings extensive experience in developing and managing concession contracts in water, environment, and facility management. He holds board membership accreditation from the GCC Board Directors Institute.
Before joining Pure Energy, Al-Odiyani held several leadership positions at the Industrial Cities Development and Operations Company. He served as the CEO from 2018 to 2022 and as a board member from 2020 to 2022. He also held the roles of General Manager and Eastern Region Director within the same company.
In addition, Al-Odiyani was a board member of Riyadh Water Production Company from 2020 to 2022 and served as its General Manager from 2018 to 2022. He was Vice President of Sales and Commercial Affairs at Miyahuna between 2020 and 2022, following his role as Business Development Manager at the same company from 2011 to 2014. Early in his career, he worked as a civil engineer at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture from 2003 to 2006.
Educational Background
Al-Odiyani holds a Master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering from Cardiff University, UK, obtained in 2011, and a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from King Saud University, earned in 2003.
Contributions and Vision 2030
With his extensive expertise and notable achievements in project and company management within the water, environment, and infrastructure sectors, Al-Odiyani is recognized as a leading national talent. His contributions play a significant role in advancing Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals in these critical areas. Under his leadership, Pure Energy continues to drive progress and innovation, ensuring sustainable management and development of the Kingdom’s vital resources.
Pure Energy Company
PureGy, a subsidiary of Shahm Holding Company, is a leading firm in water treatment, green energy, and environmental solutions in Saudi Arabia. It provides services to mining and other heavy industrial sectors.
The company boasts a comprehensive portfolio of services, offering the latest technologies and innovations to efficiently meet its clients’ requirements and execute projects within cost-effective and timely manner.
PureGy focuses on its clients’ needs by delivering high-quality and reliable products and services, grounded in its commitment to long-term relationships with customers and strategic partners.
Its services cover areas such as industrial and municipal wastewater treatment, treated water reuse, renewable energy technologies like solar and wind energy, solid and hazardous waste management solutions, and other environmental projects.
Pure Energy relies on qualified national talent and international experts to deliver its innovative solutions, benefiting from partnerships with major global companies specialized in these fields. It adheres to the highest standards of quality, safety, and sustainability in all its operations.
Through its integrated services, Pure Energy effectively contributes to supporting the Kingdom’s efforts to achieve its Vision 2030 goals in water security, clean energy, and environmental protection, aiming for a more sustainable future for generations to come.
