Speakers

Ambassador Shahira Wahbi is an expert in water and food security, urban development, and disaster risk reduction. She is a Sudanese diplomat who joined the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1988 and was seconded to the Arab League in Cairo from 2000 until August 2024. During this period, she held the position of Director of the Department of Housing, Water Resources, and Disaster Risk Reduction. She led the technical secretariat of the Arab Ministerial Councils in the areas of water, housing, and disaster management, and participated in numerous regional and international forums. She also served as a diplomat in various Sudanese missions abroad and volunteered in the Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) program. Prior to this, she was a field researcher at the Institute of African and Asian Studies at the University of Khartoum.

Dr. Ahmed Al-Busaidi is a researcher in the Department of Soil, Water, and Agricultural Engineering at Sultan Qaboos University, Oman, where he earned his PhD in Biophysical Science from Tottori University, Japan, in 2007. He has extensive experience as a lecturer and principal investigator in national and international projects, and he was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship in 2016. His research interests include soil and water sciences, salt-affected soils, and saline agriculture. He has co-authored and published numerous research papers and participated in international scientific conferences.

Dr. Ahmed Gamal Yehia is the Director of Environmental Affairs at the Holding Company for Water and Wastewater in Egypt, with 18 years of experience in the water industry and water sciences. Since 2014, he has managed environmental affairs within the General Department of Quality. He holds a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry and a PhD in Environmental Sciences from Cairo and Damietta Universities. He also serves as a lecturer at the Faculty of Earth Sciences, Beni Suef University, and has participated in research on integrated water resource management and the impacts of climate change. Additionally, he has been involved in advanced programs at both national and international levels.

Dr. Saloua Elfanssi is an Environmental Director at Afilab Group and a researcher at the National Center for Studies and Research on Water and Energy in Marrakech, Morocco. She earned her PhD in Water Treatment and Environmental Engineering from Cadi Ayyad University. Between 2019 and 2022, she served as Executive Director of the Green Wave Foundation, participating in international initiatives funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development. She has conducted research in the fields of climate change and gray water, and has received multiple awards in recognition of her achievements. In 2016, she was elected Vice President of the Anarouz Association, and in 2020, she received the Women Leader Award from the Women in Energy and Environment Organization.

Eng. AAdil Mohammed AlKhamisi holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from the United States. He currently works at the Public Services Regulatory Authority, where he is responsible for planning future capacities in the water and wastewater services sector. His duties include designing and developing water desalination plants and wastewater treatment facilities.

Dr. Ali Abdelrahim Al-Azawi is the Head of the Geology Department at the General Authority for Groundwater in the Iraqi Ministry of Water Resources. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Earth Sciences from Baghdad University in 1991, followed by a Master’s and PhD in Groundwater from the same university in 2009 and 2016, respectively. He received a one-year research fellowship at the University of New Mexico, USA, in 2015. He is an active member of the Iraqi Scientific Society for Water Resources and has participated in numerous hydrological studies and projects in Iraq. Additionally, he has presented research at local and international conferences and has contributed to supervising graduate students.

Ghada is a staff member at Engicon. She has 14 years of experience in project and program management, stakeholder management, water policies and strategies, water utility management, non-revenue water reduction analysis and studies, and water demand management in Jordan and abroad. Ghada holds a master’s degree in Engineering Management from The University of Arizona in the USA and a master’s degree in Water and Environmental Engineering from The University of Jordan. Additionally, she is a Board Member and VP of Marketing/Social Media/Communications for the Project Management Institute – Jordan Chapter. Ghada has also published several studies on water management and non-revenue water reduction.

Mrs. Fayrouz Eldabbagh is a researcher in political science at the National Policies and Strategies Initiative at the International Water Management Institute in the Middle East and North Africa. She has expertise in political sociology; community needs assessment, as well as monitoring, evaluation, and evidence-based policy analysis. Fayrouz has worked with multiple international organizations, including Catholic Relief Services, the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ). She has produced numerous research outputs and reports to evaluate development projects encompassing urban and rural development, gender equality, and environmental peacebuilding.

Dr. Kassem Natouf is a hydrogeologist with a PhD from Damascus University and over 30 years of experience in water resource management. He began his career at the Syrian Ministry of Water Resources, where he led innovative projects such as establishing a water resources information center. Since 2011, he has been working with the Arab Center for the Studies of Dry Areas, focusing on research related to coastal protection from seawater intrusion and the impacts of climate change. He has conducted groundwater modeling in the Nile Basin and contributed to land use planning in Sudan. Dr. Natouf has published numerous scientific papers on the applications of modern technology in the water sector.

Prof. Majed Abu-Zreig is a professor of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering at Jordan University of Science and Technology, serving as the Director of the Water Diplomacy Center and a member of the advisory committee for the Higher Council for Science and Technology. He has extensive experience in water resource management and water diplomacy, having published over 50 research papers in areas such as rainwater harvesting and climate change. He worked for several years at the Dryland Research Center in Tottori and Tsukuba University in Japan and has conducted research visits to universities in Germany, Russia, and Portugal. Previously, he served as the Director of the Office of International Relations and Dean of Graduate Studies at the German Jordanian University.

Eng. Mohd Basheer is a civil engineer specialized in water and environmental studies. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Al-Hussein University and is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Water and Environment from the University of Jordan. He has strong experience in water management systems and various design programs, having managed academic initiatives and participated in international engineering competitions. He has authored research focusing on sustainability and recently took part in climate advocacy training with organizations such as UNICEF and Generations for Peace. Mohammad is committed to finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges and contributing to water management and sustainability.

Dr. Muhammad Khalifa is a researcher specializing in geology, holding a PhD from the University of Cologne in Germany and two Master’s degrees in Earth Sciences and Integrated Water Resource Management. He currently works as a regional researcher at the International Water Management Institute (IWMI), focusing on integrated modeling and assessment. With over 15 years of experience in Earth sciences, water management, and climate change, he previously served as a postdoctoral researcher at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the University of Cologne. Dr. Khalifa has expertise in remote sensing and has contributed to significant research projects on water resource management, with more than 20 publications in scientific journals.

Mrs. Malika Ismaili Alaoui is the Head of the Relations with Institutions Department at the General Directorate for Regional Affairs in the Drâa-Tafilalet region of Errachidia. She holds a Master’s degree in Administrative and Financial Sciences from Mohammed V University in Rabat and is a fifth-year doctoral researcher at Cadi Ayyad University in Marrakech, focusing on water security in her thesis. She is a member of the Rifaq Scientific Research Association in Errachidia and has participated in several scientific meetings and seminars in the fields of water policy, environment, and sustainable development. Recently, she presented a paper at the Fifth Arab Water Conference held in Saudi Arabia in November 2023.

Dr. Manal Sakhri is a researcher and expert in environmental policies and sustainable development, holding a Master’s degree in Political Science and a PhD in Political Science. She has participated in numerous national and international conferences, presenting research on environmental issues and contemporary challenges. She has authored four significant books, including “Environmental Policy in Algeria: Between Internal Determinants and International Requirements” and “Environmental Studies: Contemporary Issues,” along with many published scientific articles. Dr. Sakri currently works as a professor at Blida 2 University in Algeria, and her research aims to promote environmental awareness and develop sustainable policies.

Dr. Youssef Brouziyne is the Regional Representative of the International Water Management Institute (IWMI) for the Middle East and North Africa. He has extensive institutional and academic experience in sustainable management and building resilience in water and agricultural value chains across North and West Africa and Southern Europe. His focus is on leveraging partnerships and science to enhance the resilience and sustainability of water and agricultural systems in the region. Dr. Bourzine aims to promote strategies that support sustainability in the face of environmental and water challenges

Dr. Youssef Said Marai is an expert with a PhD in Civil Engineering, specializing in water structures. He has worked as a collaborating expert with the Arab Center for the Studies of Dry Areas and Desertification (ACSAD), leading the Integrated Water Resources Management Program from 2009 to 2024. Currently, he serves as an Assistant Professor at the University of Damascus since 1991, focusing on water resource management, particularly in the fields of irrigation and Arab water security. Dr. Marai has participated in numerous research activities and studies related to irrigation water efficiency and adapting to the impacts of climate change, in addition to updating the Arab Water Security Strategy. He has also contributed to teaching and developing curricula in hydraulics and water resource management.

Eng. Anwar bin Hassan Al-Sharimi aims to enhance water resource management to meet present and future needs, with an ambition to lead globally in this field. He possesses strong skills in analysis, decision-making, customer care, flexibility, and teamwork. Currently, he serves as the Director of Water Compliance and Regulation at the Ministry of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, with experience in overseeing geological and hydrological studies and preparing water balance assessments. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Water Geology from King Abdulaziz University and a postgraduate diploma in Integrated Water Resources Management from the United Nations University and the Arabian Gulf University.

Eng. Anwar Al Adwan has over 23 years of experience in irrigation and agricultural water management at the Jordan Valley Authority. He currently serves as the Director of the Partners and Water User Associations Directorate since 2023. Previously, he worked with GIZ for 9 years and participated in projects with national and international organizations such as MEDRC, SWIM, USAID, KFW, RSS, and NARC. He was awarded third place in the King Abdullah II Center for Excellence as an Outstanding Administrative Manager in 2017, and the Jordanian Society of Agricultural Engineers granted him the title of Expert in Managing and Operating Irrigation Systems in 2016.

Prof. Radwan Al-Weshah is a professor of Water Engineering and Hydrology at the University of Jordan and a former Dean of Scientific Research. He holds a Ph.D. in Civil Engineering from the University of Illinois with a GPA of 4.00/4.00 and has published over 50 specialized research papers. With more than 35 years of experience in water engineering and hydrological studies, he served as a Senior Technical Consultant for the Kuwaiti Committee for Environmental Compensation. He managed the International Hydrological Program for UNESCO in Cairo and provided consultancy to local and international institutions, including the Jordanian Ministry of Water and Irrigation. He has also participated in the design of water structures and flood risk management.

Prof. Dr. Rakad Ayed Ta’any is a distinguished expert in water resource management with over 40 years of experience. He currently holds a position in the Arab Countries Water Utilities Association (ACWUA) and has served as a professor and head of the Water and Environment Department at Al-Balqa Applied University. He has experience as a consultant for the Ministry of Presidential Affairs in the UAE and the Ministry of Water Resources in Oman, as well as serving as the Director of Water Studies at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation for 27 years. He holds a Ph.D. in Water Resource Management from Baghdad University and has published over 50 scientific papers on water quality and hydrology. Additionally, he has supervised numerous graduate theses and conducted training courses in several Arab countries.

Eng. Sina Hajarat holds a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering and a Master’s degree in Nuclear Science and Technology from the University of Manchester in the UK. She works as a nuclear researcher at the Jordan Atomic Energy Commission, overseeing various projects that include knowledge management, project management, and nuclear reactor assessments. She is part of the infrastructure team reviewing non-electric applications of nuclear reactors, such as hydrogen production and water desalination. Currently, she is engaged in a three-year research project with the International Atomic Energy Agency to explore nuclear desalination options for Jordan and identify the most suitable solutions

Eng. Tariq Al-Nawaiseh holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering (Water and Environment) from the University of Jordan and has extensive experience in infrastructure projects. He has led projects in Greater Amman and other cities, overseeing construction, planning, and hydrological studies. At the Jordanian Engineers Association, he focused on improving existing systems and maintaining roads and water networks. He worked as a design engineer with the Coalition for Engineering Consultations, where he designed roads and sewage and water networks. He holds certifications in Project Management Professional (PMP), Quality Management Systems (ISO 9001), and Primavera P6, equipping him to tackle complex infrastructure challenges.

Mofied is currently General Manager at Aqaba Water Company, and he has worked as Secretary General Assistant for Water Projects at the Water Authority of Jordan for the last 4 years. He has over 16 years of experience managing millions of US dollars and diverse water and wastewater projects and programs. In addition to his solid record in strategic planning, water policies formulation, stakeholder management, operation and maintenance, project monitoring and control, and coordinating across multiple funding agencies and implementing partners, as well as a wide range of IFIs and donors (USAID, EIB, EU, AFD, KfW, World Bank, GIZ). Mofied holds a master’s degree in Business administration and Management from The University of Jordan and a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from The Hashemite University in Jordan.

Eng. Nafn Amdar is a researcher in water engineering and management at the International Water Management Institute, and she is a Ph.D. candidate at IHE Delft for Water Education. She has 17 years of experience in water resource management across the Middle East, North Africa, and Gulf countries. She received the Transformational Research Award from the FAO Global Forum on Food Security (2021) and the Schlumberger Foundation’s Women for the Future Award (2021-2024). Her current research focuses on using remote sensing technologies, water accounting, and integrated modeling to enhance the resilience of water systems. Additionally, she coordinates the WAPOR project in Jordan, Iraq, and Palestine, which leverages remote sensing techniques to improve irrigation water management.

Dr. Noura Abdelwahab is a senior gender and social inclusion expert at the International Water Management Institute, Middle East and North Africa Office. She has over 15 years of experience addressing the social aspects of water, as well as the interconnections between water, energy, and food, with a focus on equitable financing for the impacts of climate change. She has conducted studies on gender implications in wastewater treatment and participated in water reuse projects in the region, along with the Gender Impact Platform project. Dr. Abd El-Wahab has collaborated with international and regional organizations such as the World Bank, French Development Agency, United Nations Development Programme, and African Development Bank.

Eng. Yousef Al-Aitan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering and has 26 years of experience in operations management, maintenance, manufacturing, and development, as well as managing technical programs and communications in the Jordanian Armed Forces and the King Abdullah II Design and Development Bureau. He also has 10 years of experience in water management, serving as a consultant and assistant CEO at Miyahuna, and has held the position of Acting Secretary-General of the Water Authority multiple times. Additionally, he has served as the Assistant Secretary General for Water Operations and Provinces and as the Director of the Workshops and Maintenance Department at the Jordan Water Authority.

Dr. Omar Arabeyyat is an expert project manager with over 20 years of experience in entrepreneurship and innovation. He has managed major projects such as INTERNISA and training initiatives for refugees, as well as developing technical education programs funded by KOICA. He has served as a coordinator for GIZ-funded projects and Erasmus+ mobility initiatives, working on academic cooperation between Jordan and the United States. As a researcher, he has published papers and presented at international conferences, reflecting his expertise in both academic and industrial fields. He is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of project managers and engineers through supervising students and junior staff.

Prof. Osama Al-Habahbeh is a professor of Mechatronics Engineering at the Jordan University. He earned his Ph.D. from Clarkson University. He has held positions as Associate Dean, Department Head, and Career Guidance Director, and worked as a Senior Engineer at Royal Jordanian Airlines. He has teaching experience at universities such as Toledo, Newcastle, Al-Hussein University, and the American University of the Middle East. His research interests focus on intelligent systems and green energy, and he has contributed over 60 scientific works, including books, patents, and published research. He has also provided consulting services to various companies and governments.

Mrs. Enas Salamah holds a Bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Sciences and a Master’s degree in Water Quality Monitoring. She worked as a collaborator at the Al-Ghayran Agricultural Institute and is a member of several environmental organizations. She founded the Eco-Schools Project in Libya and has experience in chemical and microbiological water analysis. She has published scientific papers on water pollution and climate impacts and has participated in scientific conferences. She is interested in promoting water governance and developing sustainable solutions for water resource management.

Dr. Ihab Jnad is the Director of the Water Resources Department at the Arab Center for the Studies of Arid Zones and Dry Lands (ACSAD) since 2015 and was previously the head of the Water Resources Development Program at ACSAD from 2002 to 2015. He also serves as an Associate Professor at the Faculty of Agriculture at Damascus University since 2001. His specialization includes water resources management, mathematical modeling, impact assessments of climate change, and estimating crop water requirements using satellite images. He holds a Ph.D. in water resources engineering from Texas A&M University.

Mr. Amer Al-Madahen A highly experienced Financial Manager with over 23 years of expertise in budget development, allocation, financial account management, internal audit, asset management, project management, report generation, revenue forecasting, donor relations, and team coordination. Possessing exceptional analytical abilities, he excels in analysing business requirements and delivering reports that exceed expectations. Skilled in driving organizational improvements and implementing optimal operational and financial practices. He have a demonstrated track record of providing proactive leadership and efficiently managing multiple projects in fast-paced and demanding environments.

Dr. Khaldoun Shatanawi is an Associate Professor of Civil Engineering and the Director of the Water, Energy, and Environment Center at the University of Jordan. He also serves as the President of the Water and Environment Committee at the Jordan Engineers Association. With a Ph.D. from Clemson University, Dr. Shatanawi has over 20 years of experience in climate change adaptation, flood risk management, hydrological modeling of arid regions, groundwater management, and the optimal use of scarce water resources. He has led numerous research projects and published more than 50 papers in the fields of water and environmental engineering.

Dr. Tawfiq Al-Hamd holds a Ph.D. from the University of Jordan, along with a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Agriculture from Jordan University of Science and Technology. He currently serves as the Assistant Secretary-General for Watershed Affairs at the Water Authority, and as the Director of the Environment and Reuse Department at the same authority. He has previously worked as a Research and Teaching Assistant at the Hashemite University. Additionally, he has held positions as the Director of an Agricultural Company in Saudi Arabia and Director of the Research Unit at Tadco Agricultural Company.

Geologist Thair M. Al-Momani holds a Master’s degree in Environmental Science and Management from the University of Jordan (1995-1997). He began his professional career as a research assistant at the Water and Environmental Research Center at the University of Jordan from March 1998 to June 2004. In 2004, he joined the Ministry of Water and Irrigation, where he held several key positions, including Director of the Groundwater Monitoring Unit (2016-2018), Director of the Environment and Climate Change Directorate (2018-2020), and Director of the Water Basins Directorate (2020-2023). Since March 2023, he has served as the Assistant Secretary General for Technical Affairs at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation

ENG. Awni Kloub is an agricultural engineer who graduated from the University of Mosul in 1983. With over four decades of experience, he has worked in various technical and administrative positions in both the public and private sectors. In the public sector, he served in the Ministries of Agriculture and Water Resources, with his last position as a senior advisor to the Minister of Agriculture. He also worked as the Director of Water Demand Management at the Ministry of Water Resources and as a consultant and assistant to the Secretary-General for Watershed and Water Source Protection at the Water Authority. Throughout his career, he participated in numerous workshops, training courses, and conferences related to agricultural development, food security, water issues, and climate change. Currently, he is the CEO of the Arab Forum for Agriculture and the Director of the Arab Consultants for Agricultural and Climate Research Company.

Dr. Mohammed Khashashneh obtained his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the State Petroleum Academy in Baku, Azerbaijan. He served as the Director of Hazardous Substances and Waste Management at the Jordanian Ministry of Environment from 1999 to 2019, and currently holds the position of Secretary-General at the same ministry. Dr. Khashashneh has held several prominent international positions, including presiding over Conferences of the Parties for major environmental conventions such as the Stockholm, Basel, and Rotterdam Conventions. He was also elected as a Bureau Member of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee to combat plastic pollution. He has actively contributed to numerous environmental initiatives, supervised research on hazardous chemicals and waste, and helped develop standards and regulations to protect air quality in Jordan. Additionally, he has received numerous international awards and honors in recognition of his significant contributions to environmental protection.

Eng. Hamza Al-Alyani has extensive experience in both the public and private sectors. He served as Vice Chairman of the Board of Commissioners for the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority, responsible for investment and infrastructure. He also held management positions at companies such as Edgo and Petrofac, working in project management and energy. He is also a writer and commentator on sustainability, green economy, and energy. Al-Alyani holds an MBA from the University of Aberdeen and a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mu’tah University.

Dr. Khalil Al-Absi holds a PhD in Irrigation Water Economics from the University of Jordan, awarded in 2001. He has served as Assistant Secretary General for Planning and Shared Water at the Jordan Valley Authority (JVA), in addition to holding several other positions, including Director of Research and Development, Director of Financial Affairs, Director of Strategic Planning, and Regional Coordinator for various funded projects. He has also been a member of Joint Water Committees with neighboring countries and has participated in numerous technical and scientific committees related to the water sector. he has represented Jordan’s water sector at various local and international events.

Prof. Atef Al-Kharabsheh obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Earth and Environmental Sciences in 1989, a Master’s degree in Hydrogeology in 1991 from Yarmouk University, and a Ph.D. in Hydrology and Artificial Groundwater Recharge from the University of Wuerzburg in 1995. He is currently the President of Al-Hussein Bin Talal University. Previously, he served as Vice President of the German Jordanian University and Vice President of Al-Balqa’ Applied University. Professor Al-Kharabsheh held various academic and administrative positions at Al-Balqa’ Applied University, where he was involved in research and technical consulting in the fields of water management and drought. His research interests include water resources management, hydrology, groundwater recharge, and the impact of urbanization on water resources. He has published over 60 scientific papers and 3 books in these fields and participated in several international conferences.

Engineer Suzanne Al-Kilani worked in the water sector in Jordan for 34 years, focusing her efforts on water quality management and the implementation of ISO standards, as well as hydrology using radioactive isotopes. She held several managerial positions, including Director of Financial Affairs, Director of Water Source Quality Protection, and Assistant Secretary General for Laboratories and Water Quality. She led national and regional projects in the fields of water security and climate change, and contributed to the development of water policies and standards in Jordan. She holds a Master’s degree in Hydrology from UCL University and has made scientific and volunteer contributions in the field of water.

Eng. Muna Gharaibeh currently holds the position of Assistant Secretary General for Laboratories and Quality Affairs at the Water Authority of Jordan, where she has worked since 2001. She holds two Master’s degrees: one in Chemical Engineering from Jordan University of Science and Technology, and another in Water Supply Engineering from IHE-Delft. Muna has over 21 years of experience in planning new water resources, managing water treatment and desalination projects, and monitoring water and wastewater quality. Currently, she is responsible for managing water quality in all water and wastewater systems operated by water companies in Jordan, through the development of monitoring and control programs and overseeing the implementation of plans in coordination with the Ministry of Health.

Eng. Elham Alhadidi holds a Master’s degree in Regional Planning and a Bachelor’s degree in Surveying and Geomatics Engineering. She currently works as a GIS Expert at the Geographic Information Systems Directorate at the Ministry of Water. She is an accredited trainer at the ministry and an expert in Geographic Information Systems (GIS), with over 14 years of experience in water and wastewater projects. She is also an accredited trainer with the Jordan Engineers Association, conducting various workshops, courses, and conferences. Additionally, she is a former member of the Contractors’ Syndicate, the owner of a contracting company specializing in water and wastewater projects, and has participated in numerous local and international projects.

Eng. Saddam Khleifat is the Director of the National Conveyor Project Management Unit at the Ministry of Water and Irrigation in Jordan. He leads the National Conveyor Project (NCP), a multi-billion-dollar initiative crucial for improving water security and sustainable water supply in Jordan. Eng. Khleifat holds an MSc and BSc in Water Resources and Environmental Engineering. Before this role, he was a managing partner at Orient Engineering Consultancy, overseeing various water and wastewater projects, including national master plans for water infrastructure. He has played a key role in water initiatives across Jordan, Iraq, and the UAE, with expertise in infrastructure planning, design, and utilities operation.