Nomination Registration

Saif Almobideen is a bilingual (Arabic and English) Partner within the Maritime, Trade and Offshore team at Stephenson Harwood, with over a decade of experience in the Middle East region acting on complex cross-border and local disputes.

He is a specialist in handling a wide range of local disputes relating to marine wet & dry claims, charterparty disputes, crew claims, ship arrest and release, casualties and enforcement before the local courts.

He is relied upon by clients where there is a cross-border litigation element as his unique expertise in dealing with the local courts, authorities, public prosecutors and court appointed experts is second to none. He is experienced in representing clients in litigation cases (Civil & Criminal), as well as arbitrations under the DIFC-LCIA, LCIA and LMAA rules.

Saif is ranked as a ‘Next Generation Partner’ for Shipping and a 'Recommended Lawyer' for both Insurance and Dispute Resolution: Arbitration and International Litigation within The Legal 500 EMEA 2025 Guide, and ranked as ‘Up and Coming’ for Shipping: Dispute Resolution in the Chambers and Partners Global 2025 Guide.

Khalid Abulkhair is a Senior Specialist in the Environmental Quality and Monitoring Division at Red Sea Global. He brings over seven years of experience as a CAT-A Hydrographic Surveyor and certified ROV Pilot, adeptly deploying AUVs, ROVs, and advanced underwater environmental monitoring systems across diverse projects within Saudi Arabia's environmental and oil & gas sectors

Executive Leader in Global Supply Chain & Logistics Management

A visionary executive with extensive expertise in global supply chain operations, international logistics, and strategic planning, committed to driving transformative initiatives that elevate industry standards and public sector efficiency. With a proven track record in process automation, ecosystem optimization, and P&L oversight, excel in complex environments that demand innovation, precision, and leadership.

Currently serving as the Acting General Manager of the Transport and Logistics Sector at the Ministry of Investment, lead efforts to implement and accelerate the 2030 National Transport and Logistics Strategy (NTLS) and the National Investment Strategy (NIS). My role encompasses budget allocation, resource optimization, and sector assessments, ensuring alignment with Saudi Arabia’s national development objectives.

Key Achievements

- Led the management of Kuehne-Nagel's 20 global accounts in Saudi Arabia, providing 24/7 logistics solutions for critical operations worldwide

- Designed and executed a 10-year petrochemicals 3PL inbound logistics strategy, recognized as the largest of its kind globally

- Developed emergency supply chain frameworks, utilizing the world’s largest aircraft for vital shipments in the oil and gas sector

- Spearheaded procurement and contracting for 44 national projects, totaling SR 1 billion, at the National Water Company, enhancing performance through best practices

- Orchestrated the Saudi Cup logistics, ensuring seamless transport of 164 world-class racehorses, collectively valued at 22 million dollars each, with 100 percent error-free execution and a 50 percent cost reduction

Education & Credentials

- Bachelor of International Transport & Logistics Management, Arab Academy of Science, Technology and Maritime Transport, 2006

Capt. Moath Kashgari is a seasoned Saudi maritime professional with nearly a decade of experience across government and private sectors. He currently serves as Planning and Development Manager for Coastal Tourism Operations at the Saudi Red Sea Authority, helping shape the Kingdom’s growing coastal tourism landscape.

He began his career at Saudi Aramco, advancing to Harbor Pilot with no limitations and gaining deep expertise in pilotage across key ports like Jeddah, Duba, and Jizan. He later joined Bahri Ship Management as Training Senior Superintendent, overseeing the certification of over 3,000 seafarers and leading major cadetship and maritime training programs.

Capt. Moath's strengths lie in bridging technical operations with strategic development, with recognized expertise in pilotage, maritime training, certification systems, and coastal tourism. Notable achievements include leading a successful rescue operation at Jeddah terminal and representing Saudi Arabia at the IMO–ILO joint meeting in Geneva.

He holds a Bachelor's in Nautical Science from the UK and an Executive MBA from Spain, reflecting a strong blend of maritime and business acumen.

Strategic Advisor & Fractional CEO/COO/CSO/GC | Energy, Maritime & Commodities Expert

As a seasoned strategic advisor with over two decades of navigating complex energy and maritime transactions, my mission extends beyond deal execution to creating lasting value and sustainable frameworks. Through Two Falcons Consulting, I'm dedicated to bridging the gap between vision and implementation—helping family offices, sovereign entities, and corporate boards translate strategic ambitions into operational reality across the Energy, Maritime, and Technology sectors.

Vanessa Welch is a commercially focused strategist with over 30 years of experience driving transformation, growth, and strategic relations across the maritime, energy, and logistics sectors. As Managing Director of V3 International, she delivers embedded executive support, bridging board-level ambition with real-world execution.

Her track record includes engagements with ADNOC L&S, Vela International Marine (now Bahri), United Arab Chemical Carriers, Columbia Group, and RAKGAS. At Columbia Group, she played a pivotal role in shaping the firm’s regional strategy, identifying one of the most defining partnerships in its history. Elsewhere, she has led capability reviews, supported repositioning efforts, and strengthened commercial alignment in businesses navigating change. Vanessa is known for her clarity, decisiveness, and ability to navigate complex stakeholder environments.

A Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, she brings real-world industry experience and a practical approach to leadership, making her a trusted advisor and steady hand in guiding businesses through change.

Ahmed Hashem is Partner and Head of Transport - KSA, at the Transport department is located in Jeddah office and heading the practice in Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prior to joining the Jeddah office, Ahmed was a Senior Associate in Kuwait office for almost three years. Before that Ahmed was a Head of Legal in Gulf Agency (Egypt) Ltd.

He has extensive experience, which is over twelve years in Maritime law in the Middle East including freight forwarder disputes, agencies, customs and insurance.

Ahmed is skilled litigator, he has handled hundreds of cases either on Maritime cases or commercial, labor, Civil and arbitration.

Being a head of legal and Senior lawyer, he is responsible for providing specialist legal advice in respect of commercial, corporate, customs and Maritime law that's includes providing legal oversight and legal risk analysis in respect to the development of rules as well as negotiating, reviewing, coordinating, drafting and revising all contracts/ agreements / tenders.

Drafting all legal documents (memos, notifications, and statements) that are relevant to running or potential claims to be submitted to the competent court. Negotiating, reviewing, coordinating, drafting and checking of contracts/agreements, which clearly reflect the commercial, technical and financial objectives of GAC. Draft and review other documents and materials where there may be legal implications and responsible for ensuring dual language drafting accuracy in documentation with legal implications.

Dr. Ajith started his career as an Engineer attached with the Cochin Shipyard in India and over the past 23+ years is working with Aries Group with its headquarters in the UAE. He has accumulated experience in Naval Architecture and also specializes in implementing strategic and operational turnaround in Marine/Offshore Projects. He has worked extensively with various shipyard projects worldwide and manages projects both as a Project Manager and as a consultant.

His experience includes carrying out due diligence consultancy of Marine projects, Techno-economic Analysis, Efficiency improvement and carrying out feasibility studies with core focus in the offshore support sector.

Dr. Ajith holds an Engineering Degree in Naval Architecture & Ship Building and an MBA in Technology Management. He completed his Ph.D in energy efficient Shipping from University of Petroleum and Energy Studies.

With over a decade of experience spanning Saudi Arabia, the UK, and Kuwait, Bedoor is a licensed lawyer, certified notary public, and intellectual property agent. Her practice covers civil and commercial litigation, labor law, arbitration, corporate, maritime law, and international legal advisory. She has represented embassies, multinational corporations, and high-net-worth individuals, providing strategic counsel and effective representation in complex, cross-border matters in the maritime and pharmaceutical fields.

Bedoor’s academic credentials are equally impressive, holding an LLB with honors from the University of West London, a Legal Practice Course higher diploma from the University of South Wales, and an LLM in Sea law and Energy law from Cardiff University. She is a member of both the Saudi Bar Association and the UK Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA), and is registered as an IP agent with the Saudi Authority for Intellectual Property nd is a membe of the Saudi-Chinese business council.

A prolific legal author, Bedoor has published extensively on Saudi investment law, liability of shareholders, corporate governance, labor law, foreign investment, ADR, and commercial maritime law, with her insights featured in LexisNexis and Chambers and Partners. Her thought leadership supports the legal community and contributes to the advancement of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 by facilitating business growth and regulatory modernization.

Bedoor’s commitment to empowering women in law, her international perspective, and her unwavering dedication to legal excellence make her a role model for aspiring legal professionals and a key contributor to the evolution of the legal profession in Saudi Arabia and beyond.

Manik Verma is a Partner in the Ship and Aviation Finance practice with over 17 years of experience across the Middle East and Asia Pacific. He has built a strong reputation advising clients in maritime, offshore oil and gas, aviation, and banking sectors.

Manik works closely with financial institutions, export credit agencies, lessors, lessees, corporates, and operators, delivering solutions for complex transactions. His practice includes aircraft and ship financings, vessel and aircraft sales, syndicated debt, cross-border leasing, shipbuilding contracts, and export credit financings.

He is also a trusted advisor to businesses in the corporate, maritime, aviation, and offshore sectors, guiding them through establishment, expansion, and restructuring in Dubai and Singapore. His deep understanding of regulatory frameworks and commercial mindset allows him to provide results-driven legal advice.

Highly regarded by legal directories, Manik is known for navigating complex transactions with precision. His expertise spans the Indian, Singapore, and UAE markets, where he continues to provide tailored financing structures and strategic business solutions.

Rob Mortimer is not just challenging the energy sector; he’s rewriting the rules. As Founder and CEO of Fuelre4m, he leads a mission to transform how industries think about fuel efficiency, emissions reduction, and sustainability. With a career spanning over two decades, Rob has built a reputation as a visionary problem solver, constantly pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in fuel optimisation and clean energy solutions.

His journey began without formal qualifications, but with an unstoppable drive to solve problems and innovate. Starting as a Telecommunications Engineer at British Rail, Rob quickly moved into the fast-paced world of data and wireless communications in the early ‘90s, specialising in fixed wireless access and transmission. His ability to bridge technical expertise with commercial strategy allowed him to develop solutions for mobile and fixed telecom operators across the globe.

Before bringing Fuelre4m’s Re4mx product line to market, Rob represented and developed markets for some of the world’s leading wireless technology brands, including Alvarion, Cambium Networks (Motorola), Ceragon, Aviat Networks, and Inseego. Through his own company, Selcoms, he established himself as a key player in the wireless industry, growing the business in the UK before expanding into the Middle East, where he’s been based for the past 15 years.

At Fuelre4m, Rob is now spearheading groundbreaking technologies like Re4mx and Styrex, designed to reform fossil fuels, cut emissions by up to 80%, and improve fuel efficiency by 15-20%. His approach blends digitalisation, real-time analytics, and AI-driven diagnostics to bring accountability and optimisation to fuel consumption- because in his words, “If we’re serious about reducing fossil fuel emissions, we need to start with what we’re still burning today.”

Beyond his role at Fuelre4m, Rob is known for his straight-talking, no-nonsense approach and a leadership style that thrives on collaboration, curiosity, and impact. His ethos is simple: good business should be good for everyone; industries, economies, and the planet.

When he’s not driving energy transformation, Rob is an avid hiker, diver, and traveller, having explored over 140 countries, always seeking new perspectives and the next big challenge to solve.

Ibrahim Al-Saeed is an accomplished and highly capable Senior Executive Leader with a wealth of experience leading the definition and execution of innovative strategies that have, improved revenue, transformed performance, and delivered sustainable profitability, having launched, led, and grown a successful OSV, Marine Agency, and ship chandling organization from concept to reliable revenue. With a strong engineering and maritime background coupled with broad experience in finance and accounting, he is an award-winning, results-driven professional who easily adapts to new markets and environments, building robust, engaging, and respectful relationships with key stakeholders, and encouraging effective collaborations across teams and market sectors.

Currently, Ibrahim is a Senior Advisor for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the GCC region – Eagle Rail Container Logistics, with a distinguished career in port operations, logistics, and infrastructure development across the region, Ibrahim brings unmatched expertise and insight to our company growing global mission.

His leadership and vision will be instrumental as we expand EagleRail’s smart, sustainable container transport solutions across the Middle East, aligning with Vision 2030 in Saudi Arabia and the region’s drive for innovation in logistics and decarbonization in one of the world’s most dynamic logistics markets.

Prior to this, Ibrahim is General Manager & Director – Transport & Logistics at Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Investment, managing the T & L sector including Maritime, Aviation, Rail & Road, and Logistics segments, from originating opportunities, identifying and contacting potential investors, to developing proposals and closing deals. He develops relationships with investors to help and support them on their investment journey, assisting them in resolving challenges such as finance, seeking partners, regulatory change etc. through research and following national strategies. In this role he has secured deals with a total investment value of SAR 12b across 3 projects including expansion of the main port’s container terminal, establishment of a fabrication yard to build offshore platforms, and investment in Jizan’s seaport and city.

Prior to this, Ibrahim was Managing Director of High Seas Marine & Industrial Services Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Ali A. Tamimi Group. He established and developed a Marine Services company including Vessels Charter, Offshore Project (Hook Up and SCADA), Ship Building and Repair Yards, Shipping Agency, and Ship Chandler. During this time, he managed ship building projects working in Malaysia as well as the UAE, Abu Dhabi, to deliver some of the best boats working in the Gulf Sea – the company now owns 8 Crew boats to support ARAMCO Projects.

With a Master of Engineering in Construction & Engineering Management and a Bachelor of Science in Applied Mechanical Engineering from King Fahd University, Ibrahim’s career started in engineering as a Mechanical Technical Advisor with GE MEELSA (Middle East Engineering Ltd) before moving to Ali A. Tamimi Trading Co as General Manager of their Industrial Services Division.

Mr Jamil Al Ali graduated in 1990 as a Marine Engineer from South Tyneside College, UK after completing his engineering cadetship sponsored by Kuwait Oil Tanker Company (KOTC). He sailed onboard all classes of vessels within the KOTC fleet, serving onboard products tankers, VLCC and Gas carriers during his tenure at sea, sailing up to the rank of Chief Engineer before joining KOTC Head office as technical Superintendent in 2002.

He has held various managerial positions in KOTC Head Office spanning from fleet engineering group manager to managing the Fleet new building group and has developed a vast experience in the tanker and gas carriers segments throughout his vast career.

He was often recognized for his key role in ensuring the KOTC fleet was maintained to the highest industry standards and has often received prestigious industry awards such as Tanker Operator of the year etc.

He has headed the Kuwait delegation at the IMO MEPC meeting in London and represented Kuwait at COP 23 – Shipping Initiative in Bonn, Germany.

After a very successful 30 years career at KOTC, Jamil Al Ali is currently the Regional Director, Commercial & Business Development for the Middle East Region within the Marine and Offshore Division of Bureau Veritas.

Abdullah Alyami is a Saudi national expert with over 20 years of experience in the maritime and oil and gas industries. He completed his Marine Engineering study at Southampton University in the United Kingdom. He began his career as a cadet with Vela International Marine in 1999 whilst successfully completing the Saudi Aramco CDPNE program. He steadily climbed the ranks to become a Chief Marine Engineer on very large crude oil tankers. Currently, he is positioned as the Vice President of Fleet Management at BAHRI.

Abdullah is known for his strong leadership skills, organizational abilities, and extensive experience in marine engineering. He excels in managing day-to-day ship operations with a focus on safety and efficiency. His specialized knowledge in marine engineering encompasses maintenance, repair, and cost-effective operations.

Throughout his career, Abdullah has held various positions of increasing responsibility. He started as Fourth Marine Engineer and transcended to be Chief Marine Engineer. With consistent dedication, he was promoted to Senior Superintendent in 2018, followed by Senior Manager and then Director of Fleet Management in 2021. He continued to advance as he now serves as Vice President for Fleet Management.

Abdullah’s unwavering dedication, expertise, and relentless pursuit of excellence position him as a highly asset in the marine industry.

Capt. Thomas has over 24 years of maritime experience, including sailing and managing chemical tankers from shore. He is currently heading the Synergy’s Dubai office, and is also responsible for the group’s chemical tanker section. Thomas has earned an MBA specialising in Finance and Operations from S P Jain School of Global Management. He believes adaptable leadership is the key to sustainability.

2001 Kocaeli University, Maritime Academy
2014 Southampton Warsash Maritime Academy
2017 Eskisehir University, Business (Bsc)
Ocean Going Master with total 22 years sealife experience
2017-Still Chemical Tanker Captain at Columbia Ship management.
2024-Still Founder of Covertainer Transportation Inc.
He has 1 academic article and 2 patent application.
He is performing mentoring to young project engineers&managers in part-time and perform seminars.

Dr. Bader is a certified lawyer and arbitrator with over 20 years of experience in the legal field. He specializes in a broad range of industries, including Maritime, Oil & Gas, Energy, Logistics, Pharmaceutical, Banking, Insurance, Tax, Aviation, and Retail. Known for his expertise in negotiation, mediation, and dispute resolution, Dr. Bader efficiently resolves conflicts in a fair and impartial manner.

As the Managing Partner at Fahad AlSuwaiket & Bader AlBusaiyes Lawyers Co. in Al Khobar since 2006, Dr. Bader oversees the firm’s administrative and strategic operations, ensuring strong client relationships and sound business decisions. His legal expertise covers contracts, corporate law, trade regulations, intellectual property, foreign investment, mergers & acquisitions, and commercial arbitration.

Dr. Bader’s clients include major public and private sector organizations His work is focused on delivering justice with a strong commitment to results, providing expert legal counsel in various corporate and commercial matters. Dr. Bader's leadership and passion for resolving disputes have earned him a stellar reputation in the global legal community.

Dr. Bader is an active member of several prominent professional associations, including, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators London, ICC Commission on Arbitration and ADR International Bar Association, Dubai International Arbitration Center, Abu Dhabi Global Market Arbitration Center, The European Court of Arbitration – Kuwait Chapter, Association of International Energy Negotiators, European Maritime law Organization, London Maritime Arbitration Association, Energy Industries Council. He is also a member with various Chambers of commerce like Greater New York, Arab-Hellenic, Arab-Swiss, Astro-Arab, Argentine-Arab, Australia-Arab and holds leadership positions as Vice Chairmen of the Saudi Business Council to Latin America and Executive Member of Saudi Business Council to the Central Asian Countries.

Bruno Areal

Vice President Legal, International Maritime Industries

Capt. Dheeraj Sharma is the Director of Business Development for ABS, for the Middle East and Africa and is based in Dubai.

Dheeraj joined ABS in early 2022. Prior to this, Dheeraj spent almost a decade at the United Arab Chemical Carriers (UACC) as their General Manger/Owners Representative at their head office in Dubai overseeing the daily running of the 26 tankers and office teams in Singapore, Mumbai & Hongkong. Before coming ashore, he sailed for 17 years with NOL Singapore, Kuwait Oil Tankers (KOTC) and World-Wide Shipping as Master on Shell & BP-chartered vessels.

Dheeraj is qualified Master Mariner from the UK Maritime & Coastguard Agency, holds an MBA in Oil and Gas Management and is a Member of the Institute of Chartered Shipbrokers, London. Having worked for shipowners, managers and oil majors in marine operations, safety, commercial and new building departments, Dheeraj brings a wealth of commercial shipping experience and an owner's perspective with him.

Dr. Shadi is an accomplished academic and consultant with extensive experience in maritime studies, logistics, and higher education. Currently serving as the Vice Dean for Postgraduate Studies and Research at the Faculty of Maritime Studies at King Abdulaziz University in Jeddah, he is responsible for developing graduate programs, promoting research excellence, and fostering international collaborations. His leadership extends to enhancing research infrastructure and securing funding for graduate studies.

Dr. Shadi has a rich background in maritime and logistics management, backed by his academic qualifications, including a Ph.D. in Management and Commerce focused on seaport management from the University of Tasmania. His MBA in Organizational Leadership from Johnson & Wales University complements his expertise in organizational effectiveness, particularly in maritime transportation and logistics.

In addition to his academic role, Dr. Shadi works as a part-time consultant with the Colleges of Excellence in Riyadh, focusing on curriculum design, training evaluation, and the development of high-quality programs. He has served in various capacities at King Abdulaziz University, including Assistant Professor, Vice Dean for Academic Affairs, and Deputy Director of the International Maritime Training Center. These roles have honed his ability to bridge the gap between academia and industry, creating strong partnerships for research and development.

Dr. Shadi is also actively involved in multiple professional committees, including the Bureau of Experts at the Council of Ministers, where he contributes to marine scientific research and environmental protection efforts. His academic and professional pursuits reflect his commitment to advancing maritime education and research, with a particular focus on seaport management and the integration of logistics systems.

After an outstanding career in Saudi Aramco, rising from a cadet to becoming a Marine Superintendent, Turki joined National Maritime Academy as its Managing Director.

With expansive expertise in Sub-Sea Diving, Commercial Shipping Operations, Oil & Gas Transportation and Pollution Control, Turki brings a wealth of experience to Maritime Education and Training.

A graduate of South Tyneside College, Turki, at the very early time in his career, realized the potential and power of education in transforming lives and business ecosystems. With a determination to support Saudi Vision 2030, Turki believes that Education is the main pillar in driving Saudisation through marine industry.

Turki has forged strong relationships with some of the best Maritime Training and Shipbuilding organisations in the world bringing a range of ready-made training solutions to the Kingdom. These partnerships allow Turki to shape the future of next generation Saudi Maritime workforce with transferable world class skills that are so essential to the Volatile, Uncertain, Complex, and Ambiguous world.

Turki is passionate about the future of Maritime training and a firm believer of strategic investment in Maritime training, a view that he promotes at every industry or governmental engagement.

During his spare time, Turki supports several charities and works with the underprivileged to help them in realising the human potential through intrinsic motivation and self-endeavour. A quality that Turki imbibed from his father that he remains forever indebted to.