Bridging the Gap

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Dr. Riyadh Al Balushi, Lawyer and open data advocate. We talk about his background and the path he took to become the Director of Treaties at the Ministry of Justice and Legal Affairs in Oman. He also opens up about his activities in open data, starting from his very first websites, including Oman-3D, Republic of Code, Oman Cuisine, Qanoon.om and Decree.om. He diverges onto IP laws, VoIP communication, and the importance of data protection laws in the GCC. He also gives advice to young lawyers about working in the government and private sectors. He finally emphasizes the importance of inclusion when it comes to law making. Please have a listen!

Innovation gains traction during tough times. This is because innovation solves problems in a cheaper better faster and more productive manner. Researchers have shown that we are witnessing the fast tracking of 5 platforms of disruptive innovation. These are DNA sequencing, robotics, energy storage, AI, and blockchain technology. In episode 25 of Bridging the Gap Podcast, we host Kai Wang, product Manager at Universal Robotics. She sheds light at the growth curve of the robotics industry and the pace at which developments are taking place. She also details the raw material challenges that the whole world is facing including the robotics industry. Kai also gives her advice to young engineers and career seekers of what is needed to get into the industry. She also shares her personal story of what got her into Robotics and how that is now allowing her to shift into a new territory; Google. Please have a listen!

Neurofeedback is a growing technique that aids in better self control over brain functions. Its widely used in personal performance enhancement as well as treatment of psychological conditions such as anxiety, autism, ADHD, and many more. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Dr. Jamil Babli who is an expert in speech pathology and neurofeedbak with experience in special education and support in the sports industry; especially in the world renowned Aspire Academy in Qatar. He shares some of his success stories of neurofeedback therapy and details behind these successes. He also gives his advice to those who are dealing with psychological conditions or difficulties. As well as some pointers to a healthier brain. Please have a listen!

The SPE International Hydraulic Fracturing Technical Conference 2022 in Muscat has brought together some of the oil and gas industry's finest. Darcy Spady, Managing Partner of Carbon Connect international and 2018 Society of Petroleum Engineers President was in attendance and he was kind enough to come on our Bridging the Gap Podcast in person. I talked to Darcy about the SPE conference in Muscat, as well as the potential merger between SPE and AAPG. We also talked about clean energy and low hanging fruit GCC countries have to reduce their GHG emissions. Darcy also gave his insights on the future of petroleum engineering in the midst of the ongoing energy transition including words of advice to current petroleum engineers. We finally discussed the GCC potential of being at the forefront of the world's decarbonization efforts with in house expertise and continuing to enforce in country value. Please have a listen!

Omar Al Zeidi and myself sit with Azzan Al Kindi, Co-Founder and CEO of Rihal. We openly discuss Azzan's career story, and the success journey of Rihal. He talks about the origins of the company, as well as the strategies and future plans of the company including the recent stake acquisition by OICT and continuing to be a client centric organization. Azzan elaborates on the need for the start-up tech sector to continue attracting young talents and the need to encourage entrepreneurship. He also outlines the main characteristics of data driven organizations and some of difficulties he has faced with some less data driven organizations. We also ask him about the main advantages companies such as Rihal have over well established service companies, especially in the region's energy sector. He finally gives an insight to aspiring entrepreneurs on what to expect, and the best advice he has received. Please have a listen

Solar energy is an important part of the mix to decarbonize our industries and also our homes. In the Middle East, solar is becoming an attractive option to many due to the abundance of sunlight for longer periods compared to other parts of the world. And although solar has seen enormous growth in recent years, there is still room for considerable developments in the fields of solar panels and energy storage, which a country like Oman can benefit from in its quest to net zero.. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Jamal Al Ziedi, an Architect who has combined his experience in architecture with the solar energy market. The end product is E-ARC Sabla Solar which is a solar energy dedicated business aimed at commercial and residential properties. His main goal is to harness and channel solar energy in a bid to help businesses and individuals do their part in reducing their carbon footprint. Please have a listen!

n this new episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Mazin Al Lamki. Chief Operating Officer of Mubadala Petroleum. He shares his career journey, and insights on the oil and gas industry. He also talks about the type of talent the oil and gas industry will need moving forward in the midst of the global energy transition. He also touches on the agility and resilience the oil and gas industry has shown over the years and continues to show in today's ever-changing global energy map. Please have a listen.

Kathleen Nejad recently published a book called 100 Successful Omani Women. It attempted to shed light on the lives of a number of omani women across the spectrum covering multidisciplines and careers of choice. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, AK and myself speak to Kathleen about her book, her career, and her love for Oman. She speaks openly about the process she went through to produce the book, and the impact and feedback she has received since it went on sale. Please have a listen! https://lnkd.in/df5j5rJh

Hydrogen produces 3 times the energy natural gas produces, and there has been a strong global push to pursue the production of hydrogen as an energy source or for energy storage in the form of ammonia. We are at a critical point in time where if a country is not in on hydrogen, it would be behind on the next big energy boom. Andrea Forrest from Fortesque Metals Group (who is working on making Ausralia's first green steel pilot plant), said that green hydrogen global market is estimated to exceed 12 trillion US dollars by 2030; that's larger than any industry we have today. Oman is blessed with excellent air quality which is great for Solar energy generation during the day, and also great wind power locations along the Arabian Sea for power generation during the night. Hence it comes as no surprise that the country is taking green hydrogen seriously. Forecasted job creation is also expected to grow as more capital is invested into new hydrogen ventures. Green Hydrogen has been talked about for decades however it has been a back burner idea as the cost has been hindering its progression, However as we continue to see a push for global decarbonisation, significant research is being put into green hydrogen to reduce its cost. Nasser Al Rezaiqi has been recently appointed as the mInistry of energy and Minerals focal point for green hydrogen in Oman, and in this new episode of Bridging the Gap, he takes us through Green hydrogen and its prospects in Oman and the GCC. He also discusses career opportunities in field, as the well the upcoming Green Hydrogen Summit which will not only host global organizations, but will also welcome students and graduates (See the link below). Please have a listen!

Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani is an associate professor of economics, and the director of the Center for Economic Eduction at the Northern Kentucky University. He has a strong base on social media where he promotes economical literacy and funds management amongst other topics. He has also started the Econ Games initiative which is an economic innovation venture that aims at connecting students with the real world which replicates an internship experience. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we sit with Dr. Abdullah to discuss micro and macro economics, and the region's transition into an innovation based economy. He also shares his views on the role of teaching economics and the effect it has on that transition. Please have a listen!

In this new episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Masoud Al Rawahi, Executive director of PhazeRo, a software consulting firm that designs, develops and deploys custom software solutions in the GCC region. As an enterpeneur with a background in Information Systems, Masoud took his chances and started what can arguably be best regarded as one of fastest developing tech companies in the region. With expertise in software development, cyber security, data science, and UI/UX design, PhazeRo is planning to become one of the region's largest tech teams with an emphasis on home grown talent. Masoud takes us through how it all started, as well as the challenges and difficulties he faced as an enterperneur. He also shares his company's strategy to invest in young local talent and how this will pay dividends in the long run. Please have a listen!

April Lloyd is a director of SustainableOman with vast experience in the oil and gas industry as well as being a climate change advisor and ESG consultant. She is also notable for her joint initiative of Renew You with Shereen Nairne; a project which aims at helping individuals within the oil and gas industry become more equipped in this energy transition period as well as identify the needed skill set for new joiners or seasoned professionals. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, she sheds light on the energy transition in the GCC and Oman in particular, as well the career opportunities in renewables in the upcoming years. She also talks about her experience in managing to put her oil and gas skill set to use in her new role in sustainability. Please have a listen!

Cryptocurrency may be a long way from reaching its full potential, one thing is for sure, change has begun. As AK said, invest wisely. In this episode, AK takes us through cryptocurreny history, basics and trading tips. Have a listen!

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Mohsin Al Hadhrami, Schlumberger Managing director in South East Asia. His oil and gas career spans over 25 years with roles in the GCC, North Africa, Iraq, and South East Asia. In this episode, Mohsin talks about his career and how it started, as well as the changes and challenges the oil and gas industry has faced over the years. He also focuses on the need to attract more talent to the industry and need to undergo a paradigm shift into a collaborative energy sector. Mohsin also talks about the ever dynamic relationship between operators and service companies especially as the green growth narrative steps in gear. Please have a listen!

Shatha Al Maskiry is a leading businesswoman in Oman and the region, and currently holds the position of Protiviti consulting firm Managing director in Oman along with other regional roles. She is also an active personality on social media with widespread presence across major platforms. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, she takes us through her diverse career, as well as the challenges she has faced in a male dominated working environment. She also discusses the concept of personal branding and its importance for today's workforce. Shatha also sheds light on the demanding yet satisfying nature of consultation, and the support she and her organization provide to young individuals across the specturm. Please have a listen!

Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations according to US bureau of Labor statistics office. This growth will be attributed to demographic, transportation and environmental changes worldwide. Oman is no different as the recent political reform has seen a focus on urban planning and has put it in the epicenter of economic growth forecasted for the country in the next 20 years. This culminated in publishing the Oman National Spatial Strategy (ONSS) which servers as a master plan for Oman's growth in many fields. Our Guest, Dr. Hilal Al Qamshooi is one of the architects of the ONSS and he accepted our invitation to talk more about urban planning in the country and the opportunities for urban planners in the near future. He also takes us through some of the key elements of the ONSS and the reason why it will serve as a framework for not only spatial growth but also economic growth leading to the fulfillment of vision 2040. Please have a listen.

In this episode, we continue to bridge the gap... Lana Al Wraikat, UNICEF representative for Oman shares her experience with the UNICEF and the supporting part it plays in Oman and the region. She also shares the adaptability of UNICEF's role in the country amidst the ongoing pandemic, as well as the strong bilateral cooperation with the various government entities. Lana also touches on the new initiatives established by UNICEF in collaboration with both the public and private sectors in areas such as pre employment training, and mental health counseling. Please have a listen!

Dr. Salim Al Flaiti is the executive director for Venue Operations at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (OCEC). He takes us through his journey in people management and the exhibition management industry. He talks about the hurdles and opportunities that the exhibition industry has faced in recent years, as well as the catalytic role it plays in the country's economy. He also shares his insights on the complementing role OCEC will play during EXPO2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022. He finally gives a word of advice to aspiring individuals who wish to enter the exhibition management industry in these tough times. Please have a listen!

This episode is unique in many ways as we host Tim Nijland CMO of VR Owl who is an extended reality expert and a public speaker. He is based in the Netherlands but is involved in multiple projects around the world through VR Owl. In this episode, he shares his insights on the role of virtual reality in today's world, and opportunities for you young professionals in the industry. Dr. Muadh Al Kalbani is the guest co host for this episode. He is an augmented reality expert based in London with AR and VR experience in the pharmaceuticals industry with academic affiliations in the UK. Please have a listen!

Tegan Taylor from the ABC takes us through her thoughts on science and health reporting in times where countries are dealing with different variants of COVID-19. She also gives us an insight on vaccinations and their rollout. We also discuss her work via the ABC, Coroncast Podcast and on social media platforms that has attracted listeners from all around the world and has brought informative journalism to the forefront. Have a listen !

The CEO of Marafi Dr. Ahmed Al Abri joins us for an open and thorough discussion of the logistics industry in the region and in Oman. He also gives much needed advice to young professionals wishing to join the industry. Have a listen!

Greg Dala takes us through his career in the mining industry and some of the many countries he worked in including PNG, Australia, Zambia, DRC, and Mongolia. He also tells the story of how mining engineering was the best mistake he ever made! Have a listen!

This episode sheds light on Omar Al Zeidi and his successful transition from a career in geoscience to a career in data science. His detailed description and explanation of data science provides a clear image for those planning to switch to or start a career in the fields of data science of data analytics. He also touches on the importance of coding literacy in this day and age for the younger generation. Have a listen!

Part 2 is a continuation of Episode 3 in which Don Yager sheds more light on his education career particularly in Oman. He also speaks in detail about his meeting with the late Sultan of Oman

This episode sheds light on careers in teaching. Don Yager takes us on a journey over two parts where he worked as a teacher over 4 decades in 4 countries in the Middle East during a period of rapid geopolitical change. His story is fascinating.