How an Emirati engineer built a career in the UAE’s nuclear energy sector

Waad Ali Hassan Saeed Alhmoudi chose a career in engineering when the UAE’s nuclear energy sector was still in its infancy. Today, she is the Head of Mechanical and Civil Engineering at Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC), having risen from being among the company’s first Emirati design engineers to leading a specialised engineering team.

Alhmoudi’s journey began with a curiosity about how things function and a desire to apply this knowledge to solve practical problems. "Nuclear energy was a burgeoning sector in the UAE, and there was a thrill about entering a field that was novel to the country and developing expertise alongside it," she stated.

Alhmoudi joined ENEC through its Energy Pioneers Program, an initiative established in 2009 to train young Emiratis for roles supporting the UAE Peaceful Nuclear Energy Program. She completed a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering with a focus on nuclear engineering at Khalifa University and later obtained a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Sharjah.

As one of ENEC’s initial Emirati design engineers, Alhmoudi was responsible for creating engineering solutions and modifying plant systems to ensure the safety and reliability of the Barakah Nuclear Energy Plant.

Throughout her career, Alhmoudi has learned the value of precision, discipline, and the weight of responsibility that comes with maintaining the highest nuclear safety standards. She emphasized that her work has provided her with a profound sense of duty to the country and community. Reflecting on her career trajectory, Alhmoudi noted that leadership has shifted her focus from honing her technical skills to supporting other engineers and sharing her knowledge.

Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, she and her colleagues persevered, continuing their engineering efforts despite the challenging circumstances. She reflected on this period, stating that it underscored the broader responsibility that engineers carry for the well-being of their nation and community.

Alhmoudi highlighted the UAE’s efforts in creating avenues for Emirati women to pursue specialised education and careers in technical fields. She credited her own success to access to higher education, ENEC’s Energy Pioneers Program, and ongoing professional development. For young Emirati women contemplating engineering, Alhmoudi advised maintaining a sense of curiosity, asking questions, and seizing every opportunity to learn.

She emphasized that technical expertise requires patience and consistency, encouraging those interested in the field to persevere. As more Emirati women enter engineering and assume leadership positions, Alhmoudi believes they can also pave the way for future generations, making the path clearer for aspiring engineers.