Dr. Faiza Al-Yamani is a senior scientist in the field of oceanography at Kuwait Institute for scientific Research (KISR). She obtained her Ph.D. degree from the Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science, University of Miami, Miami, Florida, USA in 1988. She heads the oceanography program at KISR. She participated in many scientific research projects, participated in several symposia/ meetings, and authored/co-authored many scientific publications. The recent three books that she has authored are, namely, Oceanographic Atlas of Kuwait’s Waters (2004), Common Copepods of the Northwestern Arabian Gulf: Identification Guide (2003), and A Strategic Plan for Sustainable Utilization of Kuwait’s Marine Environment (2001). Her research interests include: trophic relationships in marine plankton communities and food chain dynamics; plankton ecology; plankton biodiversity, physical regulation of biological systems; fisheries oceanography; biogeochemical processes; ecosystem restoration science and policy; coastal zone management science and policy; and oceanography data management.

Brendan O'Connor is an Irish man born in 1951. He studied marine science in University College Galway where he received an honours B.Sc.in 1973 and a Ph. D. in 1981. As a post-doctoral fellow, he managed a multidisciplinary team of marine scientists working on temporal variability on marine benthic communities in European coastal waters. Between 1984 and 1985, he was the senior research scientist working on a comparison between traditional benthic sampling techniques and Sediment Profile Imagery (SPI).  In 1986, he established AQUAFACT International Services Ltd and has been its managing director since then.

Paul is founding Executive Director of the World Ocean Council which brings together the international ocean business community to catalyze leadership and collaboration in addressing marine environmental issues in support of improved industry operations. Paul works with the private sector to develop practical sustainable development solutions for marine environmental issues. He has worked in over 30 countries in Asia, the Pacific, Central America, Europe and Africa. As a consultant on sustainable development, Paul works with companies, industry associations, UN agencies, international NGOs and foundations, especially in the areas of oil and gas, fisheries, aquaculture, standards and certification. Past positions include: Senior Program Officer of the UNEP South Pacific Regional Environment Programme (SPREP); Deputy Director for the IUCN Global Marine and Coastal Program; Senior Officer of The Nature Conservancy Asia-Pacific Program.

Dr. Saleh holds a PhD., (1994) in Water & Environmental Resources Engineering from Concordia & McGill Universities, Montreal, Canada, with research interests in the areas of: Optimization, and Control-Volume Modeling of Groundwater Recharge and Surface/Subsurface water Flow in Arid to Semi Arid Lands. Since 1996, Dr. Saleh joined the United Nations University/International Network on Water, Environment, and Health (UNU/INWEH). As a Regional Coordinator for the Middle East & North Africa (MENA), Dr. Saleh employs the resources available through the network to conceive, develop, implement and manage programs and projects that address water problems in MENA region. Dr. Saleh takes a multi-disciplinary, ecosystem approach to water and watershed management. This approach fosters the application of appropriate technologies to meet water needs and assist environmental industries in developing countries to ensure the ongoing availability of affordable products and services.

Some of the Project and/or Programs Managed by Dr. Saleh where in the areas of: Environmental Impact Assessment of Groundwater; Capacity Building Programs for governmental water & environmental agencies; Groundwater pollution; Industrial Pollution Control; Integrated Watershed Management; Rural Environmental Management. Dr. Saleh won (for two consegative years) Young Canadian Researchers Award (for outstanding doctoral students), 1989-1992. The Source of the award was the International Development and Research Center (IDRC), Canada. Pervious consulting experience was with Ecologistics International Limited, Waterloo, Ontario as a Director-Middle East Operations. Dr. Saleh prepared several proposals addressing a wide range of water & environmental issues. These proposals were well received by European Union, Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and other funding agencies.

Ms. Alida Saleh is currently the Head – Environment & Sustainable Development at Trow International Ltd., a large Canadian Engineering and Environmental Firm. A graduate of the University of Toronto in Canada, she is currently completing her Masters in Environmental Management at Harvard University, specializing in renewable energy and sustainable development. Ms. Saleh has also completed post-graduate studies in Project Management, International Trade & Small Scale Hydro Analysis. Ms. Saleh is an experienced environmental specialist and currently works with organizations at both, the corporate and project level, in improving their environmental and sustainability performance.  At Trow, Alida is currently leading international initiatives in the sustainable development, climate change, and renewable energy sectors. Ms. Saleh’s recent research activities are primarily focused in the areas of green development, the sustainable use of biological resources, micro-algae applications, small-scale hydro potential and applications, energy efficiency, carbon footprint and greenhouse gas profiling with an emphasis of its applications within emerging economies and the Gulf.

Brian S Freeman is the Business Development Manager for Integrated Environmental Solutions Company and is based in Al- Ahmadi, Kuwait.  Mr Freeman joined IES in June 2007, bringing over 18 years of international environmental management experience in planning, remediation, compliance, incident response and pollution prevention to the Gulf Region.  Prior to IES, Mr Freeman was an active duty environmental engineering officer serving in Iraq, Yugoslavia and Kuwait.  He holds a Master Degree in Environmental Management from the Air Force Institute of Technology at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio and a Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in Worcester, Massachusetts.  He is a licensed Professional Engineer in the states of California and Ohio, a certified Project Management Professional and a Qualified Environmental Professional.

Rob joined Regester Larkin in January 2008, bringing two key areas of expertise: Oil & Gas, and the Middle East. Previously he was Middle East Energy Adviser to the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, working with many departments of the UK government and its network of Embassies to engage the Middle East region on issues of energy security and climate change. His regular direct engagement with the energy ministries and National Oil Companies of the Gulf and North Africa, and his first-hand experience of Ministerial discussions between producer and consumer governments has given him unique insights into one of the greatest challenges facing companies (both local and international) in the region; how to succeed in today’s energy system whilst also preparing for tomorrow’s.

Prior to working for the UK government, Rob had a diverse 10 year career with Shell, working in natural gas marketing, corporate strategy, and finally upstream new business development in the Middle East, based in Dubai. Reputation management was central to his work with Shell, whether he was promoting the brand to gas customers, advising the Board on sustainable development strategy or helping to position the company as the partner of choice for Middle East governments.Rob has had the benefit of both a private and a public sector perspective on several key challenges facing business in the region and now leads Regester Larkin’s service to clients across the Middle East.

Ghiath Ajlani, M.Sc., Presently VP-Senior Area Geophysicist with CGGVeritas responsible for the Arabian Gulf region. Previously, worked 12 years with ADNOC in Abu Dhabi and 13 years with Conoco in the USA and Dubai. Earned an M.Sc. in Geophysics, University of Utah-Salt lake City, USA, 1983 and a B.Sc. in Geophysics, University of Missouri-Rolla, USA, 1981. His current assignment with CGGVeritas is focused on building technical collaboration bridges and fit-for-purpose technical geophysical and seismic solutions with Arabian Gulf NOCs and IOCs. Areas of skills and responsibilities include special studies and R&D programs planning and implementation, exploration and field development geophysical projects. Active member of the SEG, EAGE and ESG....

As a highly accomplished, dynamic and self-made business woman and a dedicated volunteer. Currently, Almas is the President and CEO of Frontier Canada Inc., a corporate communications company founded in 1996. In parallel, she accomplished the position of the President of the United Nations Development Fund for Women (UNIFEM) Canada – Part of the UN Women, where she has been actively involved with the Board of Directors for UNIFEM Canada over the last seven years. In the light of the United Nations gender equality reforms, Almas Jiwani will be leading the Board of Directors for the new United Nations Gender Entity for Empowerment of Women (UN Women Canada) starting in January 2011.

SAR CORRE MENA is destined to become one of the largest environmental corporations in the region with Kirk Davis at the helm.  The company, formed from two of the most prominent environmental companies from Canada and Norway, providing soil remediation, treatment of drill cuttings, tank cleaning, environmental consultation, hazmat waste management and emergency response services.  Within this JV, there is vast amount of expertise and experience, in environmentally friendly and cost-effective environmental services.

Kirk Davis; an Oil Spill, HAZMAT Responder and Soil and Water Remediation Expert is specialized in the Environmental business climates of the Middle East.  He is a graduate of the University of Colorado in science; with a Masters in Marketing. His career spans, 10 years as a US Naval Officer in Diving and Salvage and Explosive Ordnance Disposal, followed by 20 years in national and international environmental services, environmental compliance, soil and ground remediation, responder training, and HAZMAT waste management. 


Working in the Arabian Gulf Region since 1984, He has responded to over thirty seven major oil spills.  His expertise has been sought by the environmental community at large, even as recent by the State of Louisiana for the BP Deep Horizon spill in the Gulf of Mexico in April 2010.  He was sought after by the US ARMY in Kuwait and the US NAVY in Bahrain to build and operate a spill and Hazmat response organizations.   He has served as special advisor to the; Ministers of Environment for United Arab Emirates, The Sultanate of Oman, and the Kuwait.  He often lectures or consults for a variety of Middle East organizations.


Kirk Davis has served as the Regional General Manager/General Manager of environmental service companies of; Clean Globe Oman (a Lamor Corporation), Seacor Environmental Services Middle East, Fender and Spill Response, and Fender Care Middle East Ltd. Mr. Davis’ clients have included the oil majors, most notably; ChevronTexaco, BP, Shell and PETRONAS in addition to each of the Gulf States National Oil Companies, ANNOC, PDO, KOC, KJO, ARAMCO, QPC.

Christer Colliander currently holds the position of Manager, After-Sales Services & Product Support at the Airborne Systems Division, Swedish Space Corporation (SSC). Christer is also engaged in customer training with a focus on mission planning and execution. Christer holds a Diploma in Electronic Engineering and Communication, a Shipmaster’s Certificate and an MBA. After flight training in the Swedish Air Force and a few years working for a security company Christer joined SSC in 1978 and participated in the development, testing and delivery of the early versions of the Airborne Maritime Surveillance System. Christer left the company in 1985, and worked for several other companies in the aerospace sector before returning to SSC and the Airborne Systems Division in 1994. Christer’s main area of expertise is airborne special mission, and systems based on remote sensing.

Dr. Najat Mohammed Essa Es’haqi, Bahraini. Currently, a lecturer in Chemical Engineering Department, University of Bahrain. Holding PhD  degree on Sustainable development  & Environment Management , Built Environment School, Liverpool John Moores University. Published many  papers  and articles both in English and Arabic languages on enhancing and  developing sustainable education for achieving sustainable community to support nation’s sustainable development. Chosen a judge in the international “GLOBE” program for assessing school student’s projects on Environment Protection. Participated in writing Bahrain’s “ 2nd United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) by being the author of  “Raising Awareness on Climate Change” chapter.

Nina Soleng, International Sales Manager, Kongsberg Satellite Services (KSAT) Nina Soleng has been 3 years with the Earth Observation team as International Sales Manager at KSAT, a world leading company in providing Satellite Ground Network and Earth Observation services based on polar orbiting satellites. Nina specializes in maritime applications and is responsible for the development of the company´s EO markets within this field outside Europe, mainly focused around satellite based oil spill- and vessel detection services. Nina lives and works in Tromsö, in the arctic North of Norway, a place well suited for satellite earth stations, wintersports and outdoor activities.

Mr. Buamim was elected President and Chief Executive Officer on April 1, 2007. He was the chairman of the organization representing Dubai Petroleum Company since 2004. Prior to joining recso , Mr. Buamim was with Conoco and ConocoPhillips for 26 years in various management positions including Vice President, Dubai Petroleum Company (2002-2007), a ConocoPhillips affiliate company in the United Arab Emirates.
Mr. Buamim also served as the secretary general of the UAE oil and gas Human resources group, Lead in the Dubai Petroleum Management Incident Command System, member of International Human Resources Management, advisor to the Gulf Career Development Forum, Secretary General of the Dubai Government Oil Spill Task Force, the Crises Management Team of Dubai and the Region and Senior MENA region advisor- Global Energy. Buamim is currently a member of a various national, regional and international teams and institutions dealing with oil and energy, environmental management, response strategies, economic growth & long range planning , strategic planning , Risk Management, contingency planning and international regulation and protocols.

Mr. Buamim earned a degree in Business management and economics and higher accreditation on the International Human Resources Management from the UK and has various outstanding accomplishments and certification including Risk Management and the National Management Certification in the Incident Command Systems from Texas - USA.

Mr. Ary van den Adel commenced his professional career in 1967 with Wijsmuller Salvage B.V. as Salvage Diver. Co-founded in 1975 the Spanish Diving and Salvage company Tecnosub, S.L. and worked as Technical Director and Salvage Master on many salvage and oil spill recovery projects in Spain, Portugal, Libya and Mauritania.Since 2002 International Sales Manager for Kampers Oil Spill Equipment B.V. (KOSEQ).

Fouad Abousamra is currently working for UNEP ROWA in Bahrain as regional coordinator for Land, Water and Marine and Coastal ecosystems management for West Asia region.During the period of 1999-2011he worked for UNEP-Mediterranean Action Plan and MED POL programme as responsible for follow up activities related to the implementation of legal instruments related to management of chemicals, urban and industrial management, and sea dumping activities as well as preparation of policy oriented assessments. Born in Syria, Fouad Abousamra read for the BSc in Applied Chemistry, at the University of Damascus, a Doctorat in Applied Chemistry as well as a Diploma on Pollution Issues in the University of Louis Pasteur,
France and Doctorate es-sciences in Natural Sciences at the University of Paris VI. Before his appointment with UNEP MAP he worked as an advisor to the Ministry of Environment of Syria and served as Head
of the Environmental Studies Department at the Higher Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (HIAST) as well as Head of the Environmental Research laboratory at

L. Janarthanan is a mechanical engineer by profession. He has extensive experience working in shipyards in India and Middle East,including a yard managed by Keppel. He joined Drydocks World(Dubai Drydocks then) as an Estimator in 1998, successfully bringing to fruition major contracts for FPSO conversion and new building in addition to numerable repair projects before taking on managerial roles within the company.

Captain Alavi is the Maritime Advisor and Director of the UAE Ship Registry, reporting directly to the Director General of the National Transport Authority (NTA), Government of UAE in Abu Dhabi. He has responsibility for operating the UAE Ship Registry. Captain Alavi is a member of the committee for rewriting the maritime law of the UAE, and acts in an advisory role in the development of the maritime education and training institution in the UAE, development of the maritime economy of the UAE, and policy making. Prior to joining the NTA, Captain Alavi was head of Business Development & Research for the Department of Transport (Maritime Sector) for Abu Dhabi. From 2006 to 2008, he was Director of Business Development for Dubai Maritime City, joining DMC from DVB Bank AG in Rotterdam, where he was Senior Vice President/Senior Business Analyst for its Research & Strategic Planning Department. Captain Alavi worked for 10 years at Sea Commerce America in Houston as President, after serving as Managing Director of Project Asia Line and other shipowners, charterers and traders. He sailed as Master for two years before taking shore assignments, and has sea-going experience on nearly all types of vessels including Bulk Carriers, Tankers, MPP/Container, cattle carrier, reefer and passenger vessels.

Vinod kumar Viswanath,is currently the General Manager-Conversions with Drydocks World Dubai. He holds a Bachelors degree in Mechanical from India & also a Post graduation in Business Management from Singapore. He has about 18 years of experience in in the field of Marine,Oil & Gas. He has held several positions in management including, functional & project management of complex projects. He spent his earlier years of his career in the construction of Oil & Gas projects in India & then moved to Singapore where he chose to get associated with Marine industry in Singapore for 7 years. Since 2000 he is with Drydocks world Dubai holding various management positions.

Mark White, holds a Ph.D in Marine Science from the NationalUniversity of Ireland, Galway. He has a varied background in Marine Business and Marine Science, having had had several careers in the marine sphere, including running a division of the Irish Marine Institute, an Irish State Agency responsible for Marine related Research and Development. He joined Nowcasting International 1999 as CEO. Nowcasting International has brought radical new technology to the application of Marine Forecasting in various branches of Offshore Oil and Gas and Marine activities, and has become the fastest growing company in marine forecasting worldwide.

Wael Hmaidan is a social entrepreneur and founder of IndyACT, the League of Independent Activists. He serves as the executive director and interim program director in the organization. He established seven regional campaigns on climate change, marine protection, material management, toxics, among others. Wael has more than 15 years experience in NGO management and environmental campaigning in the Arab World. His work on this issue started in his capacity as the Greenpeace campaigner for the Arab World, where he helped established the energy and marine reserves campaign in the region. He participated as a policy negotiator and speaker in numerous regional and international environmental conferences. He is also an Ashoka Fellow, and a steering committee member for GAIA.

Dr. Ayoub Kazim is the Managing Director of the Education Cluster of TECOM Investments, a member of Dubai Holding. Dr. Kazim is in charge of both Dubai Knowledge Village (DKV) and Dubai International Academic City (DIAC). He is responsible for strategically steering all DIAC and DKV academic entities and further consolidating their statuses as leading centres of learning excellence in the region. Heading a proficient team of top-tier professionals across both campuses, Dr Kazim has successfully ensured consistent growth in the number of business partners at both DKV and DIAC. Dr. Kazim holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering from University of Alabama and a Master’s Degree from the Polytechnic Institute of New York University. He received his Doctorate in Mechanical Engineering from University of Miami in 1998.

Mark has a MA (Hons) in Business and Finance, BTEC Advanced Diploma in Tropical Habitat Conservation, as well as an MSc in Environment and Development. He has been working in the natural sciences section of UNESCO Doha for the past three years, where he has been supporting the natural sciences programme in programme development and project execution as a project officer. He has extensive experience working with NGO’s, and in project development with multiple stakeholders. He is responsible for UNESCO’s Arab Recycling Initiative, Better Buildings Project, and their newly launched ECO-Schools programme.