About Chairman

AlJassim is currently the chairman of Emirates Green Building Council, which aims to reinforce the principles of green buildings to protect the environment and ensure sustainability in the UAE.

He is also a board member at several educational institutions and authorities such as: American University in the Emirates, The British University in Dubai and board member of Emirates Environmental Group and Global Investors for Sustainable Development (GISD / UN).

During his 26 years of experience, AlJassim held leadership positions in Government andprivate sectors in the field of Energy and Oil & Gas, where he held the position of CEO of “Etihad ESCO” for 6 years and Manager at “Total” for 5 years, and in the field of contraction, road & transportation and various activities.

AlJassim holds a Doctorate in Business Administration from University of Dubai, Master’s degree in Business Administration with Honours from American university in The Emirates and Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering at The University of Arizona in USA.

Dr. Ali Mohammed AlJassim |

Fahad Bin Tamim Advocates & Legal Consultants

Fahad Bin Tamim Advocates & Legal Consultants is a boutique Law Firm that serves its clients with a new and renewable vision and concept of legal services combining the experiences, knowledge of local practice, and international standards of the legal industry that always enable the firm to meet the businesses expectations in line with the inspired vision and future of the UAE in general and Dubai in particular. The firm strongly holds its Core Business Principles which are Honesty, Integrity, and Professionalism, which all require adequate advice to be provided to the clients before commencing the next step as the same will let the client be fully aware of all the consequences and any potential implications thereof.
Fahad Bin Tamim Law Firm’s diverse legal team come from different legal backgrounds and nationalities, all of them are Arabic/English speakers and always available to serve their clients in a way that exceeds the client’s expectations and they are strictly sticking to the firm Core Business Principles: Honesty, Integrity, and Professionalism.

Leya Aldamani

Vice Chairwoman

I have an employment portfolio that’s reflects over 10 years of accumulated expertise from both financial and business sectors, as well as national and international professional service in the UK and Abu Dhabi. I established and head the sustainability strategy, the In Country Values (ICV)program & the Worker Welfare program for Aldar Projects. Leya is the founder and Chair of Diversity & Inclusion Board – Aldar +Non executive board member – CESC+Vice chair – Society of sustainability & Green Materials +Board member – Emirates Green Building Council+ MOIAT ICV Technical Committee member.

Joumana El Haji

General Secretary

Joumana Hosni Haji, is the winner of ‘women in Solar’ of the year by MESIA (Middle East Solar Awards) Dubai – May 2021, winner of the ‘Visionary leader’ of the year at the Construction Innovation Awards-Dubai October 2019.

Joumana Hosni Haji is a sharp business woman, she is the board member of the Fernan Hosri Group, found in 1966, by her father Fernand Hosri, the family group operate in different field of activities in the Middle East, such as security, telecommunication, home automation and renewal energy. Joumana Hosni Graduated from the SORBONNE University(Paris) in economics, she currently holds the position of CEO of Sacotel Znshine a JV between Sacotel a company member of the Fernand Hosri group and Znshine PV tech a tier 1 Chinese manufacturer of solar panels, Znshine won a DEWA tender for supply of solar modules for 5000 Villas in 2019. In records time, Sacotel Znshine has reached a leading position as a supplier of solar panels in the Middle East market.

In September 2019, Joumana received the ‘energy awareness award’ from UNDP and IPTEC for a solar project implemented in education, speaker and panelist in the field of construction and Sustainability.

Joumana is very ethical and reputed for communal involvement and social responsibility, she had lead the company to become part of the United Nation for Global Compact (UNGC).

Joumana Hosni is Founding Member, Board Member and Secretary General of the newly created association, Society of Sustainability & Green Materials September 2022

Dr. Waleed Yagoub

Treasurer

Dr. Waleed Yagoub has a wealth of Sustainability experience in the building and construction industry, with a background in research and development of renewables and low carbon technologies, and their applications in the built environment. After finishing his MSc degree and research studies at the School of the Built Environment in the University of Nottingham, he continued working in the research field for a short period time at Imperial College London before moving to the private sector. He provided a wide range of Sustainability and Energy Efficiency services for different projects including building physics analysis and energy modeling, cogeneration and renewable energy analysis and feasibility studies in addition to project management and assessment of buildings under various Building Rating Systems during projects’ design and construction stages (such as LEED, BREEAM, and GSAS).

Throughout his employment he has continued to collaborate with academia. While in the UK, he was the R&D coordinator for developing research between the company and academia, and he was also a Guest Lecturer with the Institute of Energy and Sustainable Development’s (IESD) at De Montfort University in Leicester. Recently, he has been invited by Middlesex University in London to collaborate with the Design Engineering & Mathematics Department as a Visiting Lecturer.

Waleed is a member of the Industry Advisory Board of the Mechanical Engineering Department at Manipal University in Dubai. Lately, he has been invited by the Journal of Intelligent Buildings International to peer review manuscripts relevant to Sustainability and Green Buildings. Waleed is a Chartered Engineer with the UK Engineering Council, and he is a member of the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE), the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE), and the Institute of Physics (IoP). He is LEED AP and WELL AP, and in the past, he held BREEAM Assessor and GSAS CGP credentials.

“The development of sustainable and carbon neutral buildings requires an integrated design approach in addition to leading edge energy technologies. Keeping it simple is crucial to make it happen”.

Sanjay Dabur

Quality Assurance Director

Sanjay Dabur is currently the CCO of Enact Systems USA- a solar SaaS platform & renewable energy advisory associated with Sh. Saeed Al Maktoum’s private office. He was the founder and Head of Sharaf Group’s Energy business. Prior to that he had over a decade’s experience in setting up and running distribution networks across the region for dozens of international electronics brands in the Middle East, working closely with the consumer electronics retail sector. He is a MBA from KU and holds multiple certifications from Harvard, MIT, Stanford, LBS, Wharton etc.

Position in the SSGM: Founder-Quality Assurance Director

Vikram Krishna

Communication Director

Vikram is the Co-founder and Chairperson of Sacred Groves, a UK registered community Interest Company dedicated to the protection and conservation of forests and natural habitats all over the world. Sacred Groves has protected three forests from destruction so far with the help of companies and individuals from 40+ countries.

Vikram has earned his spurs over the last 28 years of his corporate career at Emirates NBD, HSBC, Citi Group and GE Capital. His last assignment was the Executive Vice President, Group Marketing & Customer Experience at Emirates NBD. Over the years, he has earns his spurs in creating leading Brands, delivering award winning Marketing, turning around loss making businesses, elevating Customer Experience, scaling up Analytics and advancing the Sustainability agenda of corporations.

As the Board Member of the Society he aspires to advance the circular economy agenda in the region and accelerate environment actions by corporations.

Niranjan Gidwani

Membership Director

Niranjan was the former CEO of Eros Group Dubai, and he is currently engaged as a part time Independent Consultant Director and Board Advisor.

Niranjan is known for the ability to assist in creating and implementing a vision plan and has demonstrated the ability and expertise to transform regional groups and organizations into international brands.

Niranjan holds a first-class degree in Mechanical Engineering, and an MBA in Marketing. He has attended several top management courses at various institutions across the world.

Niranjan has over 41 years of experience and accomplishments in hardcore senior management, with a strong exposure in handling and developing international businesses. Within this 41 year period, Niranjan has lived and worked in India, Hong Kong, Germany, Singapore and Dubai. Out of these 40 years, he has spent 30 plus years in Dubai.

His areas of expertise include General management, strategy, and implementation, building and scaling up teams and processes, grooming and mentoring future leaders, international business development, handling international start-ups and marketing.

He has had the experience of working in various large multinational global organizations such as SKF Bearings, HSBC, Xerox, large Indian Corporate Groups, Govt of China as well as closely held medium-to-large international companies.

Niranjan has travelled on a regular basis to over 60 countries around the world and has extensive knowledge of various regions including Middle East, South-East, South Asia, India, CIS, Parts of Africa and parts of Europe. Gidwani Position in SSGM is-Founder Member.

Dr. Abbas Elmualim

Education and Awareness Director

Professor Elmualim is the Chair of the Department of Architectural Engineering, University of Sharjah -2019-2022). He spent most of his academic career working at the University of Reading, UK. Professor Elmualim is committed and passionate global academic about interdisciplinary research work. He has attracted funding from various sources, globally. His research focuses on integrative approaches to design, construction and facilities management. With particular interest in sustainability and digital technologies viewed from a broad socio-technical systems perspective. His research approach seeks to combine engineering research methodologies with those derived from the social sciences.

Dr Elmualim is a passionate sustainability leader with proven track record in architecture, engineering and construction for Sustainable Built Environment with acumen, drive and tenacity in project management, CSR and stakeholder engagement and management. Worked globally and travelled extensively with cultural sensitivity and diversity celebration resolve. Wide higher education and industrial experience, globally and in UK, Australia and the UAE. Thorough understanding of the sustainability trajectories driving the construction and built environment industries – across the supply chain – including sustainable facilities management and the Circular Economy. Thorough understanding of current and future trends that impact the provision of education, training and employment such as sustainability, globalisation, and the gig-economy.

Amer Bin Ahmed

Marketing Director

Amer Bin Ahmed is not only a name but a synonym often used for building materials. With over 20 years of experience in the construction field he has received many awards and recognitions from the UAE government and prestigious organizations for his continuous contribution to the industry and innovation in the field. Amer now works as a consultant and advises governments and private companies on the topics of gypsum, sustainability, standards, and innovative construction methods.

Amer’s journey started 2000 in Lafarge Boral where he worked as country manager, from 2010 – 2022 Amer was the Managing Director of Knauf Middle East, which is a subsidiary of Knauf Germany, the largest building material supplier globally. From being recognized as “CEO of the Year” by a famous media group in 2016, to being a team player and winner with his plant workers for the Guinness World Record in the same year, the MIT educated visionary has a unique approach to business and life in general. Managing more than 20 different nationalities, he is someone who connects with people from all spheres and has been recognized by organizations and government bodies like Civil Defence, Municipality and Central Laboratory though out Gulf Cooperation Council.

Amer has not only interest in locally made products, but also in standards. He was the first who introduced ASTM to the region. He has since then relentlessly supported the promotion or ASTM in

Ayhan Tugrul

Mr. Ayhan TUGRUL BSc, MIMMM, CSAP Cert, CWEng, PEDEng, NEBOSH IGC

Ayhan Tugrul is Chief Operating Officer (COO) at CARES where he is responsible for the development and effective implementation of CARES strategies and operational business plans. He is an active member of the CARES Board and Policy Advisory Committee as well as operational technical committees.

Ayhan is a competent technical expert in relation to sustainability and construction steel supply chain. Prior to joining CARES in early 2007, Ayhan has worked for major plc’s gaining experience in the international certification and steel industries.

He was born in Turkey and educated at Istanbul Technical University, Faculty of Chemistry and Metallurgy where he gained a BSc in Metallurgy and Material Science Engineering continued with post graduate research courses in Slag Reduction Co. (Multiserv) and Sheffield University. Throughout his career, Ayhan has attended numerous general management and specialist training courses. In particular, he has developed an extensive knowledge of management system standards (QMS, EMS and OH&MS), strategic planning and market research for the steel industry, corporate social accountability, sustainability, circular economy as well as Life Cycle Assessments and Environmental Product Declaration – EPD Reporting. He has presented a number of international seminars for construction supply chain and related industry professionals across a range of industry topics.

Lee Brankley

Lee Brankley, CEO – CARES

Lee Brankley has enjoyed a long and successful career in the steel industry, joining the Certification Authority for Reinforcing Steels (CARES) more than 25 years ago and rising to become General Manager before his appointment as Chief Executive Officer in 2015. Since then, he has transformed CARES operational capability; built strong relationships among stakeholders and delivered transformational sector-leading digital and sustainability strategies for the steel industry. Lee has led projects in the design, development and implementation of digital solutions to improve the process of delivering and managing steel supply chains with a focus on digitalisation. Under his leadership CARES recently opened its first overseas operation in Hong Kong, and have since launched a new post-tensioning scheme in Australia and Singapore in 2021.

Issa Azar

Chief Executive Officer – Issa Azar

Issa Azar is the CEO position of Smart Automation Energy, an energy efficiency turn-key solution provider based in Dubai, UAE. Mr. Azar brings international experience and an insider’s understanding of the challenges facing customers in light of today’s desire to have more energy efficient facilities. After graduating from one of the most prestigious universities in Canada, he has gained experience managing various aspects of leading manufactures in different sectors for companies in Canada, Jordan and other various countries in the Middle East. In these hands-on positions he has quickly built a history of reducing costs, becoming more sustainable through energy efficiency programs. Issa holds a Masters in Manufacturing Management and a Bachelor in Mechanical Engineering from McGill University.

Alexander Euler

Managing Director – Middle East and South AsiaA driven, visionary manager with a multi-cultural profile, with 20+ years of experience in organizational leadership, as well as entrepreneurial and strategic initiatives in different regions of the world. Perfectly at home in various types of cultural and organizational environments. Always ready to go where business needs taking care of and a strong believer in leading from the front.

Badi Mahabat

With almost 20 years’ experience in business and operations, Badi has worked as a business and risk manager with American Express and has worked across Asia, London and South Africa before coming back to Australia to work as the Senior Marketing Director of Integrated Marketing ANZ for SAP. Since exiting the corporate world, he has run a number of successful businesses.Badi’s core focus areas include ESG strategy and competitive advantage; climate change, circular economy business models; traceability and transparency across the value chain; executing, embedding, and scaling complex sustainability transformation programs; and harnessing digital technologies and analytics to enable sustainability.

Nicky Yazhari

Nicky Yazhari is a seasoned finance professional with over 16 years of experience in Banking, Investment Management and Private Equity in several countries. Nicky began her fund management career at HSBC Private Bank in the UK where she worked for 7 years before relocating to the United Arab Emirates in 2014. Prior to joining Bold Futures, Nicky was a Senior Portfolio Manager with Emirates NBD Asset Management – focused on multi-asset, ESG and Shariah compliant funds. As well as managing investments, her role included fundraising and advisory work.Nicky has a degree in Business Administration from Macquarie University in Sydney and completed her Masters of Science in Finance and Investment at City University in London.

Team