Member profile: Shahda Al Taie AMEI

When did you first become interested in energy?

I’ve always been interested in how things worked in the world around us. Also, the fact that both of my parents are electrical engineers definitely meant that I grew up with admiration for what they do and how much they know – this was especially interesting for a curious child like me!

Tell us a little about your current job

I advise my energy sector clients on areas related to their environmental, social and governance impacts. As part of my role, I work closely with the leadership teams to define sustainability ambitions for organizations across MENA (public and private sector). I then support them in engaging with their stakeholders to define priority areas to target in line with the organisation’s strategic direction. Based on the defined framework, I would support my clients in driving their sustainability transformation in areas related to communicating their ESG strategy and achievements, decarbonisation, and circular economy.

What inspired you to pursue this career, and what path did you take to get there?

During the course of my Mechanical Engineering degree, I got interested in pursuing sustainability as a career and this interest grew deeper as I got the chance to intern with a boutique sustainability advisory firm in Dubai. I got a chance to work on strategic projects which dealt with developing the UAE’s Greenhouse gas (GHG) Inventory and that gave me a broad overview of all the sustainability activities by key sectors in the UAE. I now support regional ministries, government authorities, as well as key sector players in the Government and Public Services, Oil & Gas, Power & Utilities, and other sectors across MENA. 

How has being an Associate Member (AMEI) of the Energy Institute benefitted you in your career?

It has given me great access to the wider EI network and has helped me support other young professionals along their career journeys in the energy sector. I am an active member of the board of the Middle East branch, and I chair the YPN chapter for this branch.  

Away from work, what do you like to do in your spare time?

I enjoy reading a lot – one of my all-time favourites is ‘Factfulness: Ten Reasons We're Wrong About the World – and Why Things Are Better Than You Think’

I also enjoy spending time with friends and networking with others within my field.

And finally… What does your Associate membership truly mean to you?  

It is a great way of staying connected to the local and international community. I am a strong believer in the power of making genuine and long-lasting connections and this membership has been a commitment from my side to continue my professional development journey. I initially learnt about the EI as a third-year student in Heriot-Watt University and have been affiliated with the EI, in one way or another, ever since.