In this new episode of Bridging the Gap - Podcast, we host Muneer Al Busaidi, an international Amazon best-selling author, impact coach, marketer, and persuasion master. He takes us on a journey starting from his early beginnings in #Oman leading to his current global presence in the field of persuasion coaching. Muneer touches on how to “get remembered, get referred and get rewarded” in any field. He also gives us tips on the art of persuasion which he details in this book #PowerPersuasion, as well as how to deal with polarity responders at work or at home. A very educational episode with one of the selected few from the Middle East in the field of mastering persuasion. Please have a listen!

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!

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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!