Bridging the Gap

Dr. Abdullah Al Bahrani is an associate professor of economics, and the director of the Center for Economic Eduction at the Northern Kentucky University. He has a strong base on social media where he promotes economical literacy and funds management amongst other topics. He has also started the Econ Games initiative which is an economic innovation venture that aims at connecting students with the real world which replicates an internship experience. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we sit with Dr. Abdullah to discuss micro and macro economics, and the region’s transition into an innovation based economy. He also shares his views on the role of teaching economics and the effect it has on that transition. Please have a listen!

In this new episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Masoud Al Rawahi, Executive director of PhazeRo, a software consulting firm that designs, develops and deploys custom software solutions in the GCC region. As an enterpeneur with a background in Information Systems, Masoud took his chances and started what can arguably be best regarded as one of fastest developing tech companies in the region. With expertise in software development, cyber security, data science, and UI/UX design, PhazeRo is planning to become one of the region’s largest tech teams with an emphasis on home grown talent. Masoud takes us through how it all started, as well as the challenges and difficulties he faced as an enterperneur. He also shares his company’s strategy to invest in young local talent and how this will pay dividends in the long run. Please have a listen!

April Lloyd is a director of SustainableOman with vast experience in the oil and gas industry as well as being a climate change advisor and ESG consultant. She is also notable for her joint initiative of Renew You with Shereen Nairne; a project which aims at helping individuals within the oil and gas industry become more equipped in this energy transition period as well as identify the needed skill set for new joiners or seasoned professionals. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, she sheds light on the energy transition in the GCC and Oman in particular, as well the career opportunities in renewables in the upcoming years. She also talks about her experience in managing to put her oil and gas skill set to use in her new role in sustainability. Please have a listen!

Cryptocurrency may be a long way from reaching its full potential, one thing is for sure, change has begun. As AK said, invest wisely.

In this episode, AK takes us through cryptocurreny history, basics and trading tips. Have a listen!

In this episode of Bridging the Gap, we host Mohsin Al Hadhrami, Schlumberger Managing director in South East Asia. His oil and gas career spans over 25 years with roles in the GCC, North Africa, Iraq, and South East Asia. In this episode, Mohsin talks about his career and how it started, as well as the changes and challenges the oil and gas industry has faced over the years. He also focuses on the need to attract more talent to the industry and need to undergo a paradigm shift into a collaborative energy sector. Mohsin also talks about the ever dynamic relationship between operators and service companies especially as the green growth narrative steps in gear. Please have a listen!

Shatha Al Maskiry is a leading businesswoman in Oman and the region, and currently holds the position of Protiviti consulting firm Managing director in Oman along with other regional roles. She is also an active personality on social media with widespread presence across major platforms. In this episode of Bridging the Gap, she takes us through her diverse career, as well as the challenges she has faced in a male dominated working environment. She also discusses the concept of personal branding and its importance for today’s workforce. Shatha also sheds light on the demanding yet satisfying nature of consultation, and the support she and her organization provide to young individuals across the specturm. Please have a listen!

Employment of urban and regional planners is projected to grow 11 percent from 2019 to 2029, much faster than the average for all occupations according to US bureau of Labor statistics office. This growth will be attributed to demographic, transportation and environmental changes worldwide. Oman is no different as the recent political reform has seen a focus on urban planning and has put it in the epicenter of economic growth forecasted for the country in the next 20 years. This culminated in publishing the Oman National Spatial Strategy (ONSS) which servers as a master plan for Oman’s growth in many fields. Our Guest, Dr. Hilal Al Qamshooi is one of the architects of the ONSS and he accepted our invitation to talk more about urban planning in the country and the opportunities for urban planners in the near future. He also takes us through some of the key elements of the ONSS and the reason why it will serve as a framework for not only spatial growth but also economic growth leading to the fulfillment of vision 2040. Please have a listen.

In this episode, we continue to bridge the gap... Lana Al Wraikat, UNICEF representative for Oman shares her experience with the UNICEF and the supporting part it plays in Oman and the region. She also shares the adaptability of UNICEF’s role in the country amidst the ongoing pandemic, as well as the strong bilateral cooperation with the various government entities. Lana also touches on the new initiatives established by UNICEF in collaboration with both the public and private sectors in areas such as pre employment training, and mental health counseling. Please have a listen!

Dr. Salim Al Flaiti is the executive director for Venue Operations at Oman Convention and Exhibition Center (OCEC). He takes us through his journey in people management and the exhibition management industry. He talks about the hurdles and opportunities that the exhibition industry has faced in recent years, as well as the catalytic role it plays in the country’s economy. He also shares his insights on the complementing role OCEC will play during EXPO2020 and FIFA World Cup 2022. He finally gives a word of advice to aspiring individuals who wish to enter the exhibition management industry in these tough times. Please have a listen!

This episode is unique in many ways as we host Tim Nijland CMO of VR Owl who is an extended reality expert and a public speaker. He is based in the Netherlands but is involved in multiple projects around the world through VR Owl. In this episode, he shares his insights on the role of virtual reality in today’s world, and opportunities for you young professionals in the industry. Dr. Muadh Al Kalbani is the guest co host for this episode. He is an augmented reality expert based in London with AR and VR experience in the pharmaceuticals industry with academic affiliations in the UK. Please have a listen!