Alison took up her position as the British Deputy Consul General for Dubai and the Northern Emirates in 2021. The British Embassy works closely with the United Arab Emirates to address shared global challenges, promote prosperity and security, expand the exchange of knowledge, skills and ideas, and deepen the long-standing ties between our people.

Alison’s areas of responsibility span a range of economic and public diplomacy matters including climate change, energy, science and innovation and engagement with institutions across the Northern Emirates.

Alison has more than 20 years of experience with the United Kingdom’s diplomatic service and has served in posts in the Middle East, Europe and Australia. She holds a First Class Bachelor’s degree in Modern European Languages from the University of Durham and a Master’s degree in Energy and Environmental Economics and Management from the Bocconi University in Milan. She speaks Arabic, French, Italian and Spanish.

Khalifa Alhosani is a Senior Vice President at Emirates Development Bank, leading Foreign Direct Investments. He brings over 11 years of experience in trade finance, corporate banking, and strategic investments across top UAE banks.

Mariam Musallam is a distinguished Emirati engineer and innovation leader, currently serving as the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation within the Enterprise Development Department at the Khalifa Fund. With a career that bridges technical excellence and strategic innovation, she has played a pivotal role in shaping initiatives that empower small and medium enterprises across the UAE.

Mariam was the first female Emirati engineer to specialize in electronic communications. Her groundbreaking work in electrical engineering led to a patented invention that traces the anode element used in aluminum manufacturing—an achievement that not only marked a milestone in industrial innovation but also ignited her enduring passion for system improvement and discovery.

Internationally recognized, Mariam was named one of Hannover Messe’s Top 15 Engineer Power Women and was featured in the 2022 Emirati Women Achievers Commemorative Book. Her work exemplifies the intersection of technical ingenuity, policy innovation, and economic development.

Michael Joshua is Vice President of Products and Ecosystem Development at KEZAD Group. His role is to lead growth strategy and execution across industries, functions and geographies for the company.

With nearly two decades spent in corporate strategic planning and business development, Michael leads the delivery of investment and operating plans for growth opportunities in new markets for KEZAD Group. He plays a key role in providing corporate finance expertise in planning and implementing models for new product development, incubation and market positioning as well as business expansion.

Michael holds an MBA degree from INSEAD, France. He graduated in Banking and Finance from London School of Economics and Political Science.

James Smith exemplifies a driven and results-oriented management professional, boasting a rich background in the defense sector. With 24 years of distinguished service in the British Army, he seamlessly transitioned into the private sector, leveraging his extensive military expertise to excel in strategic consultancy roles across the GCC.

As the CEO at BHE Land Systems, James plays a pivotal role in steering the company towards excellence in the defense arena. His responsibilities span overseeing operations, charting strategic direction, and optimizing organizational performance. Moreover, James actively engages in financial management, collaborating closely with the finance team to craft robust strategies for resource allocation and cost-effectiveness.

Prior to his leadership role at BHE Land Systems, James served in consultancy positions at two of the world's leading accountancy firms, KPMG and PWC, where he provided meticulous analysis of the defense industry landscape. Stationed in Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, his insights and recommendations were instrumental in shaping strategic decisions for clients.

Niall Urquhart is the Chief Operating Officer at Reactive Downhole Tools, a seasoned senior leader with over 18 years of international experience in the energy sector. He is known for driving small and mid-sized businesses into new global markets, with a proven track record of delivering strategic growth in challenging and fast-evolving environments.

Niall played a pivotal role in establishing a strong operational presence for Reactive Downhole Tools in the UAE, successfully leading the company’s entry into Abu Dhabi. Under his leadership, the business has achieved sustained regional growth and, most recently, launched a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility within the UAE — a key milestone that reflects the company’s long-term commitment to local content and regional capability development.

With an Executive MBA and an MSc in Drilling & Well Engineering, Niall combines deep technical expertise with strategic business insight. He is a firm believer in continuous learning, innovation, and agile leadership. As a Global Scot, he is also an active ambassador for Scotland’s global energy footprint and a passionate advocate for collaboration, sustainability, and operational excellence in the sector.

The oil and gas industry has never been static. From the early days of crude extraction to today’s
highly digitized operations, it has been shaped by technological leaps, shifting global demands,
and an ever-intensifying focus on sustainability. What was once an industry driven purely by
resource exploration and extraction is now a sophisticated ecosystem where automation, artificial
intelligence, and environmental consciousness dictate the next frontier. Regulatory frameworks,
geopolitical tensions, and the rise of alternative energy sources continue to reshape the playing
field, forcing companies to evolve or risk obsolescence.

Among those shaping the future of the industry, Dr. Khursheed Alam stands out for his ability
to merge technological foresight with business acumen. His leadership at Al Masaood has not
been about maintaining momentum but rather about setting a new pace.

Dr. Khursheed Alam’s journey in the oil and gas sector has been shaped by a strong technical
foundation, strategic leadership, and a commitment to business excellence. With extensive
experience gained from working with globally renowned organizations, he has developed
expertise in engineering solutions, business development, and market expansion.

Upon joining Al Masaood, Dr. Khursheed set out to elevate its position within the oil and gas
industry by strengthening key partnerships, enhancing service capabilities, and driving
operational efficiency. He played a pivotal role in transforming the company’s focus toward the
energy sector by fostering strong relationships with operating companies, as well as key local
and regional clients. A crucial aspect of this transformation involved expanding Al Masaood’s
portfolio to align with the industry’s evolving demands.

Through a strategic and client-centric approach, Dr. Khursheed has successfully reinforced the
company’s reputation as a trusted partner in the market. As General Manager, his ongoing
priorities include sustainable growth, regional expansion, and operational excellence—ensuring
that Al Masaood remains at the forefront of the energy sector. His leadership philosophy
revolves around innovation, collaboration, and value creation, essential factors in navigating the
industry's evolving landscape.