Where are you from?

I was born and raised in the UAE and moved to Sydney, Australia, in 2018. I’m a civil engineer with a master’s degree in construction project management and a PMP certification.

What’s something about you (a fun fact) that few people know?

Few people know I have a soft spot for architecture and interior design. During the COVID lockdown in 2021, I decided to have a bit of fun and took a full course on Udemy to learn Revit. I even downloaded it onto my computer and started designing my dream home, producing 2D and 3D layouts—it was like bringing my imagination to life on screen! Also, a fun fact: I played American football in the UAE league in 2016 as an offensive lineman!

Where do you work?

I currently work at TSA RILEY as part of the project controls team. I feel incredibly lucky to be surrounded by such supportive, driven, and genuinely kind colleagues. It’s not just the exciting projects that make it a great workplace—it’s the people and the culture. 

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy developing project controls from the ground up—whether it’s building baseline schedules, preparing cost reports, or creating Power BI dashboards to track performance. There is something rewarding about seeing these systems come together, function seamlessly, and add real value to a project.

Do you have a project story to share? / What’s been your favorite or most memorable moment of your career?

One of the most memorable projects I’ve worked on was with Transport for NSW on the Ferry Wharves Upgrade Program. I served as a program controls manager and was involved for almost two years. Seeing those projects come to life and witnessing the client’s satisfaction was incredibly rewarding.

What are your future goals and aspirations for your career? Did someone inspire you to be on this career path?

I’m excited to explore the next level of project controls, especially 4D planning. I’m particularly interested in contributing to projects in the energy and water sectors. I’ve always been inspired by the impact of well-managed infrastructure on communities.

Why did you join AACE?

I joined AACE because I’m currently pursuing the Certified Cost Professional (CCP) credential and wanted to deepen my understanding of the principles and best practices of Total Cost Management (TCM).

What do you like most about being an AACE member? Or, what’s your favorite part of being an AACE member?

I enjoy the seminars, courses, and technical resources that AACE offers. The events are educational and a great way to stay connected with the professional community.

 What advice would you give someone wanting to enter the field?

Entering this field takes a lot of commitment. It’s about putting in the time and being smart with how things are approached and developed. It’s not always easy, but the satisfaction and rewards make it all worthwhile if there’s a real passion for the work.