Building a sustainable future, opening doors for women

TURNING waste into a resource does not happen overnight. It requires years of effort to turn a simple concept into a project. However, for Zainab Abdulkhaliq, a professional in Oman’s waste management sector, the reward comes from knowing that she is contributing to Oman’s future. “When a project finally moves forward and you know it will turn waste into something useful for Oman, that is very rewarding,” she said.

Currently serving as Senior Manager, Business Development at be’ah (Oman Environmental Services Holding Company), Abdulkhaliq began her career in economic research and statistics at the Central Bank of Oman, after studying commerce and international business at Monash University in Australia. She later earned an MSc in Environmental Management from the University of Northampton and spent four years at HMR Environmental Engineering Consultants, delivering environmental impact assessments and cost-benefit studies.

She joined be’ah in 2017, working in energy and material recovery, and later became Section Head for Energy Recovery. “I worked on feasibility studies for energy-from-waste projects and the tyre-derived fuel initiative with Oman Cement Company,” she said. She has held her current role since 2022.

The combination of business and environmental work continues to sustain her interest. “What keeps me interested is the variety. One project can involve cement companies, energy developers, regulators and investors, and each one teaches something new.”

Developing waste-to-value projects also comes with challenges. “They involve many parties and need agreement on pricing, supply, regulation and investment approvals before they can move forward. Keeping projects on track through long negotiations takes patience and a clear process,” she explained. Abdulkhaliq worked on building a structured framework at be’ah for screening and developing new opportunities.

Reflecting on her experience as an Omani woman in the sector, she described a supportive working environment. “The waste sector in Oman has embraced women, and at be’ah you see women in many different roles, from technical and commercial positions to executive management.”

According to Abdulkhaliq, almost half of be’ah’s workforce is female. She also values recognition from the company’s leadership. “Our CEO consistently acknowledges the contributions women make to be’ah whenever he addresses us, and that recognition matters. It tells us our work is valued and encourages us to keep growing and taking on bigger responsibilities.”

Her approach to working with people owes much to her father, whose long career in the airline industry has been a source of guidance. “The most important lesson he taught me is that good relationships are built on respect, patience and listening,” she said.

Abdulkhaliq urges young Omani women not to let a job title or degree decide where they belong. “I came into this sector with a background in commerce and economics, and I found that my skills were just as needed as technical ones. Energy and environmental projects bring together engineers, financial experts, lawyers, policy specialists and many others.”

“My advice is to stay curious, keep learning, and be confident in what you bring. The opportunities are there, and Oman needs our ideas and our energy to build a more sustainable future.”

For Abdulkhaliq, Omani Women’s Day brings gratitude for earlier generations and responsibility towards those who follow. “Each of us has a role in keeping those doors open for the next generation, by supporting younger colleagues, sharing what we have learned, and showing through our work what Omani women can achieve.”

That commitment also shapes how she hopes to be remembered. “I hope people will remember me as someone who brought people together, built trust between partners, and turned good ideas into something real for Oman,” she said. “If colleagues, especially young Omani women, feel that I helped them grow, gave them confidence, or opened a door for them, that would mean more to me than any project. To me, the best contribution is one that continues through others long after you have moved on.”