FOR Azza bint Hamdoon al Maskari, a successful career is measured not only by professional achievements but also by the impact made on people and institutions.
Through her work at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), she has combined technical expertise with leadership, contributing to the development of Oman’s energy sector and the next generation of national talent.
An Omani geophysicist, Al Maskari holds a bachelor’s degree in geophysics from Sultan Qaboos University and postgraduate qualifications in petroleum engineering from Heriot-Watt University and the University of London in the United Kingdom. She was the first student to study geophysics at Sultan Qaboos University, pursuing a field that brought together her interest in science, analysis and the mysteries beneath the Earth’s surface.
Her career at PDO has spanned production geology, oil field development and technical leadership. As head of the oil field development planning team in the Marmul Group, she contributed to identifying growth opportunities, advancing projects and accelerating investment initiatives. She has recently taken on the role of well and reservoir management team leader for the Bahja Rima Cluster.These experiences have strengthened her belief that effective leadership requires both technical knowledge and the ability to connect operational priorities with long-term objectives. Her work as a specialist trainer for geologists also highlighted the importance of sharing expertise and preparing future professionals.
“The greatest investment an organisation can make is in people,” she says, reflecting on the value of helping colleagues develop the confidence and skills to take on greater responsibilities.
Moving between technical and leadership roles has required continuous learning, adaptability and collaboration. Al Maskari views challenges as opportunities to expand her capabilities, believing that successful leaders do not need to have every answer but must know how to draw on their teams’ collective experience.
Her journey also reflects the changing role of Omani women in the oil and gas industry. Women are contributing across geology, reservoir engineering, production engineering, operations, project management and leadership. Al Maskari believes the priority now is to strengthen their representation in strategic technical positions and senior decision-making.“Competence is not determined by gender, but by knowledge, commitment and the ability to deliver results,” she says.
Women, she adds, need fair opportunities to demonstrate their capabilities and advance professionally.
At PDO, she has benefited from training and career development opportunities, while initiatives such as “Hawaa” support women’s professional growth through interactive workshops and targeted programmes. She also highlights “Laha”, launched by the South Oman Directorate, which provides ongoing mentoring under the supervision of department managers. The initiative creates opportunities for women to exchange experiences, discuss career ambitions and engage directly with leaders.
For Al Maskari, such programmes are most valuable when they translate into lasting professional growth, stronger confidence and greater opportunities to lead.She sees further opportunities emerging as the energy sector embraces artificial intelligence, digital transformation, energy efficiency and sustainability. These developments will demand professionals who combine technical expertise with innovation and adaptability.
“I aspire to see more Omani female engineers and geologists in technical leadership and strategic decision-making,” she says, emphasising that women should be recognised not only as role models but as national experts shaping the industry’s future.Her advice to young Omani women entering the sector is to remain curious, embrace unfamiliar challenges and build a strong foundation of knowledge. She encourages graduates to look beyond job titles and focus on becoming trusted experts in their fields.
“Do not make it your goal to be the best person in the room; strive to make the people around you better, too,” she advises.Al Maskari believes that advancing women’s participation requires a collective effort involving families, educational institutions and employers. Encouraging girls to explore science and engineering, ensuring fair career progression and expanding mentoring opportunities can help prepare more women for technical and leadership responsibilities.These priorities align with Oman Vision 2040, which places human development, innovation and sustainability at the centre of national progress.
Through technical contributions, knowledge transfer and talent development, women in the energy sector can support a more competitive and sustainable economy.As Oman marks Omani Women’s Day on October 17, Al Maskari sees the occasion as an opportunity to celebrate women’s achievements and recognise their contribution to national development.
She believes, however, that meaningful recognition must extend beyond a single day through continued investment in women’s capabilities and career opportunities.
For Al Maskari, professional success ultimately lies in more than projects completed or positions held. It is reflected in the knowledge shared, the people developed and the opportunities created for future generations.
“True success is not measured only by the heights you reach, but also by the impact you leave behind and the hands you extend to help others rise."
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