August 17, 2025By Swathi Suresh - Content and Conference Manager
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Fatma Al Hinai is currently working as an Application Engineer at Baker Hughes in Oman. Her role focuses on drilling applications, with a strong interest in bit technology, performance optimization, and solving complex challenges in the field. She’s had the opportunity to take part in technical courses focused on bit design and drilling problem mitigation, which have deepened my understanding and passion for the energy industry.
Fatma’s achievements include receiving the OPAL Award for Best Graduate Development Programme and being recognized by Omantel as one of the Top 10 Inspiring Youth in Oman—both of which have motivated her to continue pushing forward and contributing to the industry. She is passionate about innovation, collaboration, and using her voice to represent the next generation of energy professionals.
1. What inspired you to be part of the OPES 2025 journey as a Brand Ambassador? Being selected as a Brand Ambassador for OPES 2025 is both a privilege and a responsibility I carry with pride. What inspired me most is the opportunity to contribute to a platform that not only shapes the future of energy in Oman and the region, but also celebrates diverse voices. As a young Omani woman working in the energy field, I believe representation matters. I wanted to be part of a journey that bridges industry and innovation, while encouraging the next generation to step forward with confidence.
2. Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got involved in the energy sector? I’m currently an Application Engineer at Baker Hughes, focusing on drilling optimization and bit performance across challenging environments. My journey into the energy sector began with a deep curiosity about subsurface engineering and real-world problem solving. Throughout university, I pursued internships and technical development opportunities and was fortunate to gain industry exposure early on. Most recently, my abstract was accepted for presentation at India Energy Week 2025, a milestone that reflects my dedication to technical growth and global engagement within the energy landscape.
3. What does energy mean to you personally beyond the technical definition? To me, energy represents opportunity. It’s about enabling progress—not just for industries, but for people, homes, and communities. It’s the unseen force that powers dreams, drives growth, and opens doors. On a personal level, it means being part of something bigger than myself contributing to solutions that impact how people live and how nations evolve.
4. How is Oman uniquely positioned in the global energy landscape? Oman holds a distinctive place in the energy ecosystem. With our rich hydrocarbon resources, strategic location, and increasing investment in renewable energy and hydrogen, we’re not just keeping pace we’re setting examples in resilience and diversification. Oman’s approach to energy is grounded in tradition but forward-looking in ambition, which makes it a fascinating environment for innovation and collaboration.
5. How do you plan to use your platform as a Brand Ambassador to engage the wider community? My goal is to make energy more accessible especially to youth and underrepresented groups. Through knowledge-sharing, mentorship, and digital engagement, I want to highlight the human side of our industry. I plan to use this platform to tell real stories from the field, simplify technical insights, and inspire others especially young women to pursue careers in energy with confidence and purpose.
6. How can industry leaders balance sustainability with profitability? Sustainability and profitability are not opposing forces; they are two sides of long-term success. Industry leaders can strike that balance by embedding sustainability into the core of their business models through investment in low-carbon technologies, digital transformation, and transparent ESG strategies. It’s about making choices that serve both today’s shareholders and tomorrow’s generations.
7. What advice would you give to young professionals entering the oil and gas or energy space? Be open to learning, and don’t shy away from challenges. This industry is full of opportunities for those who are curious and resilient. Seek mentors, build your network, and embrace innovation. Most importantly, believe in the value you bring your perspective matters, especially in a sector that’s evolving as rapidly as ours.
8. In one word, how would you describe the future of energy in the region? Empowered. Because to me, the future of energy isn’t just about technology, it’s about people. It’s about equipping the next generation with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to lead. As someone who’s grown in this industry, I see how energy is empowering lives, ideas, and transformations—not just in Oman, but across the region.
