Hamad Al Shehhi at one of the NEP November 2022 to June 2023 sessions.

Mariecar Jara-Puyod, Senior Reporter

Learning does not come to a full stop and to embark by way of a government programme is among the best decisions for an Emirati US-educated electrical engineer whose professional exposure includes several years at the development stage of the first nuclear power plant in the UAE.

The government programme being referred to by Hamad Al Shehhi is the National Experts Programme (NEP) which His Highness Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Abu Dhabi, launched for professionals with at least 10 years of work experience, interested in deepening knowledge of national to global issues, and who also aspire to become the more forward-looking individuals equipped with sharpened leadership skills.

It is framed for eight months consisting of immersive field works and intensive coaching sessions with a select group of experts such as Minister of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) Mariam Almheiri, among Al Shehhi’s mentors. It is aligned with the UAE national priorities which for 2023, are about “national identity and its consolidation, environment and sustainability, educational system and the development of its vision, indicators, and outputs; Emiratisation and its acceleration; and the expansion of the UAE’s international economic partnerships.” The Abu Dhabi-based public investment company ADQ-Food & Agriculture Division Senior Investment manager Al Shehhi, was among the November 2022 to June 2023 NEP 3.0 participants, having aced the “competitive selection process” that saw over 850 applicants.

NEP3.0 concentrated on three clusters and 15 strategic sectors: Economic Development (economic development; media and creative economy; space; technology and innovation; advanced sciences and research; tourism and hospitality); Social Development (education; culture; community development and social services; policy and government services; and health and well-being); and Sustainability and Infrastructure (energy and renewables; food and water security; mobility and logistics; and, environment and climate change).

Al Shehhi applied, considering the UAE has food security as among its national agenda: “My interest was fuelled by the desire to drive and contribute.”

Among the management board members of the Louis Dreyfus Company which is into agriculture, food processing, international shipping, and financing worldwide, Al Shehhi described his being a mentee of Almheiri “a blessing.” He “witnessed the dedication and commitment” of the entire MOCCAE “domestically and internationally towards achieving the goal of positioning the UAE as a centre of excellence when it comes to execution and sustainability.”

On alternative proteins, Al Shehhi said: “These are a growing trend globally. Traditionally, different types of animals were the main source of protein. However, they are the ones that consume significant natural resources to grow. Given the depletion of natural resources, there is a need to identify alternative sources of protein which can meet the expected demand of protein driven by the expected growth in population.

“Futhermore, alternative protein is also a much more sustainable source from a resources perspective which fits well with global objectives. As such, traditional sources will not be sufficient to meet such growth in demand, and the world requires integrated and sustainable ecosystem to ensure human well-being in the future,” he added.

Al Shehhi’s answer on whether society in general must be scared or sceptical on laboratory-manufactured meat: “The world should not be concerned. Food technology is evolving, and the journey has already started; experimenting in different sources of protein. Plant-based protein is the most advanced among protein sources, and other sources are catching up quickly.”

He believes advancements in Artificial Intelligence which prunes experiments, shall spurt the gestation of alternative proteins with “several companies and institutions already spending resources on R&D to be more efficient in protein production.”

“Such development will provide the required ingredients for the world to withstand pressure on traditional protein sources,” Al Shehhi also said.

Al Shehhi had the chance to gain an “immersive experience with the locals” in the Masfout village of Ajman. The Mohamed Bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, New York University Abu Dhabi, and Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Agency were among his classrooms.

He encouraged others: “Be ready to be inspired. NEP has helped me explore different ways of managing challenging scenarios and situations. How to apply tools will differ from one situation to another.”