Doha, Qatar – Two professionals dedicated to environmental stewardship have been recognized as leaders in the Middle East’s rapidly evolving sustainability landscape. Neeshad Shafi, a Climate Policy Expert, and Dr. Aisha Al Rumaihi, a Senior HSE Analyst at QatarEnergy, have both been named to the “Energy Addition” Top 100 Sustainability Voices 2026 list. This acknowledgment highlights Qatar’s increasing focus on climate action and the global energy transition.
The recognition, announced this week, comes as the Middle East grapples with balancing growing energy demands with ambitious decarbonization goals. Gulf Intelligence compiled the list based on nominations from the 2025 cohort of Top 100 Sustainability Voices, ensuring a peer-reviewed selection process focused on established expertise. The inclusion of these two Qatar-based professionals signals the country’s growing influence in regional and international sustainability efforts.
Qatar’s Rising Profile in Sustainability
Neeshad Shafi, Manager – Engagement Offsets Capital and co-founder of the Arab Youth Climate Movement Qatar, expressed his satisfaction with the recognition. He stated that it demonstrates Qatar’s commitment to aligning with global climate initiatives. Shafi’s current project, “Climate Financing,” aims to bolster Qatar’s role within the regional environmental ecosystem.
Shafi emphasized the importance of collaborative action, noting his NGO’s work in empowering community leaders and engaging the private sector as crucial drivers of change. He believes a concerted effort from government entities, businesses, and young people is essential to achieving meaningful progress in climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Dr. Aisha Al Rumaihi, a well-respected figure in environmental strategy, views the award as a call to action. She acknowledged the increased responsibility that comes with such recognition and intends to leverage it to expand the reach of sustainability messaging.
Reaching the Next Generation
Dr. Al Rumaihi plans to focus on engaging youth through social media platforms. She believes that incorporating the next generation into sustainability discussions is paramount to long-term success, and that social media provides a vital channel for reaching this demographic. This strategy reflects a broader trend of utilizing digital tools to promote environmental awareness.
Qatar has been steadily increasing its investment in renewable energy sources and implementing policies to reduce carbon emissions. The country’s National Environment and Climate Change Strategy (NECCS) outlines ambitious goals for sustainable development, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030. This commitment is further demonstrated through initiatives like the development of large-scale solar power plants and investments in carbon capture technologies.
However, challenges remain in transitioning a hydrocarbon-dependent economy towards a more sustainable model. Balancing economic growth with environmental protection requires innovative solutions and sustained political will. The recognition of Shafi and Dr. Al Rumaihi underscores the importance of expertise in navigating these complexities.
The “Energy Addition” edition of the Top 100 Sustainability Voices list specifically acknowledges individuals contributing to the delicate balance of meeting global energy needs while simultaneously accelerating the shift towards a lower-carbon future. This focus is particularly relevant for the Middle East, a region central to global energy production.
Looking ahead, the impact of these sustainability leaders will be closely watched as Qatar continues to implement its environmental strategies. The success of initiatives like Shafi’s “Climate Financing” project and Dr. Al Rumaihi’s youth engagement campaign will be key indicators of progress. Further announcements regarding Qatar’s updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement are expected before the next major climate conference, COP30, in 2025, and will provide a clearer picture of the country’s long-term climate goals.
The full list of the Top 100 Sustainability Voices 2026 is available on the Gulf Intelligence website.
