How long have you been with the company, and what brought you to the TIC industry in the first place?
I joined the company in December 2021, so I’ve just completed my fourth year with AmSpec.
Entering the TIC industry was actually a coincidence. As an HR professional, I’ve always been open to exploring different industries because, while HR roles may share the same titles, their applications vary significantly by sector.
I came to Dubai for a visit and happened to meet my current manager. That conversation eventually led to an opportunity to join AmSpec and enter the TIC industry. It was one of those unexpected moments that ended up shaping my career in a very positive way. One of the best coincidences!
Can you briefly describe your role as an HR Manager at the MEA+ region?
As Regional HR Manager for the MEA+ region, my role is essentially to align the company’s objectives with the needs and expectations of our employees. This includes everything from recruitment and workforce planning to training, HR strategy, and day-to-day employee support. I also work closely with leadership to ensure that our HR practices support the company’s growth across multiple countries in the region.
A big part of my personal approach to HR is changing the perception a lot of people have about HR professionals. People often think HR is only there to enforce rules, but I try to demonstrate that HR can also be a partner and support system. I maintain an open-door policy, stay accessible through any communication channel, and make a genuine effort to listen to employees’ concerns and act on them so they feel heard, valued, and supported.
What’s your favorite part about coming to work every day?
The fact that there is never a dull moment! Every day brings something different, new challenges, new situations to navigate, and new opportunities to learn. That constant variety keeps the role interesting and keeps me growing professionally.
At the same time, I truly believe we have a very positive and friendly work environment. Everyone is focused on their work and committed to delivering results, but we still manage to maintain a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere in the office.
What’s the most challenging part of your job?
A couple of things come to mind. First, learning and adapting to the different labour laws and governmental regulations across the different countries I manage and in which we operate. Staying up to date and ensuring compliance across multiple jurisdictions requires constant attention.
Second, we operate in a very niche industry. When hiring for key technical roles, recruitment cannot rely solely on HR efforts. It often requires close collaboration with managers who have strong industry connections and networks in the market.
The Middle East is known for its mega-projects and rapid development. What was the most memorable project you’ve worked on in the region?
One of the most rewarding experiences I’ve had with AmSpec has been helping establish new companies from the ground up and getting them fully operational.
This involves setting up the entire HR and administrative structure: preparing establishment documentation, developing manpower plans and budgets, implementing policies and procedures that comply with local regulations, and building the initial team.
Seeing those companies eventually become fully operational and revenue-generating is extremely satisfying. I’ve had the opportunity to work on projects like this in Oman, Bahrain, and several countries in Africa, and it’s always rewarding to see something you helped build from the start begin to succeed.
We work with diverse cultures at AmSpec daily. How has your experience been collaborating with colleagues or clients from different nationalities across the MEA+?
In my role, I regularly work with managers, colleagues, and team members from different nationalities, each bringing different working styles, communication approaches, and expectations. I’ve learned that the key is to approach these differences with curiosity and respect rather than assuming one standard approach works everywhere. Overall, working in such a diverse environment has strengthened my ability to listen carefully, communicate clearly, and build trust across cultures, which I believe is critical for any organization operating internationally.
What are you most excited about for the future of AmSpec in the Middle East?
What excites me most about the future of AmSpec Group in the Middle East is the strong momentum the company has built in the region and the opportunities that come with it. The Middle East continues to be a strategic hub for energy, commodities, and logistics, and AmSpec is very well-positioned to expand its footprint and capabilities here.
I am particularly excited about the continued development of new laboratories, the expansion of services, and strengthening our presence across key ports and energy hubs. As the business grows, there is also a great opportunity to further develop our people, processes, and infrastructure to support that growth in a sustainable way.
What is the best piece of career advice you ever received, and who gave it to you?
There are two pieces of advice that have stayed with me throughout my career.
The first came from a Director at a previous company. He told me, “Pay attention to how many bad days you’re having at work. Once they start outnumbering the good ones, it’s a sign that you may no longer belong there.” This advice helped me recognize when I was in the right environment, and it’s one of the reasons I know AmSpec is the right place for me.
The second came from my father. He told me that it’s okay not to always have the right answer at work, nobody is right all the time. What matters is having the confidence to express your opinion and contribute your perspective.
What is one fun fact about you that would surprise your colleagues?
A fun fact about me is that I hold a black belt in Taekwondo, and I practiced ballet for 18 years.
Coffee or tea? And what’s your order?
I will always choose coffee, although I’m definitely a tea fan as well. My go-to drink is a latte with low-fat milk and a sweetener.