Dr. Hamad Abdullah Al Shehhi, the first Emirati expert in train operations, affirms that the strong support provided by the UAE to its national workforce is the primary reason he rose from working as a ticket seller in the private sector to his current position as Senior Controller and Acting Duty Manager at Dubai Metro’s Operations Control Center.
He emphasizes that his professional journey started from a very simple point — but with persistence, education, and the leadership’s trust in Emirati talent, he was able to move forward step by step.
A Career Built on Education and Dedication
Al Shehhi holds a PhD in Innovative Public Transport Solutions, a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Government Foresight and Innovation, in addition to a Bachelor’s in Public Relations. He is also the recipient of several honors, including second place in the Nafis Award 2024, and first place in the 2025 edition in the Specialized Jobs category. He is currently a member of the Nafis Youth Council.
He points out that one of the most significant challenges he faced at the beginning of his journey was traveling daily from Ras Al Khaimah to Dubai, in addition to working in a multicultural environment with people of various nationalities — yet he considers these challenges as fuel for success.
“We are a people raised to be in first place — that phrase has always stayed with me. And as the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, peace be upon him, said: Life is work, and the value of a person is in their work.”
A Vision Shaped by Leadership and Nafis
He also highlights how the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, may God protect him, are a constant source of motivation to pursue learning and excellence.
“Progress only comes through knowledge and qualified national talent,” he says.
Al Shehhi believes the Nafis program played a vital role in his professional growth. Before joining Nafis, he worked in the private sector and faced the same concerns and challenges as many young Emiratis. But today, thanks to the program, everything has changed — opportunities for training, education, career development, guidance, and even media support have become readily available.
“Before Nafis, I was uncertain, like many others. But now Nafis develops, highlights, and empowers talent. Everything is available to the youth — from courses and mentoring to visibility and encouragement.”
A Turning Point: The Nafis Award
Participating in the Nafis Award was a pivotal moment in his journey. From the initial application process to interviews with top industry professionals, the experience gave him the chance to prove himself.
“Winning the Nafis Award in 2024 brought significant media attention. That’s when people began to learn about my story.”
From this experience, Al Shehhi learned a valuable lesson: the importance of documenting accomplishments.
“I used to work hard without keeping any record. But today, I document everything, because it supports you throughout your career. That’s my advice to every young person entering the workforce — document your achievements.”
A Message of Hope to the Youth
Al Shehhi concludes by emphasizing that life is full of challenges, but reaching one’s goals is always possible at the right time.
“Opportunities exist. Support exists. All we need is a clear goal and the determination to pursue it. I believe Emirati youth are fully capable of shaping the future and drawing its features according to the sustainable vision set by our wise leadership.”
