Journey to Excellence

Dr. Khalid Mohammed Al Zahed

October 2010
Excellence Race
In the race for Excellence there is no
finish line
H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al
Maktoum
My Vision
I was inspired by Sheikh Mohammed bin
Rashid Al Maktoums book
My Vision
I learnt that for each stage of the life there is
a particular vision
My vision is to unify the efforts of Marine
Transport and Coastal Engineering under
one institution
My Education Journey
Higher Diploma, Civil Engineering, 2000
BSc, Engineering Management, 2002
MSc, Coastal Engineering, 2003
PhD, Coastal Engineering & Marine
Environment, 2008
.............................................................
My Professional Journey
40 weeks training with
Several contracting companies
Consultancy firms
Lands Department
My Professional Journey
Dubai Municipality
Marine Project Engineer, 2000 to 2003
Head of Marine Works Unit, 2003 to 2004
Head of Coastal Management Section, 2004
to 2006
My Professional Journey
Roads & Transport Authority RTA
Director of Maritime Projects Department,
2006 to May 2010
Director of Marine Transport Department,
June 2010 till now
Outstanding Achievements
Main role in establishing and organizing
Marine Agency, RTA early 2006
Launch of Water Bus and iconic Water
Taxi for the first time in the region
Dubai Ferry will be launched soon
Outstanding Achievements
Initiatives resulted in savings of some
AED 250 m.
Distinguished Technical/Engineering
Employee, 2004
Distinguished Government Employee,
2009
My Experience with Leadership
Balance of strategic direction and
operational requirements
Motivation of human resources,
individuals and teams
Competency and trustworthiness
The importance of being a Role Model
Public service priority to personal interest
Change not for the sake of change
My Experience with Knowledge
Education whilst working: Higher Diploma, BSc,
MSc and PhD in 13 years.
Training: technical and leadership training
Visits to countries advanced in marine field to
share best practices
Participation in regional and international
conferences with technical papers
Exchange knowledge with colleagues and
friends
My Experience with communication
Utilization of hi-tech in communications
Efficient meeting management
Reports are not replacement of site visits, the
pulse of work
Teamwork: efficient participation in teams and
committees
Involvement with all stakeholders: employees,
customers, strategic partners and society
My Experience with official activities
Project Manager of Metro opening ceremony
Participation in organizing conferences and
forums
Presenter of several government bodies events
My Experience with non-official
activities
Part time with Dubai TV as Producer and
Announcer, 1994 to 2007
Awareness sessions on marine transport
activities for summer students trainees
My Experience with sport events
International Events
SportAccord Conference, Dubai 2010
World Swimming Championship, Dubai 2010
FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup, Dubai 2009
FIFA U 20 World Cup, UAE 2003
Local Events
Official Commentator, Formula 1 Festival, Abu
Dhabi, 2007
My Experience with Voluntary
Work
International
Visit to Kosovo,1999 during war
Local Social Events
Big Breakfast Event to support thalathemia holders
of Mohammed Bin Rashid Program for Leadership
Development
The International Day of The Elderly
Dubai Summer Surprises
Creativity and Suggestions
Brainstorming workshops
Participation in suggestion schemes
Personal involvement in a specialty project
of Dubai coastal survey using Lidar Survey
technology
Continuous improvement of business
processes and customer service
Challenges
Balance between learning, work and
family requirements
Meeting the deadline 09.09.09
Water Bus system
Difficult circumstances in Kosovo
Lack of local references in the area of
coastal engineering
Personal Achievements
Established the first coastal monitoring
program
Introduced floating pontoons for abra
stations
Completion of 7 heritage kiosks in 3
months
Completion of Water Bus in 6 months
Leading and Participating in more than 25
committees and teams in RTA
Conclusions
Choose appropriate education specialty
Choose appropriate professional career
Participate in voluntary activities
Document your achievements
Share best practices
Thank you