With a career that spans from the misty hills of Wicklow to the bustling innovation hubs of Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, Nabeel Ahmad has carved a unique path in sustainability and energy optimization. As the Director of Sustainability and Energy Optimization at Musanadah Facilities Management, Nabeel is not just focused on energy efficiency— he’s reimagining how businesses tackle sustainability, intertwining it with long-term growth and resilience.
“It wasn’t a straight path,” Nabeel admits, smiling. “I started in a startup, which was like an MBA on steroids. In a startup, you don’t have departments or safety nets—you’re everything: the engineer, the presenter, the strategist, even the guy troubleshooting IT issues.” He credits those early years for accelerating his learning curve. “It taught me to think fast, collaborate with people far more experienced than me, and never be afraid to ask questions.”
His journey into sustainability began with a fascination for how tiny adjustments could ripple into massive impacts. He recalls a moment early in his career when recalibrating a single temperature sensor saved an entire manufacturing plant thousands of euros annually. “That was my lightbulb moment,” Nabeel says. “If one small fix could do that, imagine what could be achieved with a holistic approach.”
At Musanadah, Nabeel is leading a newly-minted department focused entirely on energy optimization and sustainability. And, as with any new setup, the journey hasn’t been without its challenges. “It’s not just about installing solar panels or writing fancy reports,” he laughs. “Sometimes, it’s as simple—and symbolic—as eliminating plastic water bottles in the office.”
He shares a story about a particularly ambitious project: installing technology that converts humidity into drinkable water. “It sounded futuristic, but with the MD’s support, we made it happen. Today, we’ve almost phased out bottled water entirely, and every drop comes from thin air—literally.”
Other initiatives include reducing paper usage (his team has a ‘no-print’ policy unless absolutely necessary) and introducing water restrictors to slash unnecessary wastage. “The key isn’t to overwhelm people with changes; it’s to nudge them. One step at a time.”
Challenging the Status Quo
When asked about his leadership style, Nabeel lights up. “I’m lucky to work with an experienced team—many of whom have been in this industry longer than I have. My job isn’t to ‘lead’ them in the traditional sense; it’s to listen, learn, and create an environment where knowledge flows both ways.”
He recalls a team brainstorming session about energy conservation measures (ECMs) that completely flipped the script on traditional approaches. “We were debating how we don’t have to stick to traditional methods just because they’ve always been done that way. Traditional approaches work—they’ve stood the test of time. But the real question is: when do we challenge the status quo?”
That session shifted perspectives. “The challenge isn’t just finding solutions—it’s rethinking the questions we’re asking. If we’re always following the same path, we’ll always get the same results. That brainstorming session reminded us that creativity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a catalyst for innovation.”
Transparency and respect are at the core of Nabeel’s leadership philosophy. “When your team knows the ‘why’ behind a decision, they’re far more invested in making it work.”
Sustainability: Investment, Not Expense
The facilities management industry in Saudi Arabia, Nabeel explains, is on the cusp of a massive transformation. “With projects like Neom and New Murabba, the FM sector will need to step up in ways it’s never done before. We’re not just talking about cleaning and maintenance; it’s about engineering, sustainability, and technology integration on a whole new scale.”
He sees Musanadah’s engineering and sustainability division as a key differentiator in this emerging market. “The groundwork we’re laying today—our focus on energy optimization, decarbonization, and smart technology—will position us as leaders when the demand explodes.”
Speaking of challenges in the industry, Nabeel says that one of the biggest challenges is changing perceptions. “In Western Europe, sustainability is seen as a necessity. Here, it’s often viewed as a luxury—or worse, an expense. Convincing people that it’s an investment, not a cost, is half the battle.”
He shares a story from a client meeting where he demonstrated how a single upgrade to an HVAC system could save the company millions over five years. “When I showed them the numbers, their jaws dropped. That’s the magic of data—it turns skepticism into belief.”
Professionally, Nabeel is focused on building brand awareness for Musanadah and expanding their partnership with CoolPlanet. “The language and cultural barriers in this region make it challenging, but that’s where the opportunity lies. My goal is to position our department as a leader in energy, sustainability, and decarbonization in the Middle East within the next three years.”
Personally, Nabeel’s mission extends beyond his professional goals. He’s passionate about empowering Indian youth. “Growing up outside India, I saw a lot of young people, even the most talented, undervalue themselves. There’s this underlying inferiority complex, where they feel their worth is tied to external validation—be it a big brand, a foreign job, or someone else’s approval.”
Shifting the Mindset
Sharing an anecdote about mentoring a young engineer in India who hesitated to present their groundbreaking idea because they didn’t feel “qualified enough”, he states, “It broke my heart. Here was someone with the potential to change the game, holding back out of self-doubt.”
Nabeel hopes to shift that mindset by helping young Indians recognise their worth. “India’s youth have unmatched talent and grit, but we need to teach them to believe in themselves. Stop selling yourself short. Own your skills, and the world will take notice.”
He dreams of building mentorship programs to help young Indians build confidence and see the value in their unique perspectives. “It’s not about competing with the world; it’s about realising that you already belong on the global stage,” he notes. Does he have any advice for young professionals hoping to carve their niche in the sector? “For those just starting, my advice is simple: Stay curious. Never stop learning. And don’t be afraid to take on challenges that scare you. That’s where the real growth happens,” Nabeel says with conviction.
Work-life Balance
Striking a balance between work and life is still a work in progress for Nabeel. “I’m newly married, so my evenings aren’t just mine anymore,” he jokes. “But I try to make the most of my workday so I can disconnect when I’m home. Does it always work? No. But I’m learning.”
In his downtime, Nabeel reconnects with his creative side. “I used to be a dancer at my university—I even represented them in competitions,” he shares with a grin. He’s also passionate about theatre, having spent over eight years on stage. “Theatre taught me everything—how to communicate, interpret, and think on my feet. I carry those lessons with me every day.”
As Nabeel reflects on his journey, one thing is clear: whether he’s optimising energy systems or inspiring the next generation, he’s driven by a vision of a more sustainable, empowered future.
