International Women in Engineering Day

Interview with Eng. Reham Al-Shafi our Technical Senior Director at BEC Arabia

It is no secret that engineering has long been a male-dominated profession. However, perceptions—along with demographics—are steadily shifting, and at BEC Arabia we are proud to be part of this movement to elevate the role and visibility of women in engineering.

This year, in celebration of Women in Engineering Day, we highlight the women who play a vital role in shaping the success of our industry. In this interview, we speak with Eng. Reham El Shafei, Technical Director at BEC Arabia, whose leadership has been instrumental in driving technical excellence, strengthening teams, and ensuring successful project delivery across the organization.

She shares reflections from her professional journey, key lessons learned along the way, and her perspective on the evolving role of women in engineering and construction.

1. Looking back at the beginning of your career, what initially drew you to engineering? 

What initially drew me to engineering was the opportunity to create tangible impact. I was fascinated by how engineering transforms ideas into real-world solutions that improve people’s lives. I have always enjoyed problem-solving, analytical thinking, and working on challenges that require both technical expertise and creativity. Engineering offered the perfect combination of these elements, and it has continued to inspire me throughout my career.

2. What is a misconception people often have about engineers that you would like to challenge?

People often think engineering is a tough profession that leaves little room for women to grow personally or enjoy a balanced life. My experience has shown me that engineering does not take away from who you are, it helps you discover who you can become.” 

3. How do you approach leading teams and bringing different disciplines together toward one goal?  

I believe successful leadership starts with creating a shared vision and ensuring everyone understands the project’s objectives. In multidisciplinary environments, every discipline brings unique expertise, and my role is to create alignment, encourage collaboration, and maintain open communication. I focus on building trust, empowering team members, and ensuring that decisions are made with the project’s overall success in mind rather than from a single disciplinary perspective.

4. What has been the most valuable lesson you've learned throughout your career? 

One of the most valuable lessons I have learned is that success is built through people. Technical knowledge is essential, but the ability to develop teams, support talent, and build strong relationships is what creates sustainable success. Challenges and setbacks are inevitable, but resilience, adaptability, and continuous learning are what allow leaders and organizations to grow stronger.

5. Can you share a specific project or moment in your career that you consider a defining achievement? 

One of the defining achievements in my career has been contributing to the establishment and growth of a new operational presence while leading multidisciplinary engineering teams across complex projects. Beyond project delivery itself, building a strong team, creating effective processes, and helping develop local capabilities was particularly rewarding. Seeing both the organization and the people grow together made this achievement especially meaningful to me.

6. How has BEC Arabia supported your growth as a leader? 

BEC Arabia has provided an environment that encourages responsibility, innovation, and professional growth. The organization trusted me with significant leadership responsibilities, including strategic initiatives, team development, and cross-functional collaboration. This trust allowed me to expand my leadership capabilities, contribute to organizational growth, and develop a broader perspective on engineering, business, and people management.

7. What message would you like to leave for the next generation of engineers? 

My message to the next generation of engineers is to stay curious, keep learning, and never underestimate the power of teamwork. Engineering is not an individual journey; it is a collaborative effort where success is achieved through the integration of different disciplines, perspectives, and expertise. The most successful projects are not built by one engineer, but by teams working together toward a common goal. Learn to communicate, collaborate, and respect the contribution of others. Technical excellence is important, but the ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds and disciplines is what truly drives innovation and success. For young engineers, especially young women entering the profession, believe in your abilities, embrace challenges, and do not be afraid to take on leadership roles. Engineering offers endless opportunities to make a positive impact, and the future belongs to those who combine technical knowledge with teamwork, adaptability, and a passion for continuous growth.