Introducing the esteemed panel of judges for the seventh edition of the MECHF Awards! These visionary individuals stand at the forefront of innovation, poised to sift through a plethora of groundbreaking entries and unveil the champions of ingenuity. With a collective wealth of experience spanning diverse sectors within the field, our jury comprises pioneers who have reshaped industries, challenged norms, and propelled the boundaries of what's possible.

As we eagerly anticipate their verdicts, we invite you to join us in celebrating their dedication to recognizing and honoring innovation in mechanical engineering. Stay tuned for the electrifying revelations as we embark on this thrilling journey together!

Ali Alsuwaidi, Chairman of the Global FM Association (GFM)

Eng. Ali Alsuwaidi is a prominent and influential leader in the facilities management (FM) and asset management industry in the Middle East. He has been in the industry since the nascent stages and has been tasked with various prestigious, mission-critical, high-profile assignments. His valuable volunteering contributed to the growth of the industry in the Middle East, especially in GCC countries.

Recognized globally as a subject matter expert in FM, Eng. Ali is also a visionary speaker who actively contributes to international workshops, conferences, and seminars. Notably, he served as the first operations head of the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest tower in the world -an accomplishment that highlights his professional expertise and strong leadership qualities.

In addition to his distinguished standing in the Middle East, Eng. Ali has had a significant impact on the global stage through his current role as Chairman of the Global FM Association (GFM), becoming the first individual from the Middle East to hold this esteemed position. He was GFM Vice Chairman from January 2021 and a board member since 2013, along with having a valuable impact as well on various entities in which he held key positions.  

Eng. Ali holds an MBA from the American University of Sharjah and a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo, Ohio, USA. He has also earned a Mini-MBA Certificate in Leadership from INSEAD and is a graduate of the Dubai Government Leadership Program in collaboration with The Wharton School of Business, USA. Additionally, he holds an international diploma in Health, Safety, and Environment Management from the British Safety Council.

He also currently serves as the Vice Chancellor for Finance and Administration at the American University of Sharjah.

Denise Hanson, FBICSc, Commercial Director – BICSc 

Behind the softly spoken Yorkshire accent, Denise brings a wealth of experience in the cleaning and hygiene industry to the BICSc team.

With over 40 years’ experience – from hotel housekeeping through to running her own company with contracts across the UK – Denise is always ready to pass on that knowledge to both experienced and non-experienced cleaning operatives. She never judges people on the questions they ask, just calmly and clearly explains what they want to know.

One of her passions is the care of hard floors and she is happiest when in control of a rotary machine – be it light buffing of a floor or stripping it back and re-applying a coat of polish.

Toni D’Andrea, CEO ISSA PULIRE NETWORK and Director, ISSA EMEA

Graduated  at Politecnico di Milano, earned a Masters Degree in International Leadership from SDA Bocconi University in Milan. He has worked as Quality Manager at AB Electrolux (CE line) up to 1997, Professor of Design Management in the Faculty of Architecture and Industrial Design at Politecnico di Milano and in Parma University, since 1999 he has been CEO of Afidamp Servizi and Managing Director of  PULIRE (1999-2019), from 2019 is CEO of ISSA PULIRE Network and since 2020 is Director of ISSA EMEA.

Over the past 20 years he has developed the international trade fair platform PULIRE, today ISSA PULIRE (several locations worldwide), which has become the leading integrated trade fair system for the professional cleaning industry. For a long time he worked to build strategic relationships between the global players in the cleaning industry.  

He has hosted numerous lectures, workshops and conferences around the world, using a scientific approach to cover the dynamics and characteristics of the Cleaning and Services industry, focusing on the demand side. He has written many papers and articles on subjects related to the professional cleaning industry and its developments, he is also director of ISSA PULIRE Show and FORUM ISSA Pulire, (the International Congress of  Cleaning Industry).

Fadi S. Alshakhshir – Group Facility Management Director, Dubai Holding 

Fadi S. Alshakhshir has been a driving force in the Middle East’s facility management (FM) sector, shaping its future through innovation, expertise, and leadership. With over two decades of experience managing some of the most iconic landmarks in Dubai, Alshakhshir has solidified his place as one of the top FM professionals in the region.

Fadi’s professional path has been marked by senior leadership roles at some of Dubai’s most prominent companies, including Dubai Holding, Emaar Properties, and Damac Properties. His portfolio features the design, construction, and management of some of the world’s most recognizable landmarks, such as Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall, The Dubai Fountain, The Address Hotels, Dubai Parks & Resorts, The Global Village, and Ain Dubai.

In his current role as Group Facility Management Director at Dubai Holding Entertainment, Fadi leads a team of professional responsible for more than 10 world-class attractions and theme parks.  

Fadi is a respected leader in the facility management community, serving as a board member at the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) and as an International Industry Advisory Board Member at Heriot-Watt University. He was also a Faculty Lecturer at Heriot-Watt University from 2016 to 2022, sharing his expertise with the next generation of energy professionals.

Fadi’s leadership extends across several of the region's most ambitious and complex projects. Currently, he is overseeing the transition of Dubai Holding Entertainment’s facility management services from a segmented approach to a fully output-based model. This initiative spans multiple assets, including Dubai Parks and Resorts, The Green Planet, Roxy Cinemas, Ain Dubai, and Global Village, with a strong emphasis on operational consistency and sustainability. 

Looking ahead, Fadi is committed to expanding the role of sustainability and technology in FM practices. His future vision includes further integration of AI and IoT solutions to transform how energy management is handled in large-scale operations. By advancing digital tools that can predict maintenance needs and optimize energy usage, Fadi aims to bring a new level of operational efficiency and sustainability to the FM industry.

Additionally, Fadi is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of FM leaders. His passion for education and mentorship continues to inspire future professionals to innovate and excel in the FM sector.

Aaron A. Woodall, MPH, CIC, LTC-CIP Chief of Infection Prevention & Control, U.S Department of Veteran Affairs

An infection preventionist with nearly two decades of global experience, Aaron’s career began in military combat medicine and public health efforts across Eastern Afghanistan, Europe, Middle East and Africa. His expertise spans diverse healthcare environments, including public health, major hospitals, long-term acute care, spinal cord injury, home care, laboratory, inpatient behavioral health, homeless shelters, and long-term care.

Tabrikah Mohammed, Chairperson, Infection Prevention &Sterilization Society-ENA
Tabrikah Mohammed is a passionate leader in infection prevention and control, known for her dedication to improving healthcare standards across the region. She is CIC- and CPHQ-certified and currently serves as the Infection Control Officer at the National Rehabilitation Centre.

In 2024–2025, she founded the Emirates Infection Prevention and Sterilization Society (EIPSS), under the Emirates Nursing Association. She also leads the IPQ Academy and serves as Co-Founder and Head of the Scientific Committee at MENA FHSS. Her role on the editorial advisory board of Infection Control Today and her recognition as a Fellow of APIC (FAPIC) in 2023 highlight her global impact.

One of the key challenges she faces as a woman in healthcare leadership is managing time effectively while balancing multiple roles and responsibilities. With countless tasks—from strategic planning to training, speaking, and mentoring—she has learned to overcome this through focused time management, a clear sense of purpose, and an unwavering passion for her mission.

Tabrikah has received several recognitions, including the CBIC IP Idol (2021) and Best IPC Influencer by SSIPC (2023). Through her work, she continues to empower professionals and raise the bar for infection prevention practices globally.