Mohamed Al Harthy: Top 100 Leader in the Energy and Power Sector 2025

Icons Oman is honored to recognize Mohamed Al Harthy as one of the Top 100 Leaders in the Energy and Power Sector for 2025. As a Principal Technical Expert (PTE), Mohamed’s career spanning over three decades has been defined by relentless innovation, a passion for digitalization, and a transformative influence on data management and technology adoption across Oman’s energy landscape.

Breaking Barriers in Data Management

Mohamed began his professional journey in 1993, and by 2000, he had already begun to break barriers in how data management was perceived within Oman’s energy sector. He demonstrated, for the first time, how robust data management could generate tangible business value, shifting the mindset from data as a mere operational necessity to a strategic asset. This pivotal contribution set the stage for Oman’s energy sector to embrace the digital era and harness data for decision-making, efficiency, and growth.

Leadership in Petroleum Engineering’s Digital Factory

Currently, as Principal Technical Expert in Petroleum Engineering at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO), Mohamed leads the operationalization of the Petroleum Engineering Digital Factory. Here, through agile methods and techniques, he drives AI and machine learning adoption, predictive analytics, and workflow automation, turning data into actionable business value across Subsurface and Wells domains. In recognition of his visionary leadership, Mohamed received the Gold Award for Digital Factory in Petroleum Engineering in 2025, presented by PDO’s Managing Director.

“Through the Digital Factory, Mohamed turned data into a strategic asset and used agile to drive fast, impactful solutions”

Icons Oman

Global Perspective: Shell and BP Experience

Mohamed’s expertise is enriched by significant tenures at Shell and BP. At Shell, he played a critical role in advancing data management practices, developing geo-information data analytics, and consulting on digital technology for exploration functions across Europe. At BP, he was instrumental in technology deployment, digitalization projects, and the establishment of engineering IT standards, ensuring global best practices were adopted and value was delivered across operations.

Innovator Behind Oman’s First Digital Worker

A landmark achievement in Mohamed’s career was the creation of Oman’s first Digital Worker (robot) for the oil and gas industry, implemented in PDO’s Finance Directorate in 2020. This breakthrough in automation earned him personal appreciation from the then-Minister of Energy, highlighting his role as a trailblazer in digital innovation within the sector.

Author and Thought Leader

Mohamed is a recognized thought leader and frequent speaker at high-profile conferences on digitalization, both in Oman and internationally. In 2019, he co-authored the influential book Fundamentals of AI with Jordan Richards. The book was first presented to the ex-PDO Managing Director, further establishing Mohamed as a visionary at the intersection of artificial intelligence and energy.

Transforming Learning & Development

As Head of Learning Systems and Technology at PDO, Mohamed introduced immersive learning technologies, set new data standards, and developed performance metrics that have transformed Learning & Development (L&D) within the organization. His work has enabled PDO to adopt best-in-class digital learning strategies, supporting skill development and organizational growth in alignment with Oman Vision 2040.

Recognition and Awards

• Gold Award for Digital Factory in Petroleum Engineering (2025)
• Appreciation from the ex-Minister of Energy for the first Digital Worker (2020)
• Appreciation from ex-PDO Managing Director for automating office record and document management (2019)
• People’s Directorate Chairman’s Award for Excellence (Gold & Silver, 2022)
• Corporate Chairman’s Award for Excellence (Silver, 2019)
• Finance Chairman’s Award for Excellence (Gold, 2019; Bronze, 2017)
• Spot Recognition Awards (2012, 2013)

Mentor, Speaker, and Industry Influencer

Mohamed’s energetic, innovative, and collaborative approach has made him a sought-after mentor, coach, and speaker. He is known for inspiring teams, shaping industry conversations, and driving a culture of continuous improvement and digital excellence.

“His legacy is not only in the technologies and strategies he has implemented but in the culture of innovation and progress he has fostered across Oman’s energy and power sector.”

Icons Oman

Icons Oman celebrates Mohamed Al Harthy for his visionary leadership, groundbreaking achievements, and unwavering commitment to digital transformation.