Omani woman wins global risk management award in London showcasing national talent

An Omani professional has earned one of the world’s highest honours for emerging leaders in risk management after winning the John Bennett Award for Exceptional Young Professional of the Year 2026 at the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management (IIRSM) Risk Excellence Awards in London.

The achievement places Juhina Al Shamsi, Projects Manager at the Ministry of Transport, Communications and Information Technology (MTCIT), among the world’s leading young specialists in risk management after competing against hundreds of professionals from more than 90 countries.

Her victory is more than a personal milestone. It reflects the growing international recognition of Omani expertise in strategic resilience, sustainability and governance, as the sultanate continues to strengthen its capabilities under Oman Vision 2040.

“It is a tremendous honour and a proud moment for me and for Oman,” Al Shamsi told Muscat Daily. “The award confirms that the work being carried out in the sultanate aligns with internationally recognised standards and demonstrates that Omani professionals are capable of competing successfully on the global stage.”

At MTCIT, Al Shamsi leads projects within the ministry’s Net Zero Team, where she is responsible for integrating Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) standards into the transport sector across land, sea and air. She also serves on the National Risk Register team for the transport and logistics sector, helping identify and assess strategic and operational risks that could affect major infrastructure projects while strengthening business continuity and crisis preparedness.

Risk management, she said, is no longer confined to responding to emergencies.

“Today’s organisations operate in a rapidly changing environment shaped by climate risks, technological disruption and economic uncertainty. Success depends on anticipating risks early and transforming them into opportunities for innovation and sustainable growth.”

Her journey into the profession began during her studies at the University of North Texas in the United States, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Emergency Administration and Planning. During her studies, she completed a six-month placement with the American Red Cross, supporting emergency response operations, before gaining further practical experience with emergency management authorities in Texas.

She later worked in Dubai as a Business Resilience Consultant, advising organisations across the Middle East and North Africa on resilience strategies before returning to Oman.

The award nomination highlighted several strategic initiatives she has led or supported in collaboration with ministry teams and partner organisations. These included developing the National Risk Register for the transport and logistics sector, contributing to regional GCC risk management frameworks, promoting the use of drone technology in logistics operations, and supporting the publication of MTCIT’s first Environmental, Social and Governance report.

According to Al Shamsi, introducing innovative approaches often requires overcoming institutional resistance to change.

“One of the biggest challenges is convincing organisations to embrace new ways of working,” she said. “Whether introducing drone technology or net-zero standards, we rely on evidence and pilot projects to demonstrate measurable benefits before expanding implementation.”

She credited the ministry’s leadership with creating an environment that empowers young Omanis to lead strategic national projects.

“The confidence placed in young professionals has allowed us to turn innovative ideas into practical initiatives that deliver tangible results. That support played an important role in strengthening my nomination.”

The IIRSM evaluates candidates using rigorous criteria that extend beyond technical competence. Judges assess measurable organisational impact, innovation in solving complex challenges, collaborative leadership and the ability to improve operational performance and organisational culture.

For Al Shamsi, effective risk management has become essential to safeguarding large-scale infrastructure investments.

“Transport and logistics projects involve critical infrastructure and increasingly complex supply chains. By identifying risks early, organisations can minimise disruption, reduce financial losses and ensure long-term resilience. When risk management is integrated with sustainability and net-zero objectives, projects become better prepared to withstand future environmental and economic challenges over the coming decades.”

Currently pursuing a master’s degree in Risk, Crisis and Disaster Management at the University of Leicester, Al Shamsi hopes to contribute to the development of advanced national resilience frameworks across multiple sectors while mentoring the next generation of Omani professionals.

She believes her achievement sends a powerful message about the capabilities of Omani youth. “This award demonstrates that Omani talent possesses the knowledge, ambition and determination to succeed internationally. It reflects the strength of our national workforce and the opportunities being created under Oman Vision 2040.”

Her advice to young Omanis – “The future belongs to those who prepare for it. Fields such as risk management, sustainability and resilience are becoming increasingly important across every sector. Believe in your abilities, continue learning and never hesitate to present innovative ideas. Every challenge can become an opportunity to make a difference.”