Thamir Al-Shehri has been a senior research associate in the energy transitions and electric power program at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center (KAPSARC) in Riyadh since January 2018.
His focus has been on the use of technologies to facilitate better public policy and economical systems surrounding energy. He has also worked for 3Dit as a full stack developer and technology consultant since 2016.
3Dit is an Australia-based company. Al-Shehri was a lecturer in Australia at Queensland University of Technology between 2013 and 2016 and gained a Ph.D. from the same institution specializing in intelligent energy management systems in residential building.
His entrepreneurial and industrial experience has included working on award-winning projects such as the Burj Khalifa building management system in Dubai. Between 2013 and 2016, Al-Shehri was also chief technology officer at Sha6er Education in Brisbane, Australia.
He began his professional career as a software engineer, working for Bond Communications between 2009 and 2010, and Etisalat Telecommunications from 2008 to 2009. Al-Shehri gained a bachelor’s degree in computer and information systems from Ajman University of Science and Technology, in the UAE, and a master’s degree in information technology in computer software engineering from the University of Tasmania, in Hobart.
He recently helped to produce a report on a KAPSARC analysis of data published by the International Energy Agency (IEA) showing that Saudi Arabia lowered its emissions by 15 million tons (2.7 percent) of carbon dioxide in 2018, giving it the fourth-fastest fall in emissions in the G20 group of nations.
Thamir Al-Shehri, senior research associate at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center
https://arab.news/6svfr
Thamir Al-Shehri, senior research associate at King Abdullah Petroleum Studies and Research Center
- Al-Shehri was chief technology officer at Sha6er Education in Brisbane, Australia
More international cooperation needed to reduce space debris, says SSA’s chief
- 2-day event brings together experts, decision-makers, representatives from 75 countries
RIYADH: Reducing the amount of debris orbiting Earth in space requires more international cooperation, the acting CEO of the Saudi Space Agency said at a Riyadh event on Monday.
Speaking at the opening address of the Space Debris Conference 2026, Dr. Mohammed Al-Tamimi highlighted the importance of tackling waste orbiting the planet.
Al-Tamimi said: “Addressing space debris challenges requires strengthened international cooperation and the development of innovative, effective solutions that reduce risks and ensure the sustainability of the space environment.”
Near-Earth space was experiencing a rapid increase in the number of orbiting objects that posed growing challenges to the safety of space operations and long-term sustainability of orbital activities, Al-Tamimi added.
Up to $42 billion of economic losses could be caused by space debris by 2035, according to a paper published by the Centre for Space Futures in collaboration with the World Economic Forum during Monday’s conference.
The two-day event in Riyadh brings together experts, decision-makers, and representatives from 75 countries, including governments, international organizations and specialized space companies.
It aims to protect space activities and orbital infrastructure while supporting the growth of the global space economy, according to the Saudi Press Agency.
Held with the support of the UN Office for Outer Space Affairs and in partnership with the International Telecommunication Union, the conference highlights the importance of international cooperation and effective governance frameworks to mitigate space debris risks and ensure a safe, sustainable space environment.
The first edition, held in Riyadh in 2024, attracted participants from more than 50 countries, along with international organizations and global companies.
