Prof. Mohammad Abu Zahra

Prof. Mohammad Abu Zahra is a global expert in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), decarbonization and clean energy, with over 20 years of experience in research, industry, and policy development. He currently serves as the Chief Regional Office-MEA at the Global CCS Institute, where he leads efforts to accelerate the deployment of large-scale CCUS projects and supports governments and industries in developing carbon management strategies.

Prof. Abu Zahra is also a member of the United Nations Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (UN CEET), an independent advisory body to the UN Secretary-General that provides technical expertise to advance global net-zero goals. His contributions to the UN CEET reflect his commitment to shaping international policies on carbon management and sustainable energy solutions.

Prior to joining the Global CCS Institute, Prof. Abu Zahra served as a faculty member at Masdar Institute and Khalifa University from 2011 to 2022, where he established the first regional research group dedicated to CO₂ capture and co-founded the RICH Center (Research and Innovation Center on CO₂ and Hydrogen), a multidisciplinary hub for advancing carbon and hydrogen technologies. During his academic tenure, he supervised over 30 MSc and PhD students, published more than 150 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and technical papers, and delivered over 250 presentations at both local and international conferences. His work significantly advanced CCUS technologies and established this CCUS research in the region. In addition to his academic contributions, Prof. Abu Zahra also served as Carbon Capture Project Manager at the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme (IEAGHG) and as a Senior Process Engineer at TNO, where he was actively involved in pioneering carbon capture projects and integrated energy systems.

Prof. Abu Zahra holds a bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the University of Jordan, a Master’s in Process Design and Development from the University of Twente, and a PhD in Chemical Engineering-Process and Energy from Delft University of Technology.

A frequent speaker at global energy summits, Prof. Abu Zahra actively engages with policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers to drive the adoption of CCUS technologies as a critical tool for climate change mitigation. His expertise continues to shape the future of carbon management in the region and globally, supporting the transition toward a low-carbon economy.