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WaleedHassan Abouelhassan

Senior Natural Resources Officer - Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations

Waleed is a distinguished expert in water management with over two decades of experience dating
back to 1996. His impressive career includes successful management of irrigation projects and
substantial contributions to international water management development. From 2018 to 2023, he
excelled as a water resources management expert at FAO, following a senior advisory role with
various international organizations from 1998 to 2018. This trajectory led to his promotion to the
position of professor of water resources management in 2020.
Educationally, Waleed holds two noteworthy PhD degrees in water management, reflecting his
commitment to innovative approaches to addressing water challenges, particularly in arid regions.
His academic achievements were further acknowledged through a prestigious post-doctoral
fellowship from the Japanese Society for Science and Technology (JSPS) between 2007 and 2009.
He has led numerous irrigation projects at global, regional, and national levels, showcasing his
expertise in integrated water resources management, irrigation modernization, RS/GIS-based
water project management, water reuse, water accounting, smart irrigation, water productivity, and
solar-powered water pumping. His substantial body of research, including over 70 articles in
esteemed international journals, underscores his dedication to advancing the field. Additionally,
Waleed serves as a highly respected reviewer for several prestigious international journals and is
an esteemed member of various international societies, including the International Commission on
Irrigation and Drainage (ICID). Currently, he holds a significant role as the lead technical officer
for multiple irrigation projects across KSA, Iraq, Yemen, Egypt, and other GCC countries, where
his expertise continues to drive sustainable water management solutions.