By Mustafa Alkhabbaz, MiFFT2025
Growing Up in the Heart of the Energy World
I grew up on a small island in Eastern Saudi Arabia, located in the world’s wealthiest oil region. Living near Saudi Aramco, the largest global oil company responsible for managing these vast resources, gave me a deep understanding of the energy sector’s powerful influence both locally and globally.
Being close to the world’s largest oil reserves and its extensive processing facilities instilled a strong sense of responsibility in me toward sustainable energy and environmental stewardship. This unique environment shaped my perspective on the importance of sustainable engineering and financially viable energy solutions.
Family Values and the Pursuit of Knowledge
My professional journey began at an early age, greatly influenced by my parents. My mother, who never had the opportunity to attend school, stimulated my love for learning from an early age. She encouraged me to excel academically, even teaching me how to read and write before I started school. My father, with his extensive library, further inspired my curiosity and passion for knowledge. Together, they cultivated the values of discipline, continuous learning, and a desire to share knowledge, qualities that would guide me throughout my life.
KFUPM: Building a Strong Academic Foundation
As my academic journey progressed, I found pride in former university, King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), Saudi Arabia. Recently, I was thrilled to learn that KFUPM had been ranked the top university in the Middle East and Africa for the second consecutive year in 2024, according to the Times QS rankings. This recognition reflects the university’s exceptional academic and research reputation in engineering and energy fields, particularly in power energy, which was my specialization. For me, KFUPM’s success represents not only an aspiration but also a challenge to continue striving for excellence in my field and contributing to global energy solutions.
Saudi Aramco: Applying Knowledge to Real-World Challenges
My professional experience at Saudi Aramco, the world leader in the energy sector, provided me with the opportunity to apply what I had learned. Aramco’s mission to innovate and sustain its global energy leadership pushed me to maintain high standards, work smart, and focus on continuous development. Through dedication and advanced tools, I contributed to enhancing the company’s financial portfolio, helping it innovate and remain competitive on the world stage.
London Business School: Expanding Expertise in the Financial Capital
This brings me to my next step: pursuing a Masters in Finance (MiF) at London Business School (LBS), the top-ranked programme globally, as recognised by the Financial Times. London Business School’s MiF programme has consistently ranked ahead of renowned programs like Cambridge’s Judge Business School and MIT’s Sloan School of Management. The reputation and ranking of LBS reflect the strength and prestige of its faculty, curriculum, and alumni network. At LBS, I am eager to leverage my diverse experiences—connecting my engineering expertise with financial strategies—while contributing to classroom discussions and beyond.
Bridging Energy and Finance: A Global Perspective
At LBS, I see my journey as a continuation of my path across leaders in their respective fields. From my early days at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, recognised as the best in the Middle East, to Saudi Aramco, the global leader in energy, I have gained deep insights into engineering and energy.
These experiences are now converging in the world’s top finance programme at London Business School, set in the financial capital of the world, London.
Driving Innovation in Both Sectors
My ambition is to merge technical expertise with financial strategies, driving innovation in both the energy and finance sectors. By transitioning from Saudi Arabia, the energy hub of the world, to London, the heart of global finance, I aim to bring together the best of both worlds. With a firm foundation in engineering and a forward-looking perspective in finance, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the future of sustainable energy solutions and financial innovation.
Conclusion: A Pathway for Global Impact
This journey represents more than just a career path—it reflects a deep-seated desire to impact both industries by combining the knowledge I’ve gained at the world’s leading institutions. At London Business School, I am ready to bridge the worlds of engineering and finance, fostering the innovation necessary to tackle the global challenges of the future.
Photo 1: Celebrating a milestone at King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals (KFUPM), where my journey in engineering and energy began. Proud to be part of the Middle East’s top-ranked university, paving the way for future challenges in sustainable energy solutions.
Photo 2: Honoured to be recognized at Saudi Aramco, the world leader in energy. This moment marks a significant step in my journey, where engineering expertise meets real-world challenges, driving innovation and sustainable energy solutions.
Photo 3: Embracing new horizons at LBS, the world’s top-ranked MiF programme. From engineering to finance, this journey bridges industries, aiming to drive global innovation and sustainable solutions.
Photo 4: Our incredible cohort at LBS, a diverse group of global thinkers and future leaders. Together, we are learning to merge disciplines, solve real-world challenges, and shape the future of finance and innovation.