Profile: The People Driving Innovation ... Anam Asad

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in your field?

I was always drawn to engineering that protects people, not just buildings. Early in my career, I saw how one decision on paper can change the outcome in a real emergency, and that stayed with me. Fire and life safety is a mix of science, responsibility, and leadership. It gives you a purpose every day, because the impact is real.

2. How does working in the UAE influence your professional growth and your approach to your work?

The UAE moves fast and expects quality, not excuses. You work with global teams, complex projects, and very high expectations from clients and authorities, so you grow quickly. It also pushes me to be practical. Clear solutions, early coordination, and strong communication. If it is not buildable, approvable, and maintainable, it is not a solution.

2. How do you feel your work contributes to shaping the UAE’s future?

The UAE is building iconic places, but the real success is when these places are safe, resilient, and ready to operate for decades. My work supports that by making sure safety is designed in from day one, not added later. When we improve evacuation, smoke control, fire resistance, emergency access, and operational readiness, we help create confidence in the built environment.

3. In your opinion, what makes the UAE a unique place for engineering and development?

The ambition here is unmatched, and the diversity of expertise is also rare. You can be working with world leading architects, contractors, operators, and regulators in the same room. The UAE also shows that innovation and regulation can move together, when teams are aligned and the goal is clear.

4. What message would you share with the next generation of engineers and professionals building the UAE of tomorrow?

Be curious, and be serious about competency. Learn the codes, understand the intent behind them, and never stop improving your judgement. Always think about the people who will use the building, maintain it, and respond in an emergency. And one more thing, have the courage to say no when safety is being compromised. That is how trust is built, and that is how real engineering leadership looks.