Dr. Abeer Shaheen

Dr. Abeer Shaheen
Founder and CEO

ArchiSustainable LLC

Dr. Abeer Mohammed Shaheen, from the Kingdom of Bahrain, is a visionary executive leader with over 28 years of experience in steering sustainability strategies, energy transition, and ESG across global institutions. She possesses deep expertise in designing high-impact solutions to achieve carbon neutrality and emissions reduction, with a strong focus on smart cities, renewable energy, and climate technology innovation.

She is adept at aligning business strategies with sustainability goals and regulatory compliance and plays an active role in global dialogues such as COP28 and climate strategies across the GCC.

She excels at integrating and deploying artificial intelligence to maximize sustainable growth, enhance decision-making, and build climate resilience. With a strong track record advising boards and executive leadership on scalable ESG frameworks-from policy to execution—she leads agile transformations in global markets.

Academic Qualifications

  • PhD in Environmental Design / Architecture and the Built Environment – Architectural Association, London (2007)
  • MSc in Computer-Aided Environmental Design – University of Sheffield (2000)
  • Bachelor of Architecture – United Arab Emirates University (1997)

Professional Experience

ArchiSustainable - Founder and CEO (2014 - Present)

  • Founded the firm to lead Net Zero and carbon reduction initiatives across energy, real estate, and sustainable urban transformation.
  • Aligns strategic portfolios with national energy strategies to ensure energy security and sustainable economic growth.
  • Positions the firm as a regional leader in energy transition, delivering low-carbon solutions and innovative climate technologies.

Group Senior Vice President - National Energy Strategy

  • Led the National Energy Strategy Program Management Office to ensure energy efficiency and rollout of renewable energy.
  • Leveraged AI and emerging technologies to improve energy sector performance and drive sustainability.
  • Advanced Bahrain's energy transition toward the Net Zero 2060 target, drafted ESG-aligned policies, and coordinated with government bodies, private sector, and international partners.

ADNOC - Abu Dhabi, UAE (Since 2014)

Official Spokesperson – Energy Sector Sustainability, COP28 (2023 - Sept 2024)

  • Represented ADNOC officially at COP28, showcasing net-zero strategies across its real estate portfolio.
  • Led discussions on energy sustainability, innovation, inclusivity, and a resilient energy future.
  • Advocated effective solutions for achieving global sustainability and carbon neutrality goals.

Executive Advisor – Sustainability & Climate Change (2019 – Sept 2024)

  • Led ADNOC’s emission reduction roadmap, achieving 50% reduction across assets in line with sustainability goals.
  • Managed diverse teams covering ~200 Million m² of built assets across ADNOC Built and Real Estate Assets in Abu Dhabi.
  • Represented ADNOC’s carbon neutrality and built environment initiatives at global conferences and university Graduate and undergraduate, school briefings.
  • Contributed to ADNOC’s 2020 sustainability strategy, integrating climate change, ESG, and HSE into institutional frameworks.
  • Oversaw data assurance for sustainability reports aligned with climate KPIs and ESG metrics.
  • Developed ESG-responsive feasibility studies and implementation plans for real estate assets.

External Industrial Examiner – PhD Dissertation Defense

  • Seoul National University (TEMEP – i-STICK Research Lab), June 2025
  • Evaluated a PhD thesis funded by ADNOC, analyzing economic modeling and strategic fit for the Gulf’s energy sector.
  • Provided policy impact feedback aligned with regional energy strategy objectives.

Advisor – Corporate Strategy and Governance (2014 – 2019)

  • Developed the Responsible Ruwais City sustainability strategy, enhancing innovation, knowledge, and IP.
  • Successfully led the 2015 PMO project, improving coordination and efficiency.
  • Oversaw LEED Platinum and WELL certification for ADNOC HQ and refreshed the corporate sustainability communication strategy.
  • Led the 2019 sustainability report and external assurance/ESG reporting for ADNOC Group.

Key Leadership Roles at ADNOC

  • Shaped long-term vision and aligned teams with business objectives for competitive sustainable growth.
  • Led carbon-neutral business model transitions and emissions reduction projects.
  • Integrated smart city technologies, resource management, AI, cloud, and energy analytics.
  • Built global partnerships across government and private sectors, influencing policy and embedding ESG into regulation.
  • Developed leadership pipelines and performance-driven culture.

Ministry of Housing - Manama, Bahrain

Executive Advisor to HE Minister of Housing – Strategic Project Manager (2011 – 2014)

  • Led the Revitalization of Historic Neighborhoods for residential purposes; secured Cabinet approval for Muharraq, Hoora, and Riffa urban renewal for housing purposes.
  • Executed and inaugurated "Masaken 1" project in presence of HRH Princess Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.
  • Submitted government project proposals to the Office of HRH the Prime Minister.
  • Represented the Minister with the Prince’s Foundation in London, fostering international partnerships.
  • Participated in the National Energy Conservation Taskforce at the Prime Minister’s Court.
  • Appointed GCC representative and strategic advisor, chaired the Gulf Housing Award.
  • Worked as a designer and consultant for King Abdullah City for Atomic and Renewable Energy, in collaboration with MIT Senseable City Lab.

Academic & Professional Affiliations

  • Visiting Fellow, Harvard GSD since 2006
  • Academic Member, Architectural Association School of Architecture, London

Professional Development

  • Harvard Business School: Leadership Principles (2020) | Sustainable Business Strategy (2020)
  • MIT / MIT Media Lab: Beyond Smart Cities (2020)
  • Architectural Association & University of Ulster: PhD (2007)
  • University of Sheffield: MSc in CAD for Environmental Design (2000)
  • UAE University: BArch (1997)

Past Academic Roles

  • Harvard Graduate School of Design – Visiting Fellow (2006–2008)
  • Architectural Association School of Architecture – Academic Member (2001–2008)
  • University of Bahrain – Assistant Professor (1997–2001)

Selected Publications

(As listed in the CV with links)