At WTS Energy, we are incredibly proud of the long-tenured talent that has been part of our journey over the years. Today, We are thrilled to meet Mr. Salim Al Attar, a dedicated civil engineer working in the oil and gas industry, who reached his 15-year milestone with WTS Energy in March 2025.

To celebrate this achievement, we have prepared a special interview where he reflects on his career, the challenges he’s faced, and the milestones he’s achieved over the years. As he looks back on his tenure, we are honored to share his story with you – our global community – and to celebrate his remarkable 15 years of service.

Hello Salim, nice to meet you. First, could you please introduce yourself?

My name is Salim Al Attar. I was born and grew up in Gaza -Palestine. I have a BSc in Civil Engineering. Now I am working as an Assistant Manager in civil engineering. During my time with the company, I have helped manage major projects for the Technical Services Division and NOC department.

So what initially attracted you to oil and gas industry, and how did you start your career?

At that time there was an agreement between my university and CCIC in Bahrain – one of the biggest international construction companies in the Oil & Gas industry. Graduate engineers with a high GPA could join the company. So, I utilized that opportunity and from there I transferred to UAE.

Over the past 15+ years, what has motivated you to stay in this industry?                                            

The opportunities and challenges I’ve faced while working on major oil and gas projects have shaped me both professionally and personally. They’ve helped me grow, build resilience, and achieve significant milestones in my career.

What are some of the key milestones or achievements in your career that you are particularly proud of?

One of my proudest achievements was completing a 244 km cross-country gas pipeline project in the UAE. It was a challenging project due to the difficult terrain, but we managed to deliver it on schedule, which was a great accomplishment.

Another milestone in my career was being promoted to Assistant Manager—a recognition of my hard work and growth in the industry.

That sounds like a huge achievement! Do you have any memorable moments while working at your current job in oil and gas sector?

Yes. After completing the cross-country gas pipeline project, the details of the project were published in the newspaper as an important strategic milestone. Seeing it recognized like that made me incredibly proud.

Based on your experience, what are the essential qualities or skills needed in this sector?

There are a few key skills that are absolutely crucial.

First is technical. With the right technical skills, you can do your job effectively and in compliance with local and international regulations and project standards.

Leadership skills are also key in this industry. Oil and gas projects often involve many stakeholders—contractors, engineers, consultants, government regulators, and community members. Managing all these stakeholders effectively requires strong leadership.

And effective communication skills can help build trust and credibility with project stakeholders that will lead to project success.

That makes sense. With all your experience, what advice would you give to your peers or someone just starting out in the industry?

Definitely, work hard—genius is one percent inspiration and 99 percent perspiration.

And commit to continuous professional development, because this industry is always evolving.

It’s also important to keep improving your problem-solving skills because you’re going to face challenges along the way.

Work on your soft skills, such as communication and collaboration. These can have a huge impact on your career.

Finally, always learn from your mistakes—they are some of the best lessons you’ll ever get.

Over the 15 years, what has been your experience with the support and services provided by WTS Energy? Do you have any feedback?                                                                                                      

A wonderful experience and excellence service from everyone who I have dealt for the last 15 years. WTS is friendly, knowledgeable, and efficient. Thank you for your support.

Thank you, Salim, for taking the time to share your journey with us. We are proud to work with you and look forward to seeing even more success in the years ahead. Congratulations again on this incredible achievement!