Discovering careers in energy and engineering: A conversation with David Haboubi
In the rapidly evolving world of energy, having the right foundation in nuclear and net zero energy is crucial. AtkinsRéalis stands at the forefront of this sector, offering abundant opportunities for aspiring engineers and seasoned professionals alike. This post unravels the brilliant career path of David Haboubi, Head of Nuclear & Net Zero Energy for the Middle East and offers expert insights into the company culture at AtkinsRéalis.
David Haboubi's journey to leadership
David Haboubi has carved a niche for himself in the field of nuclear and net zero energy. With a background as a chartered mechanical engineer from Imperial College, London, David's rich experience spans across the UAE, UK, and South Korea. Joining AtkinsRéalis in January 2001 as a Graduate Engineer, his career trajectory exemplifies growth and dedication.
Celebrating two decades of excellence
Haboubi’s two decades at AtkinsRéalis have been marked by significant achievements. From nurturing a nascent team into the Middle East's most trusted nuclear consultancy to facilitating a nuclear power plant's transition from ground zero to full functionality, his work is a testament to his expertise and commitment.
The company culture
What makes AtkinsRéalis stand out? According to David, it’s the trust placed in employees to make the right decisions, paired with an openness to global collaboration. The company’s approach to balancing the needs of business, clients, and employees reflects its comprehensive ethos, promoting not just professional growth but also personal satisfaction.
Fostering career growth
For those looking to build a career at AtkinsRéalis, David offers sage advice. He emphasizes the company's passion for people development, highlighting the large intake of graduates who advance to senior roles. Aspiring professionals are encouraged to take ownership, step out of comfort zones, and cultivate curiosity about the global business landscape.
Diversity & inclusion at the heart
AtkinsRéalis is deeply committed to fostering diversity and inclusion. David's tenure as the chair of the Middle East Equality, Diversion & Inclusion network highlighted regional challenges and opportunities, emphasizing the importance of tailored strategies that respect local cultures. Each region benefits from unique Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion plans, reflecting the company's dedication to continuous improvement.
Transformative collaboration
Collaboration is a hallmark of success at AtkinsRéalis. A standout project was the delivery of a mobile liquid radioactive waste treatment system, which involved teams across the UAE, USA, UK, and India. This example underscores the power of teamwork in achieving complex objectives.
Prioritizing work-life balance
The nature of consultancy often demands flexibility, and AtkinsRéalis accommodates this with options like reduced hours contracts. David shares his personal strategy of balancing late project nights with family time, underscoring the company’s commitment to employee well-being.
Enhancing communication channels
Effective communication at AtkinsRéalis is multifaceted—ranging from townhalls and webinars to SharePoint sites and internal social media. David personally favors face-to-face interactions over emails, acknowledging the varied preferences within the workforce.
Leadership defined by inspiration
Good leadership at AtkinsRéalis is characterized by inspiration, transparency, and a sense of fun. David’s perspective highlights that while competent management is essential, true leadership inspires others, involves active listening, and makes work enjoyable.
Facing future challenges & opportunities
AtkinsRéalis is poised to address future challenges by attracting the right talent. In a resource-constrained market, innovative solutions like global support offices and AI-driven techniques offer exciting opportunities for growth and efficiency.
For energy professionals, career starters, and engineers, AtkinsRéalis offers a dynamic environment enriched by diversity, collaboration, and innovation. By fostering a culture of inclusion and continual learning, the company stands as a beacon for those ready to pioneer the future of energy and engineering jobs in the Middle East.
AtkinsRéalis invites you to explore opportunities that resonate with your career aspirations. Whether you're seeking growth in engineering careers or energy careers, the path to a fulfilling career begins here.
Interested? Find out more about life at AtkinsRéalis
Sign up to receive the latest content tailored to your interests
Our articles

Preview
CanadaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/20/2025
Summary
Snippet title Lire en français Meet Marc-Antoine, a structural engineer and structural inspection and asset management expert at AtkinsRéalis in Canada. Let’s learn about his passion for st

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/20/2025
Summary
Behind every successful project, from towering skyscrapers to cutting-edge industrial facilities, there’s a structured and efficient flow of information. At the heart of this process is the documen
.jpg)
Preview
AfricaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/19/2025
Summary
Architecture jobs in Egypt are among the fastest-growing opportunities in the country. Projected to grow by 20% by 2030, the market is booming, creating plenty of demand for visionary architects in

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/19/2025
Summary
Transport systems are the backbone of any economy. In India, they’re hugely influential for both connectivity and trade facilitation. Transport systems in India are projected to account for 40% of

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/18/2025
Summary
Imagine a career where your engineering expertise doesn’t just contribute to projects—it helps shape the world’s future. At AtkinsRéalis India, we offer you the chance to be part of groundbreaking

Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/12/2025
Summary
Hi, I'm Lana. I hold a French engineering degree in geotechnical and civil engineering from Polytech Grenoble, which included a two-semester Erasmus+ exchange at Loughborough University. My journ

Preview
AsiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/11/2025
Summary
Sustainability is no longer a choice but an imperative for modern engineering. Today, it is woven into every decision, every project, and every goal. At AtkinsRéalis, we have the privilege to

by
Shailaja Mantha

Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/07/2025
Summary
Hello, my name is Manali, and I work at AtkinsRéalis at the Global Technology Centre (GTC) in India. This International Women's Day, I want to tell you about my career journey, which has been as

by
Akash Kumar
.jpg)
Preview
EuropeContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
The state of the UK water industry Water is the foundation of life. It sustains communities, powers industries, and supports ecosystems—but across the world, this critical resource is under increa

Preview
GeneralContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/06/2025
Summary
What are social value jobs? Social value jobs aren’t just roles with ‘social value’ in the title—they’re careers that make a tangible impact on communities, the environment, and society as a whole
.png)
Preview
IndiaContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/05/2025
Summary
Hi, my name is Britty. I'm a Chartered Water and Environmental Manager based in Bengaluru. I have over seven years of engineering experience in the water and wastewater industry and work in the Gl

by
Akash Kumar

Preview
Middle EastContent type
BlogsPublish date
03/03/2025
Summary
The importance of job satisfaction can’t be understated. When we work in a great place, we do our job with a smile. At AtkinsRéalis, we’re committed to being the best place in the Middle East for impa
Related jobs
Salary
Location
Bristol
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Finance
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Derby
Whitehaven
Manchester
Sheffield
Epsom
Bristol
Description
Shaping a smarter, more agile world.You might know us for the great work we do across our wide variety of projects. We're proud to say it's thanks to our people's diversity of thought, expertise and k
Reference
R-128946
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shamily GopalAuthor
Shamily GopalSalary
Location
Idaho Falls
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Idaho Falls
Description
Why join us? It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of mak
Reference
R-128922
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mississauga
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Commercial management
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Mississauga
Pickering
Description
Commercial AdvisorAtkinsRéalis is one of Canada's largest private sector nuclear engineering groups. We have been providing a wide range of services to the nuclear industry in Canada and around the wo
Reference
R-128921
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Richland
Job Type
Part Time
Career Area
Health & safety
Market
Nuclear
Category
Contractor / Temporary
Location
Richland
Description
Why join us? It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of mak
Reference
R-128860
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Manchester
Sheffield
Description
Are you an innovative senior civil or structural engineer or consultant who is capable of agile, lateral thinking and enjoys applying and developing technical leadership and engineering management ski
Reference
R-128846
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shaik Mohammed Touheed AhmedAuthor
Shaik Mohammed Touheed AhmedSalary
Location
Manchester
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Civil engineering
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Manchester
Sheffield
Description
Are you an innovative senior civil or structural engineer or consultant who is capable of agile, lateral thinking and enjoys applying and developing technical leadership and engineering management ski
Reference
R-128842
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shaik Mohammed Touheed AhmedAuthor
Shaik Mohammed Touheed AhmedSalary
Location
Mississauga
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Nuclear
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Mississauga
Pickering
Description
Engineering Manager - Piping, Feeder and Fitness for ServiceAtkinsRéalis is one of Canada's largest private sector nuclear engineering groups. We have been providing a wide range of services to the nu
Reference
R-128762
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
Mississauga
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Nuclear
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Mississauga
Pickering
Description
Engineering Manager - Safety EngineeringAtkinsRéalis is one of Canada's largest private sector nuclear engineering groups. We have been providing a wide range of services to the nuclear industry in Ca
Reference
R-128761
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Salary
Location
London
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Engineering (Other)
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
United Kingdom
Birmingham
Manchester
London
Bristol
N/A
Description
Senior Engineering ManagerJob Advert AtkinsRéalis is a leading global consultancy with over 80 years of design and engineering expertise. With us, you'll be surrounded by the skills, knowledge, and su
Reference
R-128713
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Author
Shamily GopalAuthor
Shamily GopalSalary
Location
Oak Ridge
Job Type
Full Time
Career Area
Information technology
Market
Nuclear
Category
Permanent
Location
Oak Ridge
Description
Why join us? It’s an exciting time at AtkinsRéalis! We are rapidly growing in the US. Our company purpose is to build a better world for our planet and its people. We recognize the importance of mak
Reference
R-128692
Expiry Date
01/01/0001
Equality, diversity and inclusion
We’re devoted to growing the diversity of our people, promoting an inclusive culture, providing everyone with an equal voice because simply put, it’s the right thing to do. Click to learn more.
Find out more