Women in Solar - Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei, Business Development & Investment Head - MASDAR

Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei

Business Development & Investment Head, MASDAR 

About Maryam

Maryam Rashed Al Mazrouei is the Head of Business Development and Investment for the CIS region at Masdar, where she has driven impactful renewable energy projects across the Middle East, Europe, and Asia. With a background in chemical engineering and a master’s from the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, Maryam joined Masdar nearly a decade ago, inspired by its pioneering vision for sustainability. Known for her leadership in greenfield developments, she is passionate about empowering local talent and advancing gender balance within the energy sector.

Please introduce yourself and your role at Masdar.
My name is Maryam Mesrouhi. I’m currently heading the business development and investment for the CIS. I have a technical background, graduating from UAE University in chemical engineering, followed by a master’s in engineering systems and management from Masdar Institute of Science and Technology. I’ve been with Masdar for around eight or nine years, working on diverse projects from tenders in the Middle East to greenfield developments in Indonesia and Europe, with a focus on the CIS region since 2019. My role includes initiating projects, managing development, overseeing technical and financial aspects, and ensuring a smooth transition to the construction team.

Can you share your journey into the solar industry? What inspired you to pursue a career in this field?
Coming from a technical background, I was initially interested in the oil and gas industry. However, during my industrial training, I often passed Masdar City, which sparked my curiosity about clean energy and renewables. After researching Masdar, I was inspired by its mission. I later spent time at Masdar Institute, interacting with students and staff, which deepened my interest. This experience, combined with Masdar’s pioneering vision in the region, made it clear to me that I wanted to join Masdar after graduation.

Can you share a significant achievement or milestone in your career that you are particularly proud of? What made it special for you?
I’m proud of many achievements, especially the 145 MW floating PV project in Indonesia, the largest in the country, and our first project in Azerbaijan, which was challenging due to COVID and other macroeconomic factors. I led the development phase, and it was rewarding to see both projects operational. The social impact also matters to me—like hiring women in Azerbaijan to promote gender balance. Bringing projects from paper to reality and fostering local talent is incredibly fulfilling.

If you could give advice to your younger self, what would it be?
Trust the journey, embrace challenges as growth opportunities, and believe in your abilities. Step out of your comfort zone, be proactive, and stay curious. Remember that progress is more important than perfection.

How do you see the role of women evolving in the solar industry, particularly in leadership positions? What changes would you like to see?
We’re seeing more women in leadership roles, but there are still gaps in certain regions. Supporting policies, inclusive environments, and leadership development programs are essential. I’d like to see more women involved in decision-making and board representation across more companies and countries.

What advice would you give to young women who are considering a career in the solar industry or other renewable energy fields?
Believe in your abilities and stay confident in your skills. Embrace challenges, be resilient, and focus on the purpose and impact of your work. Aim for leadership roles and actively seek opportunities to contribute at the highest level.

About MASDAR

Masdar is a global leader in renewable energy and green hydrogen, driving the UAE’s role at the forefront of the energy transition. With projects across over 40 countries and a combined capacity exceeding 31.5 GW, Masdar promotes sustainability through innovative solutions in solar, wind, energy storage, and waste-to-energy. Supported by Mubadala, ADNOC, and TAQA, Masdar leverages this expertise to deliver pioneering, bankable clean energy projects worldwide.