Meet Ali

Not only is Ali Ibrahim the first local engineering lead in Iraq, but he was also the quickest within the region to move from engineer to lead, within 3 years, a journey that routinely takes between 10 and 15 years.

Wood is actively investing in growing our presence in Iraq and Ali leads an Iraqi-Expat engineering team. We are committed to supporting local people and investing to advance their careers while providing EPCm support to our local clients.

I am currently employed on one of our largest contracts, where I have witnessed substantial growth and advancement during my five-year tenure. Being a part of Wood, I benefit from the backing of a diverse workforce of 35,000 professionals worldwide, who both support and challenge me. As an engineer, I find great satisfaction in utilizing my expertise to tackle issues and contribute to solving some of the most significant global challenges we face.

Transitioning from a local Iraqi company to an esteemed international organization like Wood has been a truly gratifying experience. Although the nature of my work remains similar, I now benefit from a systematic approach. The established processes and procedures that have been honed and refined over many years provide immense value in ensuring efficiency and effectiveness in my daily tasks.

My current contract is the first project that has been handled by local Iraqi hands from FEED to the deliverable stage – I am proud of the high quality and feedback we received from the client. I am delighted that Wood is investing in the local economy and providing opportunities for local people.

The work environment at Wood allows me to continuously learn. I love my job, if you find the right learning environment for you and the right people who are always able to support you, work is enjoyable. I receive great acknowledgement for my efforts and feel that I am going in the right direction, professionally. In addition to having an open, supportive environment, I am challenged by my colleagues every day and am excited to constantly grow my skills.

Every day I am excited to come to work – I find huge satisfaction in overcoming engineering hurdles, finding innovative solutions and witnessing the successful implementation of our engineering designs. My role is very dynamic and there are always opportunities for learning, such as the increased use of AI technology, which keeps me motivated and engaged in my work.

Most importantly, my role enables my family to live a happy and contented life. Working in an environment that fosters excellence and productivity enables me to have a healthy and balanced home and work life. I have a wife and 3 little boys under 7 and have been able to provide financial security for them. My income can meet our financial obligations, give us space to pursue our dreams and plan for the long-term future! I feel very privileged to be able to do that while enjoying the work I do.

At Wood, we design the future. To me, this means actively participating in shaping and creating innovative solutions that address the evolving needs of industries and society. As an engineer, It is my responsibility to build a sustainable and efficient infrastructure incorporating the latest technologies and methodologies. If we are designing the future, we are in charge of progress, we can drive it, improve efficiency and positively impact the world we live in, being a part of that change gives me purpose and meaning in life.