Meet Manoj Srivastava – Associate (Electrical) at 9E Global.
Engineering Journey & Professional Expertise
What inspired you to pursue a career in electrical and electronics engineering, and how has your professional journey developed over time?
To be honest, my inspiration started at home. Like many engineers, I was the unofficial “electrician” for the family from a very young age. Whether it was fixing the TV antenna, rewiring plugs (often with more courage than technical know-how at the time), or explaining to relatives why the power went out, I somehow became the go-to person for anything involving a wire. Jokes aside, I’ve always been naturally curious about how things work, especially electrical appliances and electronics. This curiosity, combined with a passion for solving practical problems, is what led me to pursue a career in electrical and electronics engineering.
Over the years, my professional journey has been both challenging and rewarding. I began with a strong technical foundation, working on design and site projects where I gained invaluable hands-on experience with electrical systems. Gradually, I moved into more complex roles involving authority approvals, project management, and multidisciplinary coordination.
Today, I have the privilege of contributing to large-scale, iconic developments across the region, collaborating with talented teams and diverse stakeholders. My journey has reinforced the importance of continuous learning, adaptability, and teamwork. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how my efforts contribute to building real, impactful infrastructure that enhances people’s lives.
Can you share any key projects or milestones that have had a major impact on your career so far?
Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on several high-profile and technically challenging projects, but a few stand out as defining milestones. One of the most significant was my involvement in the One Za’abeel project in Dubai, a landmark mixed-use development known for its complex engineering requirements. This project truly shaped my ability to manage large-scale designs, coordinate with multidisciplinary teams, and deliver solutions under tight deadlines. It taught me how to turn technical challenges into opportunities for innovation.
Another milestone was my contribution to the Laheq Resort, part of the Red Sea Development in Saudi Arabia. This project focused heavily on sustainability, innovation, and precision engineering, aligned with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals. Working on Laheq strengthened my expertise in green energy solutions, demand load optimization, and high-end hospitality developments. It also reinforced the importance of attention to detail and proactive coordination when dealing with luxury, sustainability-driven developments.
Both projects have been instrumental in shaping my technical and leadership skills, and they’ve given me the confidence to take on even more complex and rewarding challenges in the future.
What attracts you to working in the Middle East’s engineering sector, and what excites you most about opportunities here?
What drew me to the Middle East’s engineering sector is simple: big dreams, bold timelines, and even bigger drawings! Jokes aside, the region’s commitment to delivering world-class, visionary projects is truly unmatched. The scale and ambition here are unlike anywhere else. Where else can you go from concept to construction of a megaproject faster than your coffee gets cold?
What excites me most is the opportunity to contribute to projects that shape the future, from smart cities to sustainable developments in the middle of deserts. The pace of innovation, the constant push for smarter and greener solutions, and the chance to work with people from all over the world make every project here unique.
And honestly, I enjoy telling friends back home, “You won’t believe what we’re building in the middle of the sand this time!” It keeps the conversation interesting.
Joining 9E Global & Industry Impact
What motivated you to join 9E Global, and how do you envision your role supporting the company’s growth in the region?
What truly motivated me to join 9E Global was my very first meeting with Niall and Ambika. The way they supported me, explained the company’s vision, and shared their long-term goals for the region left a strong impression on me. It wasn’t just about technical work; it was about building something meaningful, together as a team, with a focus on integrity, trust, and professional excellence. That level of clarity and openness inspired me to become part of this journey.
At 9E, I see my role as much more than just delivering drawings and reports. I want to contribute by strengthening our technical capabilities, maintaining high-quality outputs, mentoring younger engineers, and helping ensure our work consistently reflects 9E’s reputation for excellence. I also aim to build strong relationships with clients and authorities, supporting the company’s growth across the region.
And of course, on a lighter note, I also try to keep the team’s spirits high during long technical discussions because, as we all know, happy engineers produce better designs!
In what ways does 9E Global’s vision align with your expertise and career goals?
9E Global’s vision of delivering innovative, sustainable, and high-quality engineering solutions perfectly aligns with my own professional values and career goals. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on working with organizations that prioritize not just delivering projects, but doing so with integrity, technical excellence, and long-term value for clients and communities.
At 9E, I see a strong emphasis on collaboration, continuous improvement, and pushing boundaries, whether it’s in sustainability, smart technologies, or delivering complex projects under challenging timelines. These align directly with my own aspirations to contribute to industry-leading projects, drive innovation, and mentor the next generation of engineers.
Moreover, 9E’s focus on building trusted relationships, both internally and with clients, resonates with my belief that success comes through teamwork, clear communication, and mutual respect. I believe my experience, particularly in managing complex multi-stakeholder projects and authority approvals, adds value to 9E’s vision as we grow together in the region.
Simply put, my career goal is to be part of a team that leaves a meaningful legacy through its work, and 9E’s vision mirrors that ambition.
Which upcoming projects or challenges at 9E Global are you most eager to engage with?
I am particularly eager to engage with complex, large-scale developments where we have the opportunity to push technical boundaries and deliver innovative, sustainable solutions, the kind of projects where 9E Global truly shines. I’m also looking forward to being involved in high-profile hospitality and mixed-use developments across the region, especially those that come with unique design challenges and require close coordination with international stakeholders and authorities.
Beyond the projects themselves, I’m also motivated by the challenge of strengthening our internal processes, mentoring younger engineers, and enhancing our overall delivery standards. These are the areas where I believe I can add real value to 9E’s future success.
Of course, every project comes with its share of challenges, tight deadlines, evolving client expectations, and authority requirements, but these are exactly the kinds of challenges that keep the work exciting. I look forward to contributing to solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations, while helping to strengthen 9E’s reputation in the region.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Challenges & Regional Trends
From your experience, what are the biggest challenges electrical engineers face in the Middle East today?
One of the biggest challenges for electrical engineers in the Middle East is the race against time. Projects here often come with extremely ambitious timelines; sometimes it feels like we’re asked to design tomorrow’s infrastructure yesterday! Balancing speed with quality, while ensuring compliance with strict authority regulations and sustainability goals, is a constant juggling act.
Another challenge is keeping pace with the rapid evolution of technologies, from smart cities, renewable energy, EV infrastructure, to net-zero strategies. You have to be ready to learn fast and unlearn faster, depending on the latest client or authority requirement.
Authority approvals can also feel like a treasure hunt without a map. Every municipality or utility authority has its own processes, and learning how to navigate them efficiently is almost an art form in itself.
And let’s not forget the most “common” challenges we all secretly laugh about:
- Can you reduce the size, reduce the cost, but still increase the performance?
- Can we have a backup for the backup, just in case?
- And of course, can you issue the IFC before the design is ready?
These are the real skills no textbook teaches; only Middle East projects can!
How do you see electrical and electronics engineering contributing to the region’s focus on sustainability and smart infrastructure?
Electrical and electronics engineering plays a critical role in driving the region’s ambitions for sustainability and smart infrastructure. Whether it’s through the integration of renewable energy sources like solar and wind, energy-efficient systems, EV infrastructure, or intelligent building management systems (BMS), our profession is at the heart of making these visions a reality.
Smart infrastructure is not just about connecting devices; it’s about optimizing energy use, improving operational efficiency, and reducing carbon footprints, all of which require strong electrical and electronic engineering foundations. From net-zero buildings to smart grids and automated controls, engineers are shaping how cities will operate in the future.
And honestly, what’s more exciting for an electrical engineer than being the one responsible for “making the lights come on, smartly, efficiently, and sustainably!”
A Personal Perspective on Engineering
Can you describe a project where you overcame a particularly complex electrical or electronics engineering problem?
One project I will never forget is One Za’abeel in Dubai, not just because of its complexity or scale, but because it features the world’s longest occupied link bridge cantilever, known as “The Link,” which connects two towers, almost like a floating bridge hanging in the sky!
From an electrical perspective, it was extremely challenging to coordinate LV systems, generator backup strategies, and authority approvals within very limited plant spaces. But to be honest, the technical challenge wasn’t the hardest part; it was the coordination.
We had around 9 sub-consultants involved, including architects, interior designers, and engineers, all based in different countries and time zones. One team would be available in the morning, the other only late at night. Sometimes it felt like my sleep schedule had also become international just to keep up with the meetings!
Still, through strong planning, clear communication, and continuous engagement with authorities, we successfully optimized the LV room sizing, cable routing, and secured all necessary approvals.
Today, when people look at this project and ask, “How is this even standing?”, deep down, I smile and think, “Yes, this is the same project that looked impossible on paper but is now energized and operational in real life.” And of course, one important lesson learned: in big projects like this, your laptop and mobile charger backup are just as critical as your substation backup!
What advice would you offer young engineers aiming to build their careers in the Middle East?
My advice to young engineers who want to succeed in the Middle East is simple: Be flexible, be patient, and always be ready to learn something new, every single day.
This region is known for fast-paced projects, last-minute changes, and very ambitious visions. Sometimes the client’s requirement changes faster than your AutoCAD file can open! So adaptability and problem-solving are more important here than simply knowing standards and codes by heart.
Also, never underestimate the value of good communication and coordination skills. You’ll be working with teams from different countries, cultures, and time zones. Sometimes you’ll feel like you’re running a global project from your desk, because you actually are.
And yes, patience is key. Authority approvals can take time, site conditions will surprise you, and sometimes, drawings will magically change overnight! Stay calm, stay professional, and keep smiling.
On a lighter note:
- Keep your coffee strong.
- Keep your emails polite.
- Keep your drawings backed up (twice).
- And always be ready for one more “urgent” coordination meeting, probably at 6 PM!
If you do all this, you’ll not only survive, you’ll thrive.
