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Kuwait’s First Nuclear Engineer

The Fixtures just posted a short interview with Nasser Al Sayegh who is Kuwait’s first nuclear engineer. He seems like a smart guy (obviously) and if people like him ran the plant Kuwait would be in safe hands so it’s too bad Kuwait scrapped all their nuclear ambitions. You can read the interview with Nasser on The Fixture’s blog [Here]

In case you missed it, here is a previous video interview with Nasser taken from AlRai TV. [YouTube]

Update: Some readers have pointed out in the comments that Nasser is not the first Kuwaiti to get a degree in Nuclear engineering. But, it’s possible he might be the only Kuwaiti nuclear engineer to actually work in the field. I’m trying to get some more clarification on this.

Update2: Nasser has posted the following comment in relation to the above:

To clarify things up I’m the first specialized person in the nuclear field In Kuwait. Although the others did get there certificates before me they didn’t actually work in a nuclear reactor so all what they have is theoretical backgrounds. I’m also the only person in the gulf that has a security clearance to work in nuclear reactors around Europe.

46 replies on “Kuwait’s First Nuclear Engineer”

Just to clarify. He isnt the first nuclear engineer in Kuwait.As u already know, Kuwait had plans to generate electricity from nuclear power plants so they sent several kuwaitis to major in nuclear engineering in 70s. They graduated with bachelor in nuclear engineering and some even continued their education and got their masters too. That makes them nuclear engineers. I personally know someone who got in early 70s. Unfortunately Kuwait canceled their plans so they had to change their careers and find jobs in different fields of engineering

Matter of fact, he is. In the 70’s Kuwait sent people to study the structure of nuclear engineering not major in the field, cuz in Kuwait this field is not require w mo ma3traf feeha, because as you might know we don’t need nuclear energy if we’re working on oil fields. If you look at the AlRai interview, it says he can’t find a job in Kuwait because they have no places for nuclear engineering, so he’s working with the VP of England.

I think we should focus on solar, wind, and tide energy. Because if their is an accident nothing serious will happen. But if there is an accident in a nuclear power plant it will devastate Kuwait especially because it is a small country.

There seems to be a bit of confusion here.
From what I understood from the comments here, there are other people who studied nuclear engineering but I guess he’s the only one practicing it? Can someone clarify this.

The guy seems very smart mashallah, and he’s very well spoken. He makes a lot of great points. Some people may not have seen his interview on AlRai, according to some of the comments. If you haven’t watched it, you really should.

He can find a job in the UAE as they just gave the green light for the first nuclear power plant.

His story in brief…

He had to quit his job at one of the Kuwaiti oil companies in order to get the scholarship from Kuwait Nuclear Energy Committee. Big mistake.

He got his masters degree now and he’s not found a job yet. I think he’s eying for a position at KISR, those are very hard to get. So he’s taking this issue with the media.

The thing is, Kuwait went ahead with capacity building in the field of nuclear engineering because they had plans to build a nuclear power plant. With that plan scrapped, a masters degree in nuclear energy (which is the only nuclear thing Nasser has) is worthless. It will not bring you a job in Kuwait, and he’ll have to compete very hard if he wish to get a job in this field abroad.

My advise to him, as a colleague, forget about finding a technical job that relates to nuclear engineering. And don’t depend on your self for being “special”. You’re not the only one who went to do degree in this field, and if you get some kind of exception, all your colleagues and I’m one of them will come and ask for similar treatment.

I believe he has ruined any opportunity he may have had in was6a to get a special treatment once he got public. By being public the eyes will be on you… people might ask how the situation is developing and decision makers will try to distance themselves from him and avoid giving him any preferential treatment.

MArk He is not the first guy to be in the field. Many others who have a nuclear engineering degree… do work in the field and also teach in Kuwait university.

Check your sources before publishing or making a statement as bold as that 🙂

all the best.

Marshal I guess you should check your sources…

First: Abbas Marafi studied Mechanical Engineering and Solar Energy
Second: Nasser is the first person to get a Masters in Nuclear Engineering.
Third: Watch The AlRai Interview
Fourth: Watch The KTV Interview
Fifth: Read The Fixtures Interview
Sixth: Kuwait doesn’t have a job offering in Nuclear Engineering, as you’ll see in the AlRai interview

Seventh: Stop making stuff up..its not funny!

Oh….Abbas Marafi was a member of the Appraisal Committee for Safe Utilization of Nuclear Energy of Kuwait. And never studied nuclear engineering.

Mark, I just found out the full story. Nasser is the first Kuwaiti gain a masters degree from the Imperial College and the first Kuwaiti to be considered a full time nuclear engineer. I know some of the commenters say he is not, but as you (commenters) said that there are professors in KU and some also joined a committees and gain high degrees and I agree. But, Nasser is the first person to be working full time as a Nuclear Engineer.

Sorry for any misconception.

Thanks for the post Mark 🙂

To clarify things up I’m the first specialized person in the nuclear field In Kuwait. Although the others did get there certificates before me they didn’t actually work in a nuclear reactor so all what they have is theoretical backgrounds. I’m also the only person in the gulf that have a security clearance to work in nuclear reactors around Europe.

As for Anon, I don’t need was6a to work in KISR. I have two master degrees in two of the top uni’s in the world and I have a high GPA in my BSc and if you would like to see KISR’s job offer just send me your email and by the way I got accepted in five department in KISR not one to work with them.

Finally, I just wanted you guys to know that currently ” I’m ” doing a study for Kuwait to choose the best research reactor that Enshala will have it soon 😉

Feel free to ask me any Q @Dr_Naser_Ali

if you have received job offers from and you are currently working in Europe, then what do you want exactly? Why are you saying you’re unable to find job in you’re field of interest in Kuwait? This is what you’re saying onall your interviews.

What do you want? Want us to build a nuclear reactor for you to run?
And by the way, Dr Adnan Shihab-Eldin has more hands on experience in this field than any of the engineers you ever meet in Europe or where ever you’re working.

*…from KISR which is the largest research institute in Kuwait and one of the biggest if not the biggest in the middle east….

Nasser did you study your mech engineering in KU?
I think I know some one looks like you and your name is familiar to me.

Yeah why all the fuss? IMOHOP… Its about time!!!!

Nuclear Science is nothing new; the rest of the developed world and some of the developing world are allready leaps and bounds ahead in the field. The Emirates allready has plans drawn and agreed upon to start its own nuclear plant. So why the fuss. Who cares who is the first Kuwait Nuclear Engineer or who isnt?? Whats important is what good have you done with your knowledge.

Good on you Dr Naser Al Sayegh.. You have the skills and the talent. You have the education and also as you say the security clearance to work in Nuclear Plants in Europe right?? Good for you and conratulations.

Now Bring it over back to the country who sponsored you and footed the bill for those studies. Do for this country what is expected of you.Come and help carry this country through the 21st century. Help build the nuclear industry in Kuwait that you so hard studied and trained for. Help it become a leader rather a follower.

Its about time Kuwait be recognised for something other than being one of the fattest or laziest or amonst countries known for abusing Human Rights.

PAWNED..PEOPLE WHO THINK HE ISNT THE FIRST!! People no you know, don’t try to know everything before you make it sure!!

@Marshal Take it easy!

@DM Allah ye7ma he was a great man…ok but he never actually worked as a nuclear engineer did he? was he ever called a “nuclear engineer” Kuwait? (which is not possible because Kuwait didn’t care about nuclear energy at that time (with all due respect to you father) and hasn’t given any jobs in that field)

Nasser is officially named a nuclear engineer because as you might read his comment, he isn’t working in Kuwait but in Europe, and Kuwait had set him to that point.

@ANON CALM DOWN!!!! Nasser isn’t trying to take anything, he has a degree, working and worked hard for it!!! Why doesn’t he deserve any recognition? Okay all the people who studied it…Mashallah and deserved it. But, tbh and with all do respect..its their fault they didn’t do anything to be working in the field!

Actually,Kuwait in the 70s DID care about nuclear fields.. They seriously wanted to build nuclear power plants. That is why they sent several people to USA to study nuclear engineering, nuclear physics, etc.. My mother also majored nuclear physics. She had BSC, MSc & PhD in the nuclear physics. After she got her PhD, one of Rutherford’s well known students personally requested that she work with him in a european nuclear research institute but my mother declined the job offer as she didnt want to live outside Kuwait for the rest of her life + family & kids obligations. Back in 70s, things were different. Kuwait wanted to lead.. The gov’t was preparing itself for building nuclear power plants. That’s why they sent Several people on scholarships to study the field. I am sure there are more people of 70s generations who graduated with degrees in nuclear fields. Unfortunately, when those graduates returned, nuclear energy plans were put on hold for further studies.. They had two choices if they wanted to live in Kuwait: change their field or stick to doing research/teaching.
As for my father, Before getting his PhD, he was a nuclear engineer along with his classmates who graduated with the same degree but then he got his PhD and published tens of research papers & became a full professor. He was called a professor (higher than engineer).
If a civil engineer worked in oil power plants & is doing the same work as electrical engineers, would you call him electrical engineer or would you still call civil engineer? You can’t call him an electrical engineer. He will always be a civil engineer even if all he does is typing papers at the ministry. When a civil engineer decides to join a research facility & all he does is research in engineering fields, do you strip him of engineer title? 🙂

And As for for my father’s experience in nuclear field, he was member of several Nuclear energy committees in Middle East & he published papers in the field as well. He and along with committee members did several studies regarding the application of nuclear energy in Kuwait. They used to consult his opinion regarding those matters. 🙂

So, all i got from this is who got the degree first. Who the **** cares when and who got it first if it isn’t helping Kuwait in any way then it’s of no use since there is no jobs for nuclear engineering in Kuwait. Till then, if you want to live and work in Kuwait, get something I.T related or engineering in anything or accounting.

Hey guys!
With all do respect to every person who commented, to the bloggers, to Nasser and to those who have studied Nuclear Engineering, I praise their efforts and all that they have gone through. There is NO DOUBT that they put in a lot of time and sweat to be they best they can be.

But I think we are missing the point here.
True that the articles were highlighting that Nasser was the FIRST, but that’s not really the point. Its the fact that he is where he is today, and i think, that any of those who have studied nuclear engineering before him would be PROUD of him and of his position, especially as a Kuwaiti brother or son. He is building on what those before him have started, and people after him inshallah, will continue to build upon, and thats how we will develop forward inshallah. Unfortunately though, Kuwait has a pretty bad system for recognizing those who have achieved, but with the help of social media and all that today (in Nasser’s generation), it is much easier to spread the word, hence his current recognition.
I can’t speak for Nasser, however, I think that he too would be more than happy and willing, and is ALSO PROUD of those who have studied Nuclear Engineering before him.

I’m still not capable of seeing why this is big news and why a lot of TV Channels/blogs are reporting this. recognition is not required when someone gets a degree. recognition should be made when someone achieve something that that no one else can achieve (inventions / discoveries). when someone calls himself a doctor before obtaining a PhD I most certainly would think he’s seeking attention. too bad that the people who should gain recognition don’t have the same kind of access to the media (Abdullah Al Hashash, Turki Al Dhafiri, Abdulmohsen Al Moumen)

We will not be the first one to open up the nuclear reactors in the world or in the gulf in fact as everyone knows we r becoming always the last to do any in the gulf in all feilds. Nasser highlighted something very important forus and for the young generation in the tv interviews and for how long we wait to see our country going no where. I saw nassers tv interview he seems smart young man who is looking forward to his country to get better in all fields. God bless nasser and wish u all the best.

if one person graduate with specific major and did not apply his theoretical background and gain experiences in the same filed of his study, how can we consider him active in that field, regardless the situation if there is a suitable job title or not in that time.
So that, I advise people to Work hard and get proper jobs that meet their qualifications in order to leave a special touch in their filed of study and research, otherwise we can’t compare the other people who are not in the right positions in the same filed, because they choose to change their career path and after that they request to be the experts in that field. How !!!!!!
We totally disagree.

Good luck Naser and congrats you selected to work in your research and study area to be an expert in your career path, although you didn’t find appropriate job that meets your qualifications in Kuwait, but you really worked hard to get what you want to achieve.

And Hard luck for the other people who do not set clear targets for their career path and depend only on their jobs that does not meet their qualifications.

This is my opinion. Thanks

Thanks DM for clarifying, the facts:

Prof. Abbas Mohammed-Rafie Hussain Marafie:
Senior Year of High School in Fairfax, Virginia
Bsc. Nuclear Engineering – University of California, Santa Barbara
Msc. Nuclear Engineering – Univeristy of Washington, Seattle
Phd. Mechanical Enginneering (thesis in Nuclear Engineering) – Univeristy of Liverpool, with clearance to work on a reactor.

Solar Research was later in his academic career, along with power plant design and Fuel-Cell Technology

As for Naser, I hope that he will have a successful and fruitful career, as he is an asset to this country to say the least, Allah ywafgik inshallah

I’ve watched Naser’s interview and read the comments, the guy wasn’t trying to show-up as some are saying. All what he is trying to do is pointout that the best energy option for Kuwait is Nuclear.

those whom are attacking him why not try and be better than him instead of being jealous of what he have achieved. work hard and make Kuwait proud of you.

DM: your father was a great guy, but honestly speaking check both your fathers universities ranking and Naser’s and see the extreme differences

https://www.topuniversities.com/university-rankings/world-university-rankings/2011/faculty-area-rankings/technology/

first, you can’t compare todays ranking with yesterday, and you can’t compare univ. of Aberdeen with UC Santa Barbara or the rest. There was a whole group of Kuwaities who studied at PAAET, got their diploma in 2.5 years, then to University of Aberdeen and received their bachelor in one year! That was later closed by MOHE. So many people abused it!

I know many people fashleen sawwaw hal 7araka, o simply 7a6 X 3alehom :p it was one of the easiest ways to get your engineering degree. When you transfer your PAAET credits, your GPA does transfer. Basically, all you have to do is to work a little hard for one year and then you can have your 4.0 GPA or 1st class whatever they call it in Scotland

anyway wishing nasser all the best good enna kammal derasta 😀 I read somewhere that he was also the first kuwaiti to go to Imperial College London, which is again bullshit. Fe kuwaitiyeen in ICL, Harvard o MIT, whats Imperial compared to the two anyway? :r

dont make a fuss out of nothing

Iam guessing from what you are saying that you have graduated from a better university than Imperial. Why do not you share with the readers the name of your university and major :p.

By the way,universities ranking wavies up and down only a bit with time , they dont fall that much.

I’m sure that Kuwait can use the help of a talented man like you with their future developments 😀

You guys are over thinking it!! Some people think that if Kuwait ever had a nuclear power plant it will be the next Chernobyl or even worse ever in history! I apologize bs are you CRAZY TO THINK THAT??!!

Inshalla you support Nasser and trust he’ll be the best that he can be towards Kuwait!

Taraa seriously 3aib 3laikoom…he’s trying so hard to help his country.

Z. Ebrahim, with all due respect, you can’t compare 2011 rankings with 1960s and 1970s rankings, programs change and this has been the case for UCSB’s nuclear engineering program as it has closed that department. Also, we are not here in compare people from different eras together or there degrees, but here to discuss the accomplishments of great sons of this country.

Nasser Alsayegh is the first kuwaiti Nuclear Engineer that worked in the field, and no body can deny it. I saw your CV, it’s impressive!
Good job Nasser in your interview.
Wish you the best.

Nasser sounds as a major smart man with many experiences. If Kuwait ever builds a nuclear power plant it would be lucky and should make Nasser the Director in charge of the plant. In other word, hence we might think that Kuwait might end up like Chernobyl or Fukushima, but we have to be able to take confidence that it will be in good hands. Fukushima’s disaster had been caused by the tsunami and earthquake, and Chernobyl had been the time when technology wasn’t advanced as now, so its highly doubtable that Kuwait will face any disasters.

I just hope Kuwait will be building one soon in the near future and let in be held by good hands and the top engineers around the world, not people getting in with was6a. We can’t run on oil for the remainder of our lives.

By second point, it doesn’t matter that who was the first, last, better, faster, expert, chicken-wired, what matters is that people are actually working with interest and building themselves for good use of their country.

Nasser sounds like a great visionary man, that isn’t looking for any gibberish. Keep working Nasser, keep those aims high, we all have trust in you and high hopes.

Thanks to Mark (248AM) and The Fixtures for making things clear to us, and supporting a person who could actually make a change in this country.

With all due respect to Mr. Al-Sayegh’s obvious talents and eloquence, a few points need to be claified here based on all the comments I have read so far:

1) He is not the first Kuwaiti to hold a Master’s degree in the field, not to have worked within it in a “hands-on” way. Dr. Adnan Shihab-Eldin holds those two accolades, and even went on to become a Director at the IAEA.

2) Having worked closely and intricately with the more recent Kuwait National Nuclear Energy Committee (KNNEC), which was disbanded post-Fukushima, I can assure you that solar, wind and tide will not be enough to keep up with the frantic pace of energy demand at which our country is currently flying at. Nuclear is not just a choice, it is a necessity for Kuwait. If we wish to maintain our current quality of life, as well as to ensure the same for future generations, then that means we need to stop burning our oil for domestic use and freeing up more for export. It’s our only source of revenue generation, and will be for the foreseeable future.

3) I am currently a Researcher at KISR, and working with my colleagues under the Nuclear Power for Peaceful Applications program. A major part of that is exploring the feasibility and ultimate potential for a research reactor to be hosted and operated within and by Kuwait/Kuwaitis.

We have made some very good progress as a program thus far, having traveled extensively to meet with peers and counterparts in the field, as well as to attend training courses in the technical and operational management of a research reactor. If Mr. Al-Sayegh is currently undertaking a similar endeavor on his own, then kudos to him; he is more than welcome to share his experiences with us at KISR, whose main priority is to serve the national interest first and foremost.

Thanks for bringing this matter into the spotlight once again. It is a debate that needs to be had continuously, maturely and rationally.

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