The RailStaff Awards 2024

Nominations for Rail Engineer of the Year

Lee Johnson

Said the following about Omar Al-Haffar:

“After a short spell lecturing at Damascus University when he was at a young age, Omar joined Amey in 2015 as a graduate whilst he undertook his Masters' degree. Showing a special interest in electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and earthing and bonding, despite his junior role, he soon became a leader in this field, inspiring engineers around him. He has since become the key EMC specialist within Amey Consulting Rail. Omar has an exceptional understanding of electrical engineering and looks beyond the norms and standard practices that most engineers blindly accept as being sufficient. As a highly gifted innovator, he is continuously looking for better solutions by challenging industry standards and practices. He genuinely loves his field of engineering and his enthusiasm for his work his highly commendable.

Omar is currently working as a key engineer on the high-profile Wales & Borders CVL project. His contributions on this project have been outstanding and he has already proposed some excellent innovations that are challenging industry practices. I have worked with rail engineers for over 18 years and Omar is a remarkable exception, an individual who truly exemplifies our company values, who we a very lucky to have working in our business. Considering the relatively short amount of time Omar has been working in rail engineering, he is progressively showing an exemplary understanding of the infrastructure. The passion he brings to his work is inspiring to others and he is already becoming a highly-respected engineer throughout the rail industry. Amey strives to “create better solutions” and he is the living embodiment of innovation! I cannot recommend him highly enough in this category.“

Nathan Sealy

Said the following about Omar Al-Haffar:

“Omar is an enthusiastic and insightful electrical engineer who has specialised in the complex field of Electromagnetic Compatibility. Omar is the Responsible Engineer for EMC on the large and complex Core Valley Lines Transformation programme in South Wales. The programme includes an innovative discontinuous electrification scheme with large earthed sections and un-wired sections supported by the introduction of new, hybrid electric/battery rolling stock. Omar has established a comprehensive EMC strategy and earthing and bonding plan that will ensure the success of this scheme.“

Issam Belkasri

Said the following about Omar Al-Haffar:

“I work closely with Omar on the Earthing and Bonding program for the CVL project during the course of this year. During this period I have discovered a number of qualities which are worthy of this nomination.

Omar's attention to details, readiness to support our package and positive interaction with relevant interfaces are amongst the qualities that come to mind when writing this recommendation.

I cannot emphasize enough Omar's ability to work very hard while under unprecedented work load conditions.

Omar is a pure example of a dedicated engineer, who brings a vital support to the project by providing the necessary engineering management documentation, and by adding value engineering to our solutions to achieve a comprehensive system optimisation.“

Paul Britnell

Said the following about Omar Al-Haffar:

“I have known Omar for a number of years and have found that he has unparalleled enthusiasm, knowledge and ability for electrical engineering, lately specialising in and embracing the field of EMC and railway earthing systems.

Omar will often question and provide valid challenges to accepted rail engineering principles, seeking to progress and improve current engineering standards and methods. Omar's involvement and lead roles on EMC and E&B on many high profile and challenging projects has led to him being a highly respected engineer throughout the rail engineering industry.

It is a testament to Omar's ability and determination that he gained two Masters Degrees, working extremely hard in often challenging circumstances.

Omar will readily support colleagues and peers with knowledge and insight that he has acquired, and is an extremely valued and appreciated member of the engineering design team at Amey.“

Mel Osborne

Said the following about Omar Al-Haffar:

“Omar is an engineering powerhouse. I have worked on Omar on more than one project and his ability to juggle technical leadership with project delivery is phenomenal. Not only this, but he never gives you the feeling that he is too busy to explain a concept when asked, even though he is often snowed under.

Omar's technical knowledge on EMC and Earthing and Bonding is a wonder. Despite the workload of a very demanding project, Omar still finds the time and energy to run workshops for the other engineers within the company - gladly sharing his technical expertise with us - maybe in the hope we will stop asking him so many questions!

Omar's technical knowledge coupled with the ability to know all the little details as well as see the big picture truly sets him apart. Nobody deserves Rail Engineer of the Year more than Omar Al-Haffar.“