Professional Summary

As a distinguished Professor of Petroleum Engineering at King Fahd University of Petroleum & Minerals (KFUPM), I have dedicated over three decades to pioneering the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geomechanics into solving complex challenges in energy and engineering. With a Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Oklahoma (1994), I have built a career at the nexus of academia and industry, driving innovations that optimize drilling, reservoir management, and sustainable resource development.


My research focuses on AI-driven solutions for real-time drilling optimization, fracture conductivity modeling, and reservoir characterization, with projects funded by global leaders like Saudi Aramco, totaling SAR 6 million. I developed hybrid computational models to predict non-hydrocarbon gas components, ROP (Rate of Penetration), and downhole vibrations, significantly reducing operational risks and costs. My work on ionic liquids for clay stabilization and thermochemical fracturing has redefined completion strategies in unconventional reservoirs.


Recognized among the top 2% of global scientists (Elsevier, 2022–2024), I have authored 160+ refereed publications, 5 patents, and 70+ conference papers. My research spans petroleum, chemical, civil, and geothermal engineering, with tools like neural networks, fuzzy logic, and ensemble ML models. I co-hold patents such as Evolutionary Optimized Hybrid Models for Gas Prediction (US8700549B2) and AI-Based Permeability Prediction Systems (US11887019).


As an educator, I designed courses like AI for Petroleum Engineers and mentored 20+ PhD/Master students, fostering the next generation of engineers. My leadership extends to coordinating KFUPM’s AI research group and advising Saudi Aramco on geomechanical strategies for wellbore stability and CO₂ flooding.


Honored with awards like the Best Research Team Award (KFUPM, 2003) and Governor of Oklahoma’s Honorary Citizenship (1992), I bridge innovation with practicality. Beyond academia, I advocate for Arabic language education, developing simplified teaching systems used globally.

Key Expertise

Artificial Intelligence

  • Predictive analytics for drilling operations
  • Reservoir characterization using ML
  • Real-time drilling optimization
  • AI-enhanced fracture conductivity

Geomechanics

  • Rock mechanics analysis
  • Wellbore stability modeling
  • Hydraulic fracturing design
  • Reservoir compaction studies

Industry Impact

  • Downhole vibration prediction
  • Smart reservoir management
  • Enhanced oil recovery techniques
  • Geothermal energy optimization

Education

Ph.D. in Geotechnical Engineering

University of Oklahoma, USA | 1994

  • GPA: 4.0/4.0
  • Dissertation: Reservoir Compaction Modeling

M.Eng. in Civil Engineering

Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore | 1985

B.Eng. in Civil Engineering

Osmania University, Hyderabad | 1983

Career Highlights

Professor, Petroleum Engineering

KFUPM | 2011-Present

  • Developed AI curriculum for petroleum engineers
  • Led 15+ industry-funded research projects

Research Engineer

KFUPM Research Institute | 1994-2011

  • Pioneered AI applications in Middle Eastern reservoirs
  • Developed real-time drilling analytics systems

Notable Achievements

Awards

  • Best Research Team Award (2003, 1999)
  • Governor of Oklahoma Honorary Citizenship (1992)
  • SPE Outstanding Contribution Award (2019)

Patents

  • US8700549B2: Hybrid gas prediction models
  • US11887019: Permeability prediction system
  • 3 pending patents in AI drilling systems

Key Projects

  • AI-Enhanced Fracture Conductivity (SAR 2.1M)
  • Real-Time Drilling Analytics Platform
  • CO2 Flooding Optimization System

Selected Publications

Non-Hydrocarbon Gas Prediction in Separators

Neural Computing and Applications | 2017 | 635+ citations

Real-Time ROP Prediction Using ML

Scientific Reports | 2023 | 450+ citations

Shale Brittleness Index Modeling

AAPG Bulletin | 2022 | 380+ citations

Google Scholar Profile

Teaching & Mentorship

Courses Developed

  • PETE 490: AI for Petroleum Engineers
  • PETE 655: Advanced ML in Reservoir Engineering
  • CPG 555: AI Applications in Geosciences

Mentorship

  • Supervised 12 PhD candidates
  • Mentored 18 Master students
  • 5 former students now faculty members

Contact Information

[email protected]

+966 50 185 7913 (Mobile)
+966 13 860 2604 (Office)

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