New IStructE president sets 2025 priorities

New IStructE president outlines 2025 goals

Mohamad Al-Dah has taken over as president of the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE) for 2025, succeeding Tanya de Hoog. His focus for the year ahead includes tackling embodied carbon, building industry partnerships, and promoting mentoring and diversity.

At his inaugural address on 23 January, Al-Dah encouraged structural engineers to take more action on embodied carbon in their designs. He also highlighted the importance of collaboration between professional bodies, academia, and firms, as well as continuing IStructE’s work on mentoring and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).

“Structural engineering is an ever-changing profession, operating in an ever-changing world,” says Al-Dah. “We have the technical skills and influence to bring about positive change—whether through carbon literacy, meaningful professional relationships, or fostering a culture of mentoring and best EDI principles—all while ensuring what we design and build is safe.”

Al-Dah has worked internationally in Cairo, Cardiff, London, Panama, Seoul, and Dubai, where he is currently director at the Jointly Owned Properties Department, Real Estate Regulatory Agency, DLD, Government of Dubai.

IStructE’s chief executive, Yasmin Becker, welcomed Al-Dah’s appointment, saying: “Mohamad’s enthusiasm for structural engineering is evident in all he does, from mentoring to creating links with other professional bodies. We all congratulate him and look forward to working together in 2025.”

Founded in 1908, IStructE is the world’s largest membership organisation dedicated to structural engineering, with over 29,000 members in 138 countries. The institution sets professional standards, promotes knowledge sharing, and advocates for the role of structural engineers in ensuring public safety and innovation.

Al-Dah’s full inaugural address is available online at the IStructE website.