Mr. Talal Al Awfi, Founder & Chairman of Al Shakima and former Group-CEO of OQ, Oman’s integrated energy company. With over 25 years of experience in oil, gas and petrochemical trading, he created one of the first commodity trading companies in the region, Oman Trading International (OTI) in 2005, a joint venture between Oman Oil Company and VITOL. OTI later evolved into OQ Trading. In recognition of his leadership, he was named New Silk Road CEO of the Year in 2023.

Under his leadership, OQ advanced major energy transition projects including Hyport Duqm, SalalaH2 and OQ8 refinery while driving foreign investment through IPOs and capital market development.

Talal is also an active investor in upstream, commodity trading and technology and has held several board memberships including the Chairmanship of OQ Trading, OQ Gas Networks and a Board position at Petroleum Development Oman (PDO). He is currently an independent board member at several companies including MOL Group in Hungary.

Mr. Al Awfi holds both Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Business Finance from Manchester, United Kingdom.