QF partner Texas A&M at Qatar names Ali Dashti Alumnus of The Year

Ali Dashti Alumnus of The Year

Ali Dashti from the Class of 2008 has been named the 2024 Alumnus of the Year by Texas A&M University at Qatar, a Qatar Foundation partner university. The award was presented to Dashti during the university’s annual alumni reunion.

Dashti is the ninth Alumnus of the Year named by Texas A&M at Qatar. Previous recipients are Muna Al-Mohannadi ’10, Yousef Al-Jaber ’07, Mariam Al-Meer ’12, Dr. Nayef Alyafei ’09, Mariam Al-Bishri ’12, Bassam Ahmad ’11, Abeer Abuhelaiqa ’11, and Azhar Khan ’13.

Dashti said, "As an Aggie, I've always cherished the values of excellence, integrity, and leadership instilled in me while at Texas A&M University at Qatar. Winning the Alumnus of the Year Award is not just an honor, but a testament to the enduring impact of Aggie Spirit in shaping individuals and communities. I'm grateful for the opportunities, friendships, and lifelong lessons this esteemed institution has provided. To the current students, I wish you all the best in your studies and endeavors; may you continue to uphold the Aggie values and soar to greater heights."

Since graduating from Texas A&M with a degree in chemical engineering in 2008, Dashti quickly climbed the industry ladder. In RasGas, he started his career as a process engineer and was then promoted to production engineering specialist followed by head of maintenance, then head of operations and finally operations excellence manager. In 2021 he became asset manager at QatarEnergy LNG, becoming one of the youngest people to assume this position, demonstrating resilience and exceptional leadership in the highly competitive environment of QatarEnergy LNG.

Dashti also obtained a Master of Science in data science and engineering from Hamad Bin Khalifa University in 2020.  

For several years, Dashti has served as a member of Texas A&M at Qatar’s Chemical Engineering Industrial Advisory Board. The board oversees and provides recommendations for the accreditation of the Chemical Engineering Program, which is crucial for the existence of the program and maintaining its quality. His involvement was critical, especially for a newly launched program. Over the years, Dashti has continued to inspire and mentor young Aggies, participating in many student and alumni events and activities.

Dr. César Octavio Malavé, dean of Texas A&M at Qatar, said that Dashti has served as a great ambassador for the university.

“Ali Dashti truly champions the students and graduates of Texas A&M at Qatar,” Malavé said. “His continued growth as an engineering leader in Qatar and his contributions towards his organization, and the industry during his career speak very highly of his solid technical foundation, commendable character and the academic preparation he received at Texas A&M at Qatar. He is an Aggie engineer who is known for embodying the Aggie Core Values of Respect, Excellence, Leadership, Loyalty, Integrity and Selfless Service: a true ambassador for Texas A&M University, and we are proud to call him our 2024 Alumnus of the Year.”