The American University of Iraq, Sulaimani (AUIS) is proud to recognize Sava Dlawar Qubad, a senior Civil Engineering student and President of the AUIS SPE Student Chapter, for representing both the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and AUIS at the 2025 SPE University Student Experience @GOTECH, held from April 21 to 23, 2025, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This prestigious program, organized by the Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE) and sponsored by Dragon Oil, was held in conjunction with the highly regarded Gulf Intelligence GOTECH Conference at the Dubai World Trade Centre.
Sava was nominated by the SPE Northern Section and selected by Dragon Oil as one of only 60 top-performing undergraduate students across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. Participants were selected based on academic achievement, leadership experience, and commitment to the energy sector. Representing AUIS and the Kurdistan Region on an international platform, Sava’s selection is a testament not only to his individual excellence but also to the high-caliber education and support systems provided by AUIS.
The three-day program offered an immersive blend of fieldwork, technical seminars, leadership activities, and career development sessions. A highlight of the experience was the geological field trip to Jabal Hafeet in Al Ain, where participants conducted hands-on exploration of sedimentary formations, stratigraphy, and fossil records. This excursion provided a rare opportunity for students to apply geological and engineering concepts in a natural setting under the guidance of industry experts. It also allowed students to appreciate the complex interplay between natural formations and petroleum systems.
Beyond the fieldwork, the program featured a series of interactive professional development sessions. Sava joined fellow delegates in attending “Ask the Experts,” a career-focused Q&A with senior leaders from Dragon Oil, covering topics such as artificial intelligence in energy, corporate ethics, drilling operations, and legal compliance. The Rush-A-Way Challenge, a dynamic team-building activity, emphasized problem-solving, collaboration, and communication—key competencies in the evolving energy landscape. Delegates also participated in GOTECH technical sessions focused on cutting-edge topics, including reservoir management, digital energy transformation, and AI-driven operational efficiency.
A standout moment for Sava occurred on the final day, when her field trip team presented their experience in an innovative panel discussion format. Moderating the session, Sava guided the conversation with thoughtful questions, enabling the team to share their insights in a compelling and audience-engaging manner. Her leadership and communication skills were on full display, earning admiration from fellow students and program organizers alike.
This experience, according to Sava, served as a powerful affirmation of her passion for the energy industry, leadership, and lifelong learning. She credits AUIS for laying the foundation that enabled him to thrive in such a high-level international environment. “The interdisciplinary education, mentorship, and leadership opportunities I’ve received at AUIS have shaped me into the professional I am today. AUIS played a vital role in preparing me for this opportunity and in building the skills that led to my selection,” Sava remarked.
AUIS’s commitment to academic excellence, critical thinking, and global engagement continues to empower its students to compete and lead on the world stage. The university’s emphasis on applied learning, civic responsibility, and international collaboration directly contributes to the success of students like Sava, who embody the spirit of innovation and leadership that the region and industry demand.
The university extends its heartfelt congratulations to Sava Dlawar Qubad for this remarkable achievement and looks forward to supporting future AUIS students in pursuing similar international opportunities.