Dr. Afrah Aldawsari is the General Manager of the Refining and Petrochemical Technologies Institute at King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST).

She holds an MSc in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology from the University of Nottingham, UK, and a DPhil from the University of Oxford, UK. During her doctoral research, she developed a patented process utilizing advanced microwave technology and variable-temperature microwave resonant systems to investigate catalyst properties and behavior in the conversion of heavy oils and naphtha into high-value chemicals.

Dr. Aldawsari’s research expertise spans the application of advanced microwave technologies in energy and petrochemical processes, including fossil-fuel decarbonization for hydrogen production and high-value materials, plastic-waste conversion, light-alkane conversion to high-value aromatics (BTEX), and olefin production. Her broader interests encompass advanced catalytic and process technologies that support the development of more efficient and sustainable solutions for the refining, petrochemical, and energy sectors.