Dr.-Ing. Safwat Hemidat is a highly experienced environmental engineer and recognised technical expert in solid waste management and circular economy, with over 20 years of experience in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. He currently serves in the Technology & Innovation Department at the Saudi Investment Recycling Company (SIRC), where he leads strategic projects that advance recycling, waste-to-energy, and sustainable resource recovery, supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and national circular economy objectives.

He began his career developing environmental, health, and safety management guidelines, later contributing as an expert to numerous international projects funded by BMU, GIZ, UNDP, and INFA GmbH. He has also worked with leading German universities and institutions to foster collaboration between international organisations and MENA municipalities.

His expertise spans waste characterization studies, municipal solid waste treatment, waste-to-energy solutions, biological treatment (aerobic and anaerobic), bio-drying, landfill mining and rehabilitation, and alternative fuel production for the cement industry, alongside feasibility studies and cost-benefit analysis.

At SIRC, Dr. Hemidat has spearheaded pioneering initiatives including national-scale waste composition studies, valorisation of agricultural and industrial waste streams, and development of pilot and large-scale recycling projects across plastics, organics, construction & demolition waste, and sewage sludge. His work has directly reduced landfill dependency, boosted resource recovery, and created market opportunities for secondary raw materials, making him a key contributor to building Saudi Arabia’s circular economy.

Through his leadership and technical innovation, Dr. Hemidat continues to play a key role in shaping Saudi Arabia’s circular economy and driving the Kingdom’s transition toward a more sustainable future.