The American University in Dubai (AUD) has once again positioned itself at the forefront of climate innovation by showcasing a suite of student‑led research projects at the Forbes Middle East Sustainability Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Abu Dhabi. The presentation, led by Dr. Peiman Kianmehr, Chair of the Civil Engineering Department, highlighted two groundbreaking initiatives that address the region’s most pressing environmental challenges: reducing energy consumption in commercial and residential buildings, and fortifying coastal infrastructure against rising sea levels.
Why Sustainability Should Be a Central Tenet of Your Academic Journey
In today’s rapidly changing world, the ability to design and implement sustainable solutions is a skill in high demand across every sector. Whether you intend to pursue a career in engineering, architecture, urban planning or environmental science, the knowledge and experience you gain from real‑world research projects will position you as a leader in the green economy.
Global Context: The UAE’s Energy and Climate Landscape
- Residential and commercial buildings consume about 65 % of the UAE’s total electricity. Nearly 70 % of this usage is for cooling.
- Solar power currently provides roughly 9 % of total national generation, while the government targets 50 % renewable energy by 2050.
- Coastal cities such as Dubai face heightened exposure to sea‑level rise, with projections of up to 1 m by 2100.
Building a Greener Future: Shallow Horizontal Geothermal Cooling
Geothermal cooling offers a passive method to lower indoor temperatures by exploiting the thermal inertia of the earth. AUD’s student team developed a retrofit system that channels ambient air down through shallow horizontal trenches, allowing the ground to absorb heat before the air ascends back into the building.
Key Findings
- The prototype achieved an average temperature drop of 8 °C, translating to measurable energy savings.
- In a typical villa, the system costs approximately AED 10 000, with a payback period of less than two years.
- Energy savings average 4 kWh per day, reducing CO₂ emissions by about 1.7 kg per hour.
How You Can Get Involved
- Enroll in AUD’s Civil Engineering or Architecture programs and join the ‘Sustainable Design Lab’ to work on field trials.
- Apply for one of the upcoming scholarships dedicated to green research; details can be found on AUD scholarships page.
- Submit a proposal to the Undergraduate Research Committee and secure funding for a pilot installation on campus.
Fortifying Coastal Communities: Adaptive Engineering for Rising Seas
Addressing climate resilience in the UAE’s coastal zones required a cost‑effective and scalable approach. The AUD research team evaluated several engineering techniques—wave‑breaking walls, land restoration, and foundation reinforcement—across 150 coastal properties in Dubai.
Economic Viability and Technical Feasibility
- Implementation costs were approximately USD 50 per square meter, equating to roughly 2 % of land value.
- The project represents merely 0.5 % of Dubai’s GDP and about 5 % of the construction sector’s annual revenue, underscoring its affordability.
- Prototype studies demonstrate near‑instant structural stabilization during simulated storm surge events.
Take Action as a Student
- Participate in the upcoming ‘Coastal Protection Workshop’ hosted by the Office of the Provost and the Center for Environmental Design.
- Collaborate with the AUD Library’s research portal to access the full technical report and explore related datasets.
- Propose a senior design project that utilizes these methods in a local municipality context.
Exploring Further Opportunities at AUD
AUD’s commitment to sustainability extends beyond the classroom. Students can deepen their impact by engaging with a range of institutional resources and extracurricular activities.
- Campus 360 Virtual Tours: View ongoing green projects on night‑time lighting and smart building showcases via the Campus 360 Virtual Tour.
- Student‑Led Clubs: Join the Sustainability Society or the Green Engineering Initiative to network with peers and industry partners.
- Innovation Incubator: Submit a business plan for the GreenTech Startup challenge; winners receive seed funding and mentorship.
Connect With the Community
Follow AUD’s social media channels for live updates, student spotlights, and upcoming event announcements.
- Instagram @audubai
- TikTok @audubai
- LinkedIn American University in Dubai
Take the Next Step in Your Academic Path
Whether you are a high‑school student eyeing university, a transfer applicant, or a professional looking to enhance your credentials, AUD offers a broad array of accredited undergraduate, graduate, and certificate programs that integrate sustainability into every curriculum.
To explore specific programs and discover how student research shapes each degree pathway, visit the AUD admissions portal or contact the admissions team directly.
Ready to Apply?
The application deadline for the fall 2025 intake approaches. Secure your spot by completing the online application at Apply Now and unlock access to scholarship opportunities and early‑registration benefits.
Stay engaged with the latest research by subscribing to the AUD Newsletters in sustainability and technology. If you have questions, feel free to contact the admissions office or schedule a virtual chat with an academic advisor.
