Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s Research and Development Centre, in collaboration with Khalifa University in the UAE and the Membrane Society of Australia (MSA), hosted the 15th International Conference on Challenges in Environmental Science and Engineering 2022 for the first time in the Middle East. The conference brought together global researchers, decision-makers, academics, and experts to discuss environmental and sustainability issues.

Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, highlighted DEWA’s efforts to be a pioneer in hosting international events for the first time in the region, to support the Middle East’s efforts to shape the sustainability agenda and strengthen the leading position of UAE as a regional and global leader in advancing and accelerating global sustainability and consolidating the role of Dubai in mobilising international efforts to find innovative and sustainable solutions to climate challenges. This is especially important with the ongoing preparations for the UAE to host the 28th Conference of the Parties by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP28) at Dubai Expo City in November 2023.

“The R&D Centre at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park supports our efforts to achieve the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100 % of Dubai’s total power production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050, and making Dubai a global hub for clean energy and green economy.”

‘’ The Centre attracts the best researchers and academics of different nationalities to exchange the best local and international experiences and strengthen the partnership between the government and academic sector to transform Dubai into the top destination and global hub for research and development in solar energy, smart grids, water and energy efficiency, as well as capacity building in these sectors,” added Al Tayer.

Waleed Bin Salman, Executive Vice President of Business Development and Excellence at DEWA, noted the R&D Centre’s hosting of the 15th International Conference on Challenges in Environmental Science and Engineering 2022 came as part of seminars and conferences organised by the Centre within the Al Baheth programme. The Al Baheth programme promotes and enhances the culture of research and development, develops professional competencies, strengthens national calibre and engages local and international universities in R&D.

The conference brought together several keynote speakers, including Prof. Lourdes Vega of Khalifa University; Prof. Noreddine Ghaffour of King Abdullah University of Science and Technology; Prof. Despo Fatta-Kassinos of the Nireas-IWRC in Cyprus; Prof. Ho Kyong Shon from the University of Technology Sydney; and Prof. Dionysios Dionysiou of the National Technical University of Athens.

Important topics at the conference included the application of membrane technology and nano-technology in water treatment; green fuels and hydrogen generation; prevention and treatment of air, water and wastewater pollution; sources and wastes: management and recovery of materials and energy; sustainable catchments and renewable energy; emerging sustainable practices; appropriate technology for sustainability and climate change adaptation/mitigation; soil sustainability; CO2 capture and utilisation strategies.