02-05-2025
ADU wraps up successful international conferences in Dubai
UAE, Abu Dhabi: Under the patronage of Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, Abu Dhabi University (ADU), in collaboration with Instituto Marangoni and the International Experts for Research Enrichment and Knowledge Exchange (IEREK), successfully concluded the second edition of the International Conference on Environmental Design, Material Science, and Engineering Technologies (EDMSET) and the inaugural of the international conference on Sustainable Creative Art (SCIN) from 22 to 24 April across three prestigious venues in Dubai.
The event united global researchers, designers, industry leaders, and academics to exchange research in sustainable engineering and environmental design. Participants developed solutions to advance environmental and social responsibility through keynote speeches, masterclasses, and interactive sessions, reinforcing the UAE's community-centered sustainability agenda.
The conference kicked off at the Museum of the Future in Dubai, with 350 attendees from various fields such as architectural engineering, urban planning, electrical and mechanical engineering, materials science, and creative industries. The opening ceremony featured remarks by Prof. Barry O'Mahony, Provost of Abu Dhabi University, and was honored by the presence of VIP guests, including Her Excellency Hala Badri, Director General of Dubai Culture and Arts Authority, and His Excellency Edoardo Napoli, Consul General of Italy in Dubai. The ceremony set the tone for the three-day event, highlighting the critical role of integrating environmental considerations into engineering practices and fostering innovative solutions.
Continuing onto its second day, EDMSET and SCIN continued at ADU's Dubai campus and featured a diverse lineup of lectures, papers, and masterclasses. The sessions covered a range of topics focused on design, material science innovations, clean energy, urban resilience, eco-friendly technologies, and the role of heritage in sustainable architectural design.
The final day featured virtual sessions that enabled broader participation and knowledge sharing across borders. In the evening, the conference concluded with a networking dinner hosted at Istituto Marangoni, where cross-disciplinary collaboration continued to thrive. The gathering offered attendees a chance to connect, reflect on key takeaways, and explore future opportunities for joint research and innovation.
Prof. Barry O'Mahony, Provost of Abu Dhabi University, said: 'Building on last year's success, the second edition of EDMSET reaffirmed our commitment to cutting-edge research, sustainable practices, and the UAE's 'Year of Community.' At ADU, we believe in the power of collaboration for the betterment of both our society and the environment. The conference exemplifies how interdisciplinary cooperation among researchers, professionals, and students contributes not only to academic and technological progress but also to a broader, positive societal impact. It's about combining expertise to drive forward solutions that address both local and global challenges, making the UAE's vision for a sustainable and community-focused future a reality.'
The event also provided valuable networking opportunities, allowing attendees to collaborate with peers across diverse fields. In addition to academic discussions, participants explored ADU's state-of-the-art facilities and visited leading organizations working in sustainability and innovation. This year's edition saw participation from top academic institutions, including the University of Sharjah (UOS), United Arab Emirates University (UAEU), and the University of Pisa, all of whom contributed valuable insights and research to the program.
About Abu Dhabi University:
Abu Dhabi University (ADU) is one of the region's leading academic institutions, translating the UAE Government's National Agenda to deliver internationally accredited academic programs and world-class research.
Established in 2003, with campuses across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, and Dubai, the University serves around 8,700 students from over 100 nationalities. The University is home to five colleges across different disciplines including arts and sciences, business, engineering, health sciences, and law, while offering a diverse range of over 50 undergraduate and graduate programs.
According to the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, ADU ranks 191 globally. Additionally, it ranks second in the UAE and 172nd globally for its research quality, and it is among the top three universities in the UAE, while holding the number one position in the teaching pillar. Additionally, THE Rankings has recognized the University's Business and Economics subject area as number one in the UAE and the Arab region.
The University has made an impressive performance in THE Young University Rankings 2024, ranking in the 60th position globally among the world's best universities that are 50 years or younger. Furthermore, the University jumped to the 70th place in the prestigious THE Asia University Rankings 2025 and was ranked first in the UAE for graduate employability as per the Global University Employability Ranking 2023-24.
Parallelly, ADU ranks in 501 globally, according to the 2025 edition of the QS World University Rankings, advancing 79 places.
ADU continues to empower faculty and students with state-of-the-art resources, facilities, and learning opportunities that foster innovation and support research-based problem-solving. The University maintains strong international collaborations with leading academic institutions and public and private sector organizations, with institutional accreditation from the Western Association of Schools and Colleges' Senior College and University Commission (WASC).
