Academic staff

Dr. Maha Salman is the Dean of Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design. She a LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C) architect holding a PhD in Sustainable Architecture from the University of Huddersfield, United Kingdom where she got “The Vice Chancellor's Award for an Outstanding Research Degree Thesis”. Dr. Maha Salman embraces numerous years of industry and academic experience in Canada and abroad. She is the author of several publications, including books, and has won a number of awards for her research work. Dr. Maha’s student-centered and interactive approach leads her philosophy to create a positive, engaging, and inspiring learning environment.

Dr. Dekkiche graduated from the Mackintosh School of Architecture, University of Glasgow with a Master Degree in Architecture in 1986 and a Ph.D. in 1990. Dr. Dekkiche has been a practicing architect since 1983 with experience in Algeria, UK, and the USA. He taught at two distinguished universities in Algeria in the field of urban design and architecture. Playing a lead role in establishing a postgraduate department, his assignments included membership of the course board developing curricula and research programs while being a chair of the scientific council of the department of architecture.

Dr. Mini Suresh holds a PhD in Interior Design from Australia and currently serves as the Head of Department for Interior Design in the Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design. Before joining CUD, Dr Mini Suresh taught, researched, and practised extensively in Australia and is a design theorist with an applied research focus and explores design discourse and practice to understand how design can reshape our social and cultural infrastructure with its impact on the built environment on people.

Dr. Constantin Spiridonidis is an Architect (Univ. of Thessaloniki, Greece) Urban Planner (Univ. Paris VIII, France) and Dr. in Architecture and Urban Design (Univ. of Thessaloniki, Greece).

He is a Professor at the Faculty of Architecture and Interior Design at Canadian University Dubai. Prior to this, he was a Tenured Professor in School of Architecture of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece.

Ra’Ed QaQish is a licensed architect (JEA), designer, and educator who has practiced and taught architecture, interior design, and graphic design at various universities in several countries. He is also a plastic/digital artist who has won numerous awards and participated in a great number of art exhibitions/Biennales internationally.

President of CIAAD: The Council for International Accreditation of Architecture & Design, and Director of 
the Innovation & Sustainability Centre at the Canadian University- Dubai, Professor Albert S. Fakhoury has 
been the Chair and Professor of Architecture & Interior Design at the American University in Dubai 
between 2010 and 2017. He taught Architecture and Design courses at Notre-Dame among prestigious
universities.

Mr. Denyer holds a Master of Architecture degree, with concentration in Sustainable Architecture, from the University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada. He also obtained a Bachelor degree in Environmental Planning and Management from the University of Wales, Bangor, UK.

Prior to joining CUD, Mr. Denyer had several years experience in the architecture profession in both Canada and the UAE. His academic research interests are in sustainability and urban design.

Mr. Gunay holds a Master of Architecture from Middle East Technical University, Turkey, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Izmir Institute of Technology, Turkey. He is currently pursuing a PhD in Oxford Brookes University.

Prior to joining CUD, Mr. Gunay taught interior design at Sharjah University. He has also held academic posts at Sohar College, Oman, and Yasser University, Turkey and worked with a number of companies as an Architect and Architectural Conservator.

• Senior Lecturer
• zeineb.naouar@cud.ac.ae
• +971(4)7096265
• C2-01

Ms. Johnson is currently pursuing her PhD at the Royal College of Art, London where she previously undertook a Master’s in design history. She also obtained a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design from Ravensbourne, London.

Dr. Al Khalaileh holds a PhD in Design from North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. He also obtained a Master of Architecture, a Master of Community and Regional Planning, and a Bachelor of Art in Architecture from Iowa State University, Ames, Iowa, USA.

Prior to joining CUD, he was an Assistant Professor at UAE University, Al Ain, UAE, and an Adjunct Instructor at Meredith College, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. He has also worked as a Capacity Builder and Trainer for clients including Abu Dhabi Municipal Affairs Department.

Dr. Seif Khiati is an Associate Professor of Architecture and Urban Design. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Washington USA (1988), and a Doctorate Degree in Urban Design from University of Washington (2004). His research interests include Architecture and Urban Design History, Sustainability and Technology in Buildings and Urban Form, and Computer Multimedia in Architecture.