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Extracurricular Activities on Sustainability

Canadian University Dubai actively drives sustainability through a vibrant programme of events, research milestones, institutional partnerships, and student-led initiatives. Explore our latest activities and news — from landmark MoU signings and award-winning student innovations to campus sustainability programmes and global research contributions.

Mandatory Sustainability Training For Staff and Students

Environmental Sustainability Awareness Presentation for New Faculty, Staff, and Students

The Centre for Sustainability and Innovation delivers an information program, for new employees and new students Orientation Program on Environmental and Social Sustainability Awareness, focusing on CUD policies related to environmental and social sustainability in August and January of each year.

The program aims to raise awareness of sustainability initiatives and practices at CUD among new faculty, administrative staff, and students. It also encouraged new employees and students to actively participate in the sustainability initiatives led by the Centre for Sustainability and Innovation.

For example, this orientation program was held on January 8, 2026 for newcomers of Spring 2026. This program is organized in collaboration with HR Department and Student Services, Purchase Department, and Facilities. The program was delivered by Dr. Chureerat Haq, Manager – Centre for Sustainability and Innovation and Mr. Quraish Alharahsheh, Director of Administration at CUD, as shown in the photos below.

Mandatory Sustainability Training For Staff and Students photo 1
Mandatory Sustainability Training For Staff and Students photo 2

Training For Faculty

Training For Faculty 1
Training For Faculty 2

Sustainability News

Dr. Aseel A. Takshe, Acting Dean of the School of Health Sciences & Psychology at CUD, featured in Arab World Leaders Magazine on sustainability in academic life
Research

How Canadian University Dubai (CUD) is Weaving Sustainability into the Fabric of Academic Life, from Solar Panels to Syllabi

In a city defined by its skyline and ambition, CUD is making a quieter but no less remarkable statement: that a university can be a living laboratory for sustainability. Sitting at the intersection of environmental urgency and academic innovation, CUD has committed to embedding sustainability not as a footnote in its strategic plan, but as a guiding principle threaded through every dimension of campus life. A Campus That Practices What It Teaches: CUD’s operational sustainability initiatives reflect a serious reckoning with the environmental footprint of higher education. The university has invested in energy-efficient systems across its facilities, including LED lighting retrofits, smart HVAC controls, and solar installations that help offset electricity consumption — no small feat in a region where cooling demands are substantial for much of the year.

Read more at CUD News
Dr. Adam Fenech delivering a training session for DEWA staff on climate and sustainability topics at CUD
Community

Advancing Sustainable Solutions Through Training

Dr. Adam Fenech conducted an online training session for the employees of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) for their Sustainability Talks. The training session was organized by the Climate Change and Sustainability Department of DEWA, in collaboration with the Centre for Sustainability and Innovation at CUD. As a renowned climate change expert, Dr. Fenech delivered the training on the topic “Urgency of Climate Change in Today’s World”. Participation in public talks and outreach initiatives helps embed sustainability thinking within public utilities and across CUD’s own community, reinforcing the UAE’s broader push to develop an informed and sustainability-aware workforce.

Read more at CUD News
Panel discussion at the Forbes Middle East Healthcare Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi, with CUD representatives contributing
Partnership

CUD Knowledge Partner at Forbes Middle East Healthcare Leaders Summit

Canadian University Dubai was a Knowledge Partner at the Forbes Middle East Healthcare Leaders Summit in Abu Dhabi. Acting Dean Aseel A. Takshe, PhD, contributed to the panel “From Expertise to Excellence — Building a Future-Ready Workforce,” sharing insights on the UAE’s evolving health ecosystem and talent development. CUD’s participation advanced UN SDGs 3, 4, and 17.

Read more at CUD News
CUD School of Engineering interactive booth at the Dubai Knowledge Summit 2025, showcasing sustainability-driven engineering solutions
Innovation

CUD School of Engineering Shines at Dubai Knowledge Summit 2025

CUD made a noteworthy impact at the Dubai Knowledge Summit 2025, where the School of Engineering’s interactive booth attracted exceptional interest from visitors and industry leaders. Students and faculty presented sustainability-driven engineering solutions from the Power & Renewable Energy Engineering and Mechatronics programs.

Read more at CUD News
Female student speaking at a CUD podium, representing Emirati women leading change at the university on Emirati Women’s Day 2025
Community

Emirati Women Leading Change at CUD on Emirati Women’s Day 2025

As the UAE marks Emirati Women’s Day, CUD celebrates female faculty and students leading innovation and inclusivity. Shaima Al Hai made history as CUD’s first female President of the Student Council, while Dr. Khulood Shebib Khansaheb promotes student entrepreneurship as Assistant Professor and Manager of the CUD Incubator.

Read more at CUD News
Dr. Seif Khiati as guest speaker at a CUD School of Engineering and Applied Sciences event on sustainability
Research

Sustainability in the UAE: Progress, Challenges, and Future Vision with Dr. Seif Khiati

Dr. Seif Khiati served as the invited Guest Speaker at Sustainability in the UAE: Progress, Challenges, and Future Vision. The event, held on June 11, 2025, was organized in collaboration between Canadian University and the Innovative Group for Sustainable Building Printing RI3D-FRQ, Canada. The Innovative Group is a specialized research group based in Quebec, Canada, focusing on advancing sustainable construction through 3D concrete printing technology by building greener and developing low-carbon materials and enhancing energy efficiency. The event highlighted innovative approaches to advancing sustainability in the built environment, aligning strongly with UN SDGs 9, 11, 12, and 13 — Climate Action.

Read more at CUD News
Prof. Rafik Belarbi presenting research at the SMBEC2025 Sustainable Materials and Buildings for the Energy Challenge conference in Paris
Research

CUD Participation in the Symposium on Smart Materials for Energy-efficient Built Environment Control (SMBEC2025) in Paris

Professor Dr.-Ing. Rafik Belarbi represented Canadian University Dubai and delivered an expert talk at the symposium on Smart Materials for Energy-efficient Built Environment Control (SMBEC2025) in Paris. Professor Belarbi also took part in the expert meeting during the 1st International Symposium on SMBEC2025, and the meeting of international experts participating in IEA EBC - Annex 92: Smart Materials for Energy-Efficient Heating, Cooling and Indoor Air Quality Control in Residential Buildings. Both events were held in Paris on June 10–11, 2025. This program brings together some of the world’s leading universities, including Princeton, Harvard, MIT, Syracuse University, the Technical University of Denmark, the National Research Council (Canada), Hunan University (China), and Université Paris-Saclay, La Rochelle University.

Read more at CUD News
Group photo of CUD and HOGENT University Belgium students at the cross-border sustainability hackathon on SDG 11
Innovation

CUD and HOGENT University Collaborate on Cross-Border SDG 11 Hackathon

CUD students and HOGENT University (Belgium) tackled food waste, traffic congestion, and accessible public transportation in a cross-border Hackathon focused on SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, developing solutions for Dubai and Ghent. The initiative demonstrated CUD’s ongoing commitment to global academia–industry collaboration.

Read more at CUD News
Presenter at the CUD Conference on Climate Change and Tourism showing global temperature records data
Research

CUD Hosts Conference on Climate Change and Tourism

CUD convened academic experts, industry practitioners, and thought leaders for the Conference on Climate Change and Tourism, exploring how the UAE can promote sustainable tourism. The conference examined how combining the country’s diverse visitor attractions can build a more sustainable, one-stop destination.

Read more at CUD News
The All In public art installation on the CUD campus exterior, created in collaboration with Dubai Holding Entertainment celebrating People of Determination
Inclusion

CUD Presents Shelter of Inclusivity Installation at Dubai Design Week 2024

Dubai Holding Entertainment introduced the Shelter of Inclusivity installation at Dubai Design Week 2024, created in collaboration with CUD and supported by ImInclusive. The interactive art installation champions accessibility and celebrates the unique contributions of the People of Determination community — the only inclusion-themed installation at the event.

Read more at CUD News
CUD and Deloitte representatives at the Green Skills for a Green Economy sustainability training workshop
Education

CUD and Deloitte Spearhead Sustainability Training for a Greener Future

CUD has successfully hosted the “Green Skills for a Green Economy”, a pioneering training program by Deloitte Middle East, in collaboration with the Institute of Environmental Management and Assessment (IEMA). This workshop equips students and faculty members with an understanding of environmental sustainability concepts, language, and career opportunities, so they can consider pathways to further develop green skills in their current role or pursue other jobs presented by the green transition. The meticulously designed session, held at CUD HUB Incubator, saw proactive participation from over 80 students and faculty members, reflecting the community’s dedication to sustainability.

Read more at CUD News
CUD and Dubai Municipality celebrating World Tourism Day with students, focusing on sustainable tourism and green investment
Community

Embracing Sustainability and Tourism | World Tourism Day at CUD

CUD and the Architectural Heritage and Antiquities Department (AHAD) of Dubai Municipality, collaborated to celebrate ‘World Tourism Day’ at the vibrant CUD City Walk campus. The event, aligned with the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) theme ‘Tourism and Green Investment’ aimed to promote awareness about investing in sustainable tourism projects, particularly within Dubai’s historic districts. It was a vibrant celebration embracing both tourism and sustainability, featuring AHAD speakers, student presentations, and a workshop on traditional wood carving in Dubai’s Al Shandagha historic neighbourhood.

Read more at CUD News
CUD engineering students with their solar-powered autonomous vehicle at the student innovation showcase
Innovation

A Year’s Worth of Teamwork Pays Off | Students Bring an Innovative Car to Life | Driving the Future in Sustainable Urban Transportation

The Engineering graduation projects were showcased at an event organized by the School of Engineering, Applied Science and Technology at CUD. Five groups of students collaborated on the same project, with each team responsible for an aspect to manufacture an urban car that is powered by solar energy and operates independently. The design, assembly, and manufacturing of this car project took the students more than 12 months of close collaboration and hard work to come to life. The project is an example of an exceptional capstone project showcasing the future of sustainability in urban transportation.

Read more at CUD News
MoU signing ceremony between CUD and La Rochelle University representatives, formalising an academic and research partnership
MoU

Canadian University Dubai partners with La Rochelle University

CUD has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with La Rochelle University (LRU) in France, to establish a new ranges of scientific, research, and teaching collaborations between the two institutions. The five-year agreement will see the two organizations cooperate in various academic activities, including joint research, faculty and student exchange, short-term training, and information sharing. The partnership also aims to explore student mobility through structured summer school programs.

Read more at CUD News
CUD students presenting Digi-Bin, their smart waste management innovation, at GITEX 2022 in Dubai
Innovation

Canadian University Dubai Students Present at GITEX | DWTC

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) are proud of esteemed Computer Science students Mr. Zahab Khan, Mr Prateek Mishra, Mr. Denver Dias who showcased their metamorphic project at the ‘Future Disruptors Zone’ at GITEX, Dubai World Trade Centre during October 2022. “This initiative has helped us to discover our strengths and provide solutions to preserve our environment.” — Denver Dias, Computer Science Student, CUD.

Read more at CUD News
CUD School of Management business students showcasing their sustainable entrepreneurship ventures at the annual market day
Community

Canadian University Dubai business students turn creative talents into new ventures

Business students from CUD are turning their creative talents into entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of a variety of unique, self-made products at the university’s market day events. Challenged to develop and grow a new business concept, students have combined their academic knowledge with their extracurricular endeavours to unveil innovations across a range of products and services, from sustainable fashion wear to organic aromatherapy. Among the talented students sharing their creations is a 20 year-old marketing major, Ramsha Rehan. Following her passion for baking, Rehan has established Cayke&co, offering a variety of home-baked goods to local households.

Read more at CUD News
CUD students with H.E. Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, during a field trip to Emirates Bio Farm in Al Ain
Education

CUD students accompany Minister of Climate Change and Environment during Bio Farm field trip

Students from Canadian University Dubai (CUD) got the chance to accompany His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of Climate Change and Environment, on a two-hour educational tour during their recent field trip to Emirates Bio Farm in Al Ain. Organized by Dr. Rami El Khatib, Associate Professor and Dean of Student Affairs, the field trip aimed to introduce senior students from CUD’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences to the principles of organic farming and the best practices in agriculture and integrated pest management, with a focus on maintaining a clean environment and preserving biodiversity.

Read more at CUD News
Opening session of the Global Climate Change Conference at Canadian University Dubai, with faculty and international speakers
Research

Global Climate Change Conference Opens at CUD

The 2018 Global Climate Change conference began with an opening ceremony attended by government representatives, members of the Canadian diplomatic community and guest speakers from Canada and beyond. Opening the ceremony, His Excellency Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment, UAE, spoke about the UAE government’s plans to address global issues. The three-day conference, which focuses on the challenges and opportunities of climate change, biodiversity and sustainability, is sponsored by Emirates and Air Canada.

Read more at CUD News
Aquafina Water Station installed on CUD campus as part of the CUD–PepsiCo partnership to reduce single-use plastic
MoU

Canadian University Dubai partners with PepsiCo to cut plastic waste through the Aquafina Water Stations

Canadian University Dubai (CUD) has partnered with global Foods and Beverages company, PepsiCo, to help promote environmental sustainability through the reduction of single-use plastic on campus. The collaboration aims to encourage a culture of refill and reuse through the Aquafina Water Station, a new hydration platform that has already saved an average of more than 1,800 bottles per week since installation. During the first six weeks of operation, the three installations have helped save a total of 11,090 plastic bottles, 109,502 ounces of water, and the equivalent of 14 planted trees. The platform also measures the prevention of carbon dioxide emissions and has helped eliminate over 865Kg of emissions so far.

Read more at CUD News