The American University of Ras al-Khaimah’s School of Engineering has hosted another workshop open to the public, entitled ‘Critical Infrastructure in the UAE: Needs and Challenges’.

Following the opening remarks from Prof. Claudette Williams, Vice President Of Quality Assurance, and Prof. Mousa Mohsen, Dean of the School of Engineering, a number of guest speakers related their professional experience to the infrastructural issues facing the UAE, and how those challenges could potentially be met.

Prof. Abdulla Ismail, a member of the School of Engineering’s Advisory Council, gave a talk on the concept of a ‘Smart Grid for a Smart City’, while Prof. Tariq Shehab from the university’s Civil and Infrastructure Engineering Department presented a ‘Development Strategy of an Infrastructure Management System’.

Sonia Nasser, Technical Director of the Ras al-Khaimah Waste Management Authority, spoke about the challenges of a growing population in Ras al-Khaimah and how technical skills and innovation are key to matching rising demand for such essential services, while Allan Turner of the Ras al-Khaimah Wastewater Authority echoed her claims.

Following the presentations, there was a question and answer session, allowing students and faculty alike to discuss problems and their potential solutions with the experts.

AURAK offers a bachelor’s degree in civil and infrastructure engineering, with state-of-the-art facilities, laboratories and equipment, enriching the students’ learning through practical experience. Additionally, the School of Engineering offers a further nine bachelor degrees, as well as a master’s degree in engineering project management.