CIBSE MENA Student Design Competition 2026
Integrated Lifestyle Communities
Engineering Net Zero Districts by 2050
On 20 May 2026, CIBSE MENA officially launched the CIBSE Student Design Competition 2026, bringing together students, academics and industry professionals from across the region to mark the start of this year’s competition.
The 2026 competition invites the next generation of engineers, architects and sustainability professionals to look beyond individual buildings and consider how entire neighbourhoods and districts can become connected, resilient and future-ready communities.
2026 Competition Theme
Integrated Lifestyle Communities — Engineering Net Zero Districts by 2050
The theme challenges students to rethink the built environment at a district scale, exploring how energy, water, mobility, digital infrastructure, carbon, health and social wellbeing can work together to support the transition towards net zero.
The competition aligns with the ambition of achieving Net Zero by 2050 and encourages solutions relevant to the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the wider MENA region.
Launch Event
The launch event featured contributions from leading academics and CIBSE MENA representatives, including:
Dr. Bhakti More
Manipal University, Dubai
Dr. Hassan Ali
University of Birmingham, Dubai
Syed Atam Hayat
CIBSE MENA Education Liaison Lead
Imran Shaikh
CIBSE MENA Chair
The proceedings were officially opened by Imran Shaikh, who reflected on the growing relevance of the competition and introduced this year’s theme.
In his welcome, Imran highlighted the importance of moving beyond the traditional building-scale approach and encouraged students to reimagine neighbourhoods and districts as integrated, living systems — balancing energy, water, transport, digital infrastructure and social wellbeing while progressing towards net zero outcomes.
A Challenge Beyond the Building
The 2026 competition asks participants to explore how future-ready districts can be designed around integrated systems and infrastructure.
Proposals should consider the relationship between:
while incorporating smart infrastructure and data-driven systems.
Key areas of focus include:
- District Energy Systems
- Smart Infrastructure
- Low-carbon Mobility
- Water & Circular Resources
- Climate Resilience
- Health & Wellbeing
Students are encouraged to consider innovative approaches such as microgrids, district cooling, smart mobility and digital tools for continuous improvement, while demonstrating better energy performance and a lower carbon footprint.
The competition is intended to encourage solutions that combine innovation, inclusivity, resilience and sustainability, with clear relevance to the MENA context.
Who Can Participate?
The competition is open to:
- Undergraduate and postgraduate students
- Students currently enrolled at universities with architecture and engineering curricula
- Graduates within the last 24 months
- Individuals or teams of up to three students from the same university
Cross-disciplinary teams are particularly encouraged, bringing together perspectives from:
The competition is open to participants from across the UAE, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the wider MENA region.
Entry Fee
There is no entry fee.
All submissions must be original work, clearly presented and submitted in English using the metric system, with appropriate references where required.
Entries will be assessed by regional and industry experts against the published assessment criteria.
What Are We Looking For?
The competition seeks proposals that demonstrate how integrated district-scale thinking can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Successful proposals should demonstrate:
- Improved energy performance and reduced carbon footprint
- Integration of smart infrastructure and data-driven systems
- Consideration of energy, water, waste, mobility and lifecycle carbon
- Innovation and practical relevance to the MENA region
- Resilience to future climate and environmental challenges
- Consideration of health, wellbeing and inclusivity
- A clear pathway towards future-ready, net-zero communities
The challenge is not simply to design a better building — it is to explore how buildings, infrastructure, technology and communities can work together as one connected system.
Competition Timeline
20 May 2026
Official Competition Launch
The 2026 competition was launched with students, academics and industry professionals from across the region.
10 September 2026
Submission Deadline
Time is running out to enter. Students are encouraged to begin developing their proposals now and allow sufficient time to refine and present their strongest work.
15 October 2026
Shortlist Announcement
The shortlisted entries will be announced following the assessment process.
28 October 2026
Celebration & Recognition Event
A special in-person event will bring together this year’s shortlisted students, previous competition winners and members of the wider CIBSE MENA community for an evening of recognition, learning and inspiration.
The event will include reflections from past winners on their competition experience and the impact it has had on their professional development. A panel discussion featuring judges and industry experts will also provide insights into the profession and guidance for students preparing to enter the workforce.
Prizes & Recognition
The competition offers significant opportunities for students to gain recognition for their work.
First Prize
AED 7,500
Runner-Up
AED 5,000
Second Runner-Up
AED 2,000
In addition to the prize awards, competition winners will benefit from:
- Publication of winning submissions on the official CIBSE website
- The opportunity to present their work to the CIBSE UAE Technical Committee
- Recognition across CIBSE and CIBSE MENA social media platforms
- A feature across CIBSE / CIBSE MENA communication channels
- The opportunity to present a synopsis to the CIBSE MENA Technical Committee
Recognition for Every Entrant
Every participant will receive a CIBSE participation certificate.
Full-time students can also access free CIBSE student membership, while students studying part-time can access membership at a significantly reduced rate, providing an opportunity to connect with the wider professional community and access additional CIBSE benefits.
Why Enter?
The CIBSE MENA Student Design Competition provides students with an opportunity to take on one of the built environment’s most pressing challenges: how we design and engineer sustainable communities for the future.
Think differently
Move beyond conventional building-scale solutions and explore integrated district-level thinking.
Apply technical knowledge
Bring together engineering, architecture, sustainability and digital approaches to address a complex real-world challenge.
Build your professional profile
Gain recognition through CIBSE and CIBSE MENA communication channels and the publication of winning work.
Connect with industry
Engage with experienced professionals, judges, academics and members of the CIBSE MENA community.
Gain professional recognition
Present your work to the CIBSE UAE Technical Committee and compete for recognition and prize awards.
Join the CIBSE community
Access CIBSE student membership opportunities and connect with a wider professional network.
Looking Back: 2025 Competition
The launch also provided an opportunity to recognise the success of the 2025 competition.
Last year’s programme celebrated:
- 2025 Winners: Manipal University, Dubai
- Runner-Up: Higher Colleges of Technology, Dubai
- Highly Commended: University of Birmingham, Dubai
The event also acknowledged the sponsors who supported the 2025 programme and contributed to its success.
The achievements of previous participants demonstrate the value of bringing student ideas, technical innovation and industry engagement together — and set the stage for another exciting year of competition.
Start Engineering the Future
The challenges facing the built environment require new ideas, integrated thinking and the confidence to look beyond conventional approaches.
The CIBSE MENA Student Design Competition 2026 invites students across the region to take on that challenge and explore what the net-zero districts of tomorrow could look like.
Whether through innovative energy systems, smart infrastructure, low-carbon mobility, circular resource strategies, climate resilience or approaches that place people and wellbeing at the heart of design, we want to see how the next generation will shape the future of our communities.
The challenge is set.
The future is yours to engineer.
Ready to Participate?
Full submission guidelines, assessment criteria and eligibility details are available from the CIBSE MENA team.
For enquiries and further information:
Email:
[email protected]
[email protected]
Submission:
Entries should be submitted to the CIBSE MENA team on the above emails.
Start engineering the future.
Student Design Competition - 2026
Meet the Judges
James Mowat
Recruitment Director, Kent Data Centres
James Mowat is Recruitment Director at Kent Data Centres, with over 20 years of experience recruiting across the MEP, built environment and data centre sectors internationally. Throughout his career, he has worked with leading consultancies, contractors, developers, owners and PMCs across the MENA region, UK, Europe, USA and APAC, developing expertise in recruitment, executive search and strategic team building.
With two decades of experience supporting the MEP industry in the Middle East, James has developed a strong understanding of the sector and its evolving talent requirements. He is a regular contributor to the industry and has served as a judge for several leading industry awards and student competitions, including the CIBSE MENA Awards, MEP Middle East Awards, ISHRAE Middle East Awards and the CIBSE MENA Student Design Competition. James is particularly passionate about supporting the next generation of engineering talent and actively contributes to initiatives that encourage and recognise emerging professionals.
Satayef Kassab Bashi
MEP Division Manager, GECO M&E Ltd
Satayef Kassab Bashi is MEP Division Manager at GECO M&E Ltd, with over 20 years of MEP contracting experience across the UAE, Turkey and the wider MENA region. Having progressed from mechanical engineering through technical, commercial and leadership roles, he brings a strong understanding of the full project lifecycle, from design and estimation through procurement, construction and delivery.
In his current role, Satayef leads MEP operations across multiple projects, with responsibility for project performance, commercial management, team development and operational strategy. He has been instrumental in strengthening GECO's PMO and estimation functions, while driving digitalisation and the adoption of AI tools to improve project delivery and business performance. Satayef holds an M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Koç University, Istanbul, and a B.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Middle East Technical University (METU), Ankara. Fluent in Arabic, English and Turkish, he brings a broad regional perspective and a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the MEP industry.
Nadia Jones
Procurement & Supply Chain Manager, ALEC Engineering Holding (ALEMCO)
Nadia Jones is Procurement & Supply Chain Manager at ALEC Engineering Holding (ALEMCO), with over 25 years of MEP experience across major construction, infrastructure and real estate projects throughout the Middle East. With a background in electrical engineering, she brings extensive expertise in MEP procurement, cost control, value engineering, business development and project management.
Since joining ALEMCO in 2015, Nadia has led its Centralised Procurement Department, having been headhunted to establish and develop the function. Under her leadership, the team has consistently exceeded budget targets, while she has introduced nearly 500 new suppliers and contributed to savings of more than AED 160 million on equipment and materials over a three-year period. Her project portfolio includes Abu Dhabi Stargate Data Center, One Zabeel, Bvlgari Hotel & Residences Dubai, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, NEOM Marriott Bonvoy Sindalah Island and Wynn Resort Ras Al Khaimah. Nadia holds a Master of Applied Science in Electrical Engineering from the Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria, and is a three-time ALEC Innovation Award recipient.
Samiuddin Mohammad
Deputy General Manager, FujSeng Construction LLC
Samiuddin Mohammad is Deputy General Manager at FujSeng Construction LLC, with over 25 years of experience in engineering, MEP services, facilities management and construction across the UAE, Oman and the wider region. With 24 years of his career based in the UAE, he brings extensive expertise in HVAC design, installation, testing and commissioning, project and contract management, facilities operations and energy management.
Throughout his career, Samiuddin has progressed from engineering and project roles into senior design, facilities management and executive leadership positions. His experience spans the full project and asset lifecycle, from building services design and construction through commissioning, contract management, facilities operations, maintenance and asset assessment. He has a strong focus on energy efficiency, sustainability and performance optimisation, with expertise in energy and carbon audits, preventive maintenance and life-cycle costing. His professional credentials include Chartered Engineer with CIBSE, Certified Energy Manager, Certified Carbon Auditing Professional, LEED AP BD+C, Certified Facility Manager and Project Management Professional.
S. M. Zeeshan Karim
Senior Mechanical Engineer, KEO International Consultants
S. M. Zeeshan Karim is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at KEO International Consultants, with extensive experience in MEP engineering, project delivery and construction supervision across major developments in the UAE. His project experience spans residential, mixed-use, hospitality, staff accommodation and luxury developments, giving him a broad understanding of the requirements involved in delivering complex MEP systems.
His technical expertise covers HVAC, plumbing, drainage, firefighting, ventilation, MEP coordination, testing and commissioning, and project quality management. Having worked across both consultancy and contracting environments, Zeeshan brings a well-rounded perspective on technical compliance, construction quality, project delivery and stakeholder coordination. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering and is a member of the Society of Engineers. He is also accredited by Dubai Municipality in Fire Safety and Protection Engineering Services.
Rime Harajly
Mechanical Discipline Lead, Egis
Rime Harajly is a Mechanical Engineer and Mechanical Discipline Lead at Egis, with 12 years of experience designing mechanical systems for major residential, hospitality and mixed-use developments across the Middle East. Her experience combines technical engineering expertise with a strong focus on delivering practical, high-performing solutions for complex building projects.
In her current role at Egis, Rime leads the Mechanical discipline, embedding computational design and parametric data into everyday engineering practice to drive technical excellence and sustainable innovation. She has been recognised with four Mechanical Engineer of the Year awards, reflecting her contribution to the engineering profession and her commitment to advancing the role of mechanical engineering within the region. Rime is also passionate about mentoring the next generation of engineers and supporting greater opportunities for women in the industry.
Baskaran Ramanantham
Regional Director, MEP Department, Surbana Jurong
Baskaran is Regional Director of the MEP Department at Surbana Jurong, with more than 20 years of experience in the Middle East. Throughout his career, he has developed extensive expertise in leading and managing large MEP teams, with a strong focus on delivering effective MEP operations across the region.
In his current role, Baskaran oversees MEP operations across the region, providing leadership and direction to the department while supporting the development and performance of large multidisciplinary teams. His experience reflects a strong understanding of the operational and leadership requirements of the MEP sector in the Middle East. With more than two decades of regional experience, Baskaran brings a practical understanding of MEP team leadership and regional operations.
Syed Atam Hayat
Sales Director, Central Ventilation Systems
Hon. Secretary & Education Liaison, CIBSE MENA
Syed Atam Hayat is the Sales Director at Central Ventilation Systems (CVS), based in the UAE, with over 16 years of international experience in MEP and HVAC products and solutions across the GCC and India. A Mechanical Engineer with an MBA in International Business, he brings expertise in sales, business development, marketing, technical applications, product specification, and strategic business growth.
His professional experience includes developing and delivering sustainable MEP and HVAC solutions, building strong relationships with clients, consultants, and industry stakeholders, managing key accounts, and supporting the adoption of innovative and energy-efficient building solutions. As a CIBSE MENA Technical Committee Member and Education Liaison, Atam contributes to strengthening industry and academic partnerships, supporting student engagement, and promoting professional development pathways.
Shahbaz Shah
MEP Lead, Danube Properties
Shahbaz Shah M is the MEP Lead at Danube Properties, with over 13 years of experience in MEP engineering, project coordination, and construction delivery across the UAE and India. His experience spans MEP management and project engineering, with a strong focus on chiller systems, coordination, and the delivery of building services projects.
Throughout his career, Shahbaz has progressed through roles including MEP Manager, Assistant Manager MEP, Senior MEP Project Engineer, and MEP Project Engineer, gaining broad experience across both management and project delivery functions. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Mechanical Engineering from Visvesvaraya Technological University and brings a practical, project-focused approach to MEP coordination, engineering, and construction delivery.
Eleonora Panciera
Marketing & Communications Lead AMECA, SJ Group
Eleonora Panciera is a strategic business advisor and change management professional with international experience in business development, strategic marketing, communications, operations, and organizational transformation. She currently leads communications and marketing for Africa, the Middle East, and Pakistan at SJ Group, supporting strategic messaging across Buildings & Cities, Architecture & Design, Infrastructure & Energy, and Sustainability.
Her expertise includes strategic communication, brand positioning, stakeholder engagement, market development, process optimization, project implementation, and cross-functional management. With experience across IT, healthcare, civil engineering, architecture, green energy, fashion, and cosmetics, Eleonora brings a multidisciplinary and international perspective to complex business challenges. She combines strategic thinking with practical implementation, helping organizations strengthen market positioning, navigate change, improve operations, and achieve sustainable growth.
Enter now
