The visit provided an important opportunity to strengthen CIBSE's relationships with regional members, industry partners, academic institutions and professional organisations, while exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the built environment across the Middle East.
A key highlight was the CIBSE MENA Decarbonisation Conference 2026, which brought together industry leaders, building engineering professionals and sustainability experts to discuss the priorities and practical actions needed to accelerate the region's transition towards a lower-carbon built environment.
The conference programme featured keynote addresses, executive panels and technical presentations exploring building performance, energy efficiency, whole-life carbon, circularity, responsible specification, modular design and the growing role of artificial intelligence and data centres in the transition to a more sustainable future.
CIBSE CEO Ruth Carter delivered the welcome address, followed by an address from CIBSE MENA Chair Imran Shaikh. CIBSE President Dave Cooper shared his presidential perspective on Future-Proofing through Resilience, highlighting the importance of creating buildings that can adapt to changing environmental conditions while maintaining performance, efficiency and long-term value.
Discussions throughout the conference examined how policy, investment, technological innovation and collaboration can accelerate progress towards net zero, alongside the skills and measurable actions required to meet the 2030 delivery challenge. The event concluded with the launch of the CIBSE MENA Decarbonisation Action Note 2026, reinforcing the importance of translating sustainability ambitions into practical action across the region.
Celebrating regional excellence and strengthening professional partnerships
The annual CIBSE MENA Awards 2026, held at the W Dubai – The Palm, provided another major opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the region's building engineering community.
The awards recognised outstanding people, projects, organisations and innovations across a wide range of categories, including sustainable, smart and retrofit projects, digital innovation, emerging talent and professional excellence. The event highlighted the individuals and organisations making a significant contribution to delivering more sustainable, resilient, efficient and high-performing buildings across the region.
As part of CIBSE's ongoing commitment to strengthening professional collaboration internationally, the visit also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air Conditioning Engineers (ISHRAE). The agreement represents an important step towards closer cooperation between the two professional organisations and greater opportunities for knowledge exchange and engagement across the industry.
Technical visits showcasing engineering innovation
The Executive visit also included opportunities to explore innovative projects and gain first-hand insight into engineering challenges and solutions across the UAE.
At Quattro Del Mar in Ras Al Khaimah, Ruth Carter and Dave Cooper visited FujSeng, where they met with the company's team and Managing Director, Mr Najum Beg. Samiudding Mohammed delivered a presentation outlining the works undertaken, providing an overview of the project and its development. The visit also included a site tour and the presentation of awards, recognising the work and achievements associated with the project.
Another significant technical engagement took place at the Sharjah Marine Science Research Centre in Khor Fakkan, bringing together CIBSE representatives, members, the Arup project team and university representatives for an opportunity to explore the facility and discuss its engineering design.
Giulia Cavalari, Arup's Senior Lead Engineer, guided the group through the project's journey, outlining its design development, key engineering considerations, technical challenges and collaborative approach. Professor Henrik Stahl, Dean of the College of Marine Science and Head of Research and Innovation, also provided a tour of the Research Centre, explaining its research activities, operational requirements and the role of the building in supporting the university's scientific work.
The visit was particularly timely, following the project's nomination for a CIBSE Award, allowing attendees to experience the facility first-hand and gain a deeper understanding of the engineering behind its development.
Inspiring the next generation of building engineers
Supporting students and encouraging the next generation of engineering professionals remained an important part of the programme.
During a visit to Heriot-Watt University Dubai, Ruth Carter and Dave Cooper met with Year 3 and Year 4 students, providing an opportunity to discuss the role of CIBSE in supporting engineers throughout their professional careers.
The discussion explored CIBSE membership pathways, professional development opportunities and the future direction of the industry. Data centres were highlighted as one of the significant growth areas for building engineering in the coming years, reflecting the increasing importance of specialist engineering expertise in supporting emerging technologies and digital infrastructure.
The CIBSE leadership team also attended a Student Design Competition event, engaging with students and celebrating the importance of developing future talent, encouraging innovation and connecting academic learning with the practical challenges facing the built environment.
Connecting lighting, astronomy and the night-time environment
The programme also included a special Society of Light and Lighting (SLL) Dark Sky event, bringing together CIBSE and SLL committee members from the UK and the MENA region for a private gathering.
Using astronomy as a shared starting point, the event explored the relationship between the night sky, regional astronomical heritage and the decisions made by lighting professionals. Discussions connected the importance of preserving the night-time environment with practical considerations around responsible outdoor lighting, encouraging greater awareness of how lighting design can protect the natural darkness of our skies while meeting the needs of modern communities.
Sharing CIBSE's vision for a resilient built environment
Alongside the programme of regional engagements, CIBSE President Dave Cooper also featured in a cover interview with MEP Middle East magazine, discussing his presidential theme, Future-Proofing through Resilience, and its relevance to the built environment across the MENA region.
Dave highlighted that the real test of sustainable building design comes after handover, when buildings are occupied, systems are operating and actual performance can be measured. The interview explored the importance of closing the gap between design intent and operational performance, improving energy efficiency, strengthening climate resilience and ensuring that buildings remain adaptable and effective throughout their working lives.
His contribution reinforced CIBSE's commitment to promoting engineering approaches that deliver measurable improvements in building performance, sustainability and long-term resilience.
Strengthening CIBSE's international presence
The annual Executive visit provided a valuable opportunity to engage directly with CIBSE members, partners, industry leaders and students across the UAE, while strengthening the Institution's relationships and visibility throughout the MENA region.
Through its conference, awards, technical visits, academic engagement and professional partnerships, CIBSE continues to support the development of engineering knowledge, recognise professional excellence and encourage collaboration across the built environment sector.
The visit also reinforced the importance of bringing together industry, academia and professional institutions to address shared challenges, develop future talent and translate ambitions for decarbonisation and resilience into meaningful action.
As CIBSE continues to expand its engagement across the MENA region, these connections will remain essential to supporting engineers, influencing industry practice and helping shape a more sustainable, resilient and high-performing built environment.