CIBSE Announces ‘Engineering Net Zero for the Middle East’ Conference at RIT Dubai

Dubai, UAE — November 2025 — The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) has announced the launch of its landmark regional event, the “Engineering Net Zero for the Middle East – CIBSE Decarbonisation Conference 2025,” scheduled to take place on 28 October 2025 at the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) Dubai, located in Dubai Silicon Oasis.

The one-day conference is set to bring together policy leaders, engineers, sustainability experts, consultants, and industry pioneers to accelerate the region’s transition towards a low-carbon built environment. The initiative aligns closely with the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategy and supports the country’s broader sustainability agenda under the We the UAE 2031 Vision, reaffirming its leadership in climate action and green innovation.

Advancing the Middle East’s Decarbonisation Agenda

As Gulf nations intensify efforts to transform their infrastructure and energy systems, the conference will serve as a strategic platform for translating global decarbonisation frameworks into region-specific solutions.

With the Middle East facing unique challenges — from high cooling demand and water scarcity to rapid urbanisation and energy dependence — the event will focus on practical engineering pathways that can deliver measurable results toward net-zero objectives.

Conference Highlights and Key Themes

The 2025 edition will feature an extensive programme of keynote sessions, technical discussions, and expert panels, offering participants in-depth insights into cutting-edge innovations shaping the sustainable built environment.

Key discussion areas include:

• Passive Design in Hot Climates
• Building Performance Optimisation
• Refrigerants and Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ)
• Energy Transition Pathways for commercial and industrial sectors

The agenda will also feature sessions such as “Setting the Net Zero Ambition,” “Global Sustainability in Cooling: Innovations & Insights,” “Decarbonising Digital Infrastructure,” and “Adapting Net Zero for MENA.” These discussions aim to blend international expertise with local realities, ensuring that sustainability strategies are both practical and scalable across the Middle East.

The conference will further include networking opportunities and interactive exchanges, fostering collaboration among academia, government, and private sector stakeholders to accelerate decarbonisation across the region.

RIT Dubai: A Catalyst for Sustainable Engineering

Hosting the event at RIT Dubai underscores the university’s role as a regional hub for engineering education, innovation, and sustainability research.

As part of a globally recognised institution, RIT Dubai connects academic excellence with industry practice, providing an immersive platform for researchers, professionals, and students to collaborate on decarbonisation initiatives and sustainable technology development.

Expert Insight: Dr. Samiullah Khan on UAE Federal ESG Law

Dr. Samiullah Khan, Chief Sustainability Officer at Fakhruddin Holdings and Vice-President of FEDA Global Council UAE, will address the implications of UAE Federal Decree Law No. 11 of 2024 on climate change mitigation and adaptation in one of the conference sessions. He will explore how the new federal legislation is shaping ESG reporting requirements for developers, regulators, and engineering professionals across the UAE.

In his talk, Dr. Khan will highlight compliance deadlines, penalty mechanisms, and how engineers and building services professionals can align their building design and reporting frameworks to meet the law’s mandates — reinforcing the connection between regulatory policy and practical decarbonisation initiatives.

CIBSE Leadership Perspective

“Engineering excellence lies at the core of sustainable transformation. In climates such as ours, innovation in building services engineering is not just desirable — it is essential,” said Eng. Ahmed Al Sayegh, Director of CIBSE MENA.

“Through this conference, CIBSE aims to empower practitioners with the knowledge, tools, and collaboration opportunities needed to achieve tangible progress toward decarbonisation across the region’s built environment,” he added.

About CIBSE

The Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) is a leading global professional body representing engineers who design, install, operate, and maintain essential systems that make buildings functional and efficient — including lighting, ventilation, heating, air conditioning, and power.

CIBSE is committed to advancing technical excellence, professional development, and sustainable innovation. The organisation actively supports the global transition toward net-zero buildings through standards, research, and international collaboration.

About RIT Dubai

RIT Dubai, the Middle East campus of the Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), offers American-accredited programs in engineering, computing, and business. Situated in Dubai Silicon Oasis, the university bridges academic research with industry partnerships, fostering innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainability-driven education.

By cultivating a new generation of engineers and innovators, RIT Dubai contributes directly to the UAE’s ambition to become a global leader in sustainable development and technological advancement.

A Shared Commitment to a Sustainable Future

The CIBSE Decarbonisation Conference 2025 marks an important milestone in advancing the Middle East’s journey toward net-zero emissions.
Through collaboration, innovation, and shared expertise, the event aims to drive meaningful change in engineering practice, reinforcing the UAE’s position as a pioneer of sustainable progress and climate leadership.