UAEU hosts international engineering geophysics conference advancing urban resilience and sustainable development
United Arab Emirates University convened the 8th International Conference on Engineering Geophysics, bringing together global researchers and practitioners to explore science-based solutions for building resilient cities and protecting natural resources in an era of climate change and urban expansion.
United Arab Emirates University, in partnership with Al Ain City Municipality, successfully hosted the 8th International Conference on Engineering Geophysics from 13 to 15 October 2026 at its Al Ain campus. The three-day gathering brought together an international community of researchers, academics and specialists under the unifying theme Geophysics for a Sustainable Future: Innovation for Urban Resilience and Geotourism.
His Excellency Zaki Anwar Nusseibeh, Cultural Adviser to the UAE President and Chancellor of UAEU, delivered the opening address, emphasising the UAE leadership’s unwavering commitment to scientific advancement and the indispensable role of research in fostering sustainable development and constructing safe, resilient cities capable of meeting future challenges. He observed that since its establishment in 2011, the conference has evolved into a globally recognised platform for knowledge exchange and expertise sharing within the engineering geophysics field.
Scientific Innovation for Climate and Urban Challenges
His Excellency underscored that the eighth edition’s thematic focus reflects an increasingly pressing imperative for evidence-based solutions addressing climate change, population growth and urban expansion. Through enhanced understanding of geological formations, sophisticated risk assessment methodologies, infrastructure monitoring systems and the stewardship of natural resources and geological heritage, the conference addressed these interconnected challenges with scientific rigour.
The timing of the conference coincided with UAEU’s Golden Jubilee celebrations, with His Excellency emphasising that hosting this international event exemplifies the University’s steadfast dedication to scientific research, international collaboration and the application of knowledge for societal benefit. The strategic partnership with Al Ain City Municipality was commended as an exemplary model of integration between academic inquiry and practical implementation in urban planning, structural safety and the sustainability of built environments.
Knowledge Exchange and Research Presentation
The conference programme encompassed two substantive panel discussions: the first examining groundwater challenges specific to arid regions, and the second exploring geophysics applications within urban contexts and major infrastructure projects. Researchers presented their studies through dedicated scientific sessions and poster presentations, engaging with international specialists to discuss findings and practical applications.
An accompanying exhibition drew together 30 local and international organisations, presenting cutting-edge technologies and solutions encompassing subsurface exploration, geophysical modelling and applied engineering geophysics. The event reinforced the conference’s role as a nexus for showcasing innovation within the discipline.
Recognition of Excellence and Academic Support
The closing ceremony recognised outstanding contributions across multiple categories. Dr Feng Cheng from Zhejiang University, China, received the Innovation Award for Geophysics, with Dr Jing Li from Jilin University, China, securing second place. In the Best Oral Presentation category, Brave Manda from Wuhan University, China, was awarded first place, whilst Jie Zhou from Zhejiang University, China, received second place. Fatma Gouda from Damietta University, Egypt, secured third place in the Best Scientific Poster category.
Demonstrating its commitment to nurturing emerging researchers and fostering international scientific participation, the conference provided grants enabling students from numerous countries to register, present their research, participate in scientific sessions and engage fully in conference activities. The ceremony also formally recognised the Scientific Committee members, keynote speakers, sponsors, partners and Al Ain City Municipality in acknowledgement of their integral roles in delivering the conference.
Source: Abu Dhabi Media Office