Overview
Khalifa University promotes inclusive access to learning opportunities and supports first-generation students, lifelong learning, and educational development.
First-Generation Students (Starting Degrees)
Educational Development & Training
Khalifa University offers hands-on learning and upskilling through:
These programs strengthen digital skills, academic readiness, and career preparedness.
Lifelong Learning Access
The University provides:
448 Students Number of students starting a degree
Khalifa University advances environmental sustainability through high-impact research, interdisciplinary academic programs, curriculum integration, and strategic partnerships. These efforts strengthen SDG 4 by embedding sustainability into education and knowledge creation, while also supporting SDG 13 through climate action, clean energy innovation, and environmentally focused research.
Academic Programs and Curriculum
Khalifa University (KU) continues to advance its institutional commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action through integrated research, interdisciplinary education, and strategic industry collaboration. These efforts directly contribute to SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action), while supporting the UAE Net Zero 2050 Strategy and national sustainability priorities.
KU’s research ecosystem plays a central role in delivering high-impact sustainability solutions. Dedicated centers such as the Center for Membranes and Advanced Water Technology (CMAT), the Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC), and the Center for Catalysis and Separations (CeCaS) drive innovation in clean energy systems, water treatment and desalination, and low-emission industrial processes. These centers collectively contribute to advancing renewable energy integration, improving resource efficiency, and reducing environmental impact across critical sectors.
A flagship contributor, the Research and Innovation Center on CO₂ and Hydrogen (RICH), leads cutting-edge research in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), hydrogen production, and sustainable fuels. RICH directly supports the UAE Hydrogen Leadership Roadmap and Net Zero 2050 targets by developing scalable decarbonization technologies and enabling the transition toward a circular carbon economy. The center also strengthens national capacity by training specialized talent and fostering industry-relevant expertise.
KU integrates sustainability across its academic portfolio to develop future-ready graduates. The Bachelor of Science in Energy Engineering provides an interdisciplinary foundation in energy systems, with a strong focus on renewable energy, efficiency, and sustainable technologies. Complementary minors in Renewable & Sustainable Energy and Energy Transition further equip students with specialized knowledge aligned with evolving global energy systems.
Sustainability is embedded within the curriculum at scale. Between 2022 and 2024, approximately 52% of undergraduate and 50% of graduate chemistry courses incorporated sustainability-focused content, including green chemistry, pollution prevention, and alternative energy systems—demonstrating systematic integration of environmental principles into academic delivery.
KU also leverages strategic industry partnerships to enhance real-world impact. In collaboration with Siemens Energy, the MSc in Engineering Systems and Management offers a dedicated concentration in Energy Transitions and Sustainability for Global Markets, preparing graduates to lead complex energy transformation initiatives in international contexts.
Collectively, KU’s research centers, academic programs, and industry collaborations form a comprehensive and impact-driven ecosystem that advances environmental sustainability, supports economic diversification, and contributes to global climate action and sustainable development goals.
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Area / Program / Research Center |
Contribution to Environmental Sustainability |
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Advanced Power and Energy Center (APEC) |
Develops advanced electric energy systems enabling large-scale integration of renewable energy into power grids, including smart grids, microgrids, and electrification of transport. The center includes 80 researchers working on key projects such as AI-based grid stability tools (SAVE software) and renewable energy management platforms, enhancing solar forecasting, grid resilience, and energy efficiency in support of UAE Net Zero goals. |
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Center for Catalysis and Separation (CeCaS) |
Advances sustainable industrial processes through catalysis, adsorption, and separation technologies. With 70 researchers, the center delivers projects on CO₂ conversion to value-added products, low-energy nitrogen reduction for greener ammonia production, and advanced materials for pollution control and water remediation, contributing to emissions reduction and circular carbon economy solutions. |
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Research & Innovation Center on CO₂ and Hydrogen (RICH) |
Leads decarbonization research across CCUS, hydrogen, and sustainable fuels aligned with UAE Net Zero 2050 and Hydrogen Strategy. Supported by 26 researchers, projects include advanced CO₂ capture materials, CO₂-to-fuels conversion, hydrogen production via low-carbon pathways, and synthetic fuel development, driving industrial decarbonization and scalable clean energy technologies. |
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Environmental & Geophysical Sciences (ENGEOS) |
Conducts environmental monitoring and earth systems research using geophysical and atmospheric science methods, supporting climate analysis, environmental baseline development, and resilience planning. |
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Virtual Research Institute for Sustainability (VRI-Sustainability) |
Facilitates interdisciplinary sustainability research across energy, water, environment, and food systems, acting as a collaborative platform linking academia, industry, and government to address complex sustainability challenges. |
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Environment & Sustainability Minor |
Provides students with interdisciplinary knowledge in environmental science, sustainability, and conservation, equipping graduates with the skills to address climate change and sustainable development challenges. |
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BSc in Energy Engineering |
Interdisciplinary undergraduate program focused on renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and sustainable technologies, preparing engineers to design and implement low-carbon energy solutions. |
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Minors in Renewable & Sustainable Energy + Energy Transition |
Specialized academic pathways that build expertise in renewable energy technologies, decarbonization strategies, and energy transition systems, supporting workforce development for the green economy. |
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Sustainable Chemistry Course Integration |
Embeds sustainability into curriculum delivery, with approximately 50% of chemistry courses incorporating green chemistry, pollution prevention, and environmentally responsible practices. |
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Embeds sustainability into curriculum delivery, with approximately 50% of chemistry courses incorporating green chemistry, pollution prevention, and environmentally responsible practices. |
Industry-academic collaboration introducing a sustainability-focused concentration supporting energy transition, systems optimization, and sustainable engineering management for global energy markets. |
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Sustainable Chemistry Course Integration |
Embeds sustainability into curriculum delivery, with approximately 50% of chemistry courses incorporating green chemistry, pollution prevention, and environmentally responsible practices. |
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Siemens Energy Collaboration – MSc Engineering Systems & Management |
Industry-academic collaboration introducing a sustainability-focused concentration supporting energy transition, systems optimization, and sustainable engineering management for global energy markets. |
Related Links
Sustainability | Khalifa University
RICH | Khalifa University
Environment and Sustainability Minor – Khalifa University
This initiative contributes primarily to SDG 4 (Quality Education) by promoting environmental awareness, sustainability literacy, and lifelong learning, while also supporting SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) through education on sustainable practices and climate‑related challenges across the university community.
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Envirotrivia |
Khalifa University hosts regular, engaging trivia quizzes designed to bring the KU community together while testing and expanding participants’ knowledge of key environmental topics. These interactive challenges cover a wide range of themes, including climate change, energy, recycling, sustainable agriculture, and water conservation. Each themed quiz offers participants the opportunity to showcase their understanding and learn something new, with one winner selected per theme. By fostering friendly competition and environmental awareness, these quizzes help cultivate a more informed and sustainability-minded community. |
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KU Community Sustainability Training |
The Sustainability Training for the KU Community is an online course developed by Khalifa University to reinforce its commitment to environmental responsibility and sustainable practices, engaging nearly 500 participants from across the university community. Designed for all members of the institution, the training focuses on key principles such as responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and contributing to a resilient, future-ready society. Through this course, participants gain greater awareness of sustainability practices and learn how to integrate them into their daily activities, aligning with the university’s broader sustainability goals. |
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Online Sustainability Courses |
Students at Khalifa University can take advantage of the e-Green Learning Platform, an initiative by the Environment Agency – Abu Dhabi, offering a range of engaging online courses focused on environmental topics such as climate change, marine ecosystems, and sustainability. This flexible, self-paced training opportunity allows students to deepen their understanding of key environmental issues while developing valuable knowledge and skills. Upon completion of the courses, students can earn up to 10 Training Community Service hours by submitting their certificates, making it a rewarding way to learn and contribute to sustainability efforts. |
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Contest |
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TAQA Junior Sustainability Program |
The TAQA Junior Sustainability Program (JSP) 2025, hosted at Khalifa University in collaboration with New River Consulting, is a prestigious program designed for undergraduate students to gain advanced knowledge and hands-on experience in key areas of sustainability. Covering topics such as climate action, circularity, supply chain sustainability, ESG, sustainable finance, and nature-based solutions, the program combines expert-led training, interactive workshops, and real-world exposure. Participants collaborate on the TAQA Sustainability Nexus Challenge, working in teams to develop innovative solutions at the intersection of water, energy, and broader environmental and social issues. Through site visits, industry engagement, and communication training, the program equips students with practical skills, professional networks, and the ability to contribute meaningfully to sustainability initiatives. |
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Madar Tolerance Contest |
The Madar Tolerance Contest, organized by the Ministry of Tolerance and Coexistence, is a training-based competition open to university students aimed at promoting the values of tolerance and coexistence while enhancing creative and technical skills. Through a series of specialized workshops in sustainability and tolerance, game development, and short film production, participants will explore innovative ways to express and apply these values in practical projects. The program begins with an in-person workshop in Dubai on February 5, 2025, followed by additional virtual sessions, and is open to all university students, with limited seats available. Registration closes on January 31, 2025, and selected participants are required to attend all workshops as part of this immersive learning experience. |
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Global Sustainability Challenge |
The Global Sustainability Challenge is an international competition that invites students to collaborate on innovative solutions addressing pressing environmental and sustainability issues. A team of six members from Khalifa University participated in the 2025 challenge, contributing their ideas and expertise while engaging with global sustainability themes. Designed to foster creativity, teamwork, and real-world problem-solving, the competition provides participants with valuable exposure to industry insights and mentorship, helping them develop impactful solutions that support a more sustainable and resilient future. |
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Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Program |
The Youth 4 Sustainability (Y4S) Program is an initiative that empowers students and young professionals to engage with sustainability challenges and develop innovative solutions that contribute to a greener future. Through a combination of learning opportunities, collaboration, and real-world projects, participants gain valuable knowledge in areas such as environmental stewardship, climate action, and sustainable development. The program fosters leadership, creativity, and cross-disciplinary thinking, equipping participants with the skills and mindset needed to drive meaningful impact in sustainability efforts locally and globally. |
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Events |
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Environment Day |
The Environment, Health and Safety Department at Khalifa University is hosting two interactive sessions designed to inspire engagement in sustainability and environmental conservation. These sessions aim to empower students with knowledge, encourage community involvement, and foster a sense of responsibility as future leaders in sustainability. The first session, Community Engagement and Sustainability, introduces Tadweer’s key recycling facilities and highlights their role in supporting a greener UAE, along with community programs open to students and their families. The second session, Youth Environmental Engagement, showcases initiatives by Emirates Nature-WWF that enable young people to connect with and protect the UAE’s natural heritage. |
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Sustainability Day |
Sustainability Day is a university-wide event dedicated to raising awareness of sustainable practices and inspiring positive environmental action across the KU community. The event highlights the importance of recycling, showcases eco-friendly materials, and promotes engaging, sustainability-focused activities. In addition to hands-on initiatives, Sustainability Day also emphasizes long-term solutions, such as the adoption of solar energy and other innovative technologies, encouraging a culture of environmental responsibility and forward-thinking sustainability on campus. |
