Photo Credit: WAM
Dubai, UAE — January 2026 — At the 2026 World Economic Forum Annual Meeting, Khalifa University of Science and Technology President, Ebrahim Al Hajri, presented the institution’s comprehensive strategy and achievements in climate action and sustainability.
His participation underscored the university’s rising international profile as a research-intensive institution dedicated to addressing global climate challenges, according to the Emirates News Agency.
During his presentation, Al Hajri detailed Khalifa University’s integrated approach, which combines advanced research, specialized academic programs, and strategic partnerships aligned with both UAE national priorities and global sustainability goals.
He emphasized that international collaboration is critical for scaling climate solutions.
“In the spirit of the UAE’s global engagement, we are deepening partnerships with leading universities and organizations to co-develop technologies, share data, and build talent pipelines,” stated Al Hajri.
“Our mission is to convert breakthrough research into real-world solutions that accelerate decarbonization and contribute to the UAE’s Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative,” he added.
On the sidelines of the forum, Al Hajri engaged in high-level discussions to advance academia-industry collaboration for the changing global economy.
He met with presidents and senior leaders from member universities of the Global Alliance of Universities on Climate, including Tsinghua University, Sciences Po Paris, the University of Cambridge, and MIT.
Further meetings were held with global industry leaders, such as Eisaku Ito, President and CEO of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The discussions highlighted Khalifa University’s extensive climate research portfolio, which encompasses over 350 issued patents and 800 disclosed inventions.
This work is delivered through 14 specialized research centers focusing on critical areas like water, energy, climate-resilient infrastructure, graphene, 6G, and polar sciences, with active projects in more than 20 countries.
Al Hajri was accompanied by Ashraf Al Najdawi, vice-president of external relations & chief of staff, and Samuel Mao, co-chair of the UAE Universities Climate Network.
The invitation to WEF 2026 reflects Khalifa University’s growing role as a key player in global sustainability innovation and dialogue.
