UAE alumni network launches series of lectures

Guests enjoyed an evening lecture and dinner in Dubai, which is the first in a series of inaugural lectures organised by the Imperial College Alumni Network in the UAE.

Alumni and their guests enjoyed an evening lecture and dinner at the Dusit Thani Hotel in Dubai on Tuesday 7 April 2009, which was the first in a series of inaugural lectures organised by the Imperial College Alumni Network in the UAE.

Alumnus Dr Sadek Owainati (Civil Engineering 1971), co-founder and former Chairman of the Emirates Green Building Council gave a talk entitled “Sustainability: the way forward”, in which he stressed the importance of overall planning in the drive to achieving sustainability. Dr Owainati explained the role of the Emirates Green Building Council in giving guidance on designing and constructing greener buildings, and the value of having an integrated approach in both the design and construction phases, with all project team members playing an active role.

Special guest, Her Majesty’s Consul-General in Dubai Guy Warrington, spoke by offering the alumni group his support and highlighted the importance of combating climate change and promoting sustainable development in British foreign policy, which is one of the UK’s key objectives.

The talk was followed by interesting discussions about sustainability with a particular focus on sustainability in the Gulf region.

Sarmad Qureshi (Mathematics 1993) Vice President of Business Development for DP World will give a talk at the next event, which takes place on Tuesday 12 May 2009. For further details, please contact the Network’s Coordinator Ghanem Nuseibeh at ghanem.nuseibeh@ghasadaz.com

From left: HM Consul-General in Dubai Guy Warrington, Ghanem Nuseibeh, Dr Sadek Owainati, Mrs Owainati and Sarmad Qureishi.