Roundtable: Cooling and Climate Solutions for Cognitive Cities

What is this event about?

The Cooling and Climate Solutions for Cognitive Cities Roundtable brings together industry leaders, researchers and practitioners to explore innovative cooling strategies and climate mitigation solutions shaping the future of sustainable urban environments.

This event is hosted by the University of Birmingham Dubai and is aligned with the themes explored in our MSc Renewable Energy Engineering programme, offering prospective students insight into real-world industry challenges and emerging technologies shaping the energy transition.

As cities across the UAE and the wider region accelerate smart and infrastructure development, addressing rising temperatures, energy demand and carbon reduction targets has become increasingly critical. This interactive, discussion-focused roundtable will examine:

• Outlooks for building energy solutions in rapidly developing urban centres

• Cooling technologies and system-level efficiencies

• Climate mitigation opportunities aligned with net-zero ambitions

• Practical insights from industry-led projects and policy frameworks

The event will be structured across two moderated discussion sessions, where small groups of participants will exchange ideas, experiences and practical solutions. Each session will conclude with key findings shared with the wider audience, encouraging collaborative dialogue and actionable outcomes.

Who is it for?

This roundtable is designed for:

• Engineers, sustainability professionals, and industry leaders working in energy, construction, urban development, and climate technologies

• Policymakers, consultants, and researchers interested in cooling innovation and climate mitigation in rapidly growing cities

• Organisations exploring solutions for energy efficiency and sustainable infrastructure

• Prospective postgraduate students interested in studying MSc Renewable Energy Engineering at the University of Birmingham Dubai

• Final-year engineering students and early-career professionals looking to develop expertise in renewable energy systems and sustainable urban technologies

When and where is it happening?

Date: Thursday, 30 April 2026
Time: 13:00 to 17:00
Venue: Innovation Lounge, University of Birmingham Dubai, DIAC, Dubai

Agenda Overview:

• 13:00 - 13:20: Registration and Networking

• 13:20 - 13:35: Welcome Address and Keynote

• 13:35 - 14:45: Session 1 – Outlook and Building Energy Solutions

• 14:45 - 15:05: Refreshment Break

• 15:05 - 16:20: Session 2 – Climate Solutions and Mitigation Opportunities

• 16:20 to 17:00: Closing Remarks, Refreshments and Networking

For further information, please contact Hassan Ali at h.a.ali.1@bham.ac.uk.

Our speakers

The roundtable will be moderated by a distinguished group of academic and industry leaders:

• Ezzedine Jradi, Emicool

• Sayeeduddin Mohammed, ALDAR

• Massimiliano Carvo, Alvarez & Marsal

• Rola Nasserdine, Springs Global Consultancy

• Hassan Ali, University of Birmingham Dubai

• Archibong Eso, University of Birmingham Dubai

• Tongtong Zhang, University of Birmingham (UK)

Their combined expertise spans district cooling, sustainable development, energy consultancy, urban strategy and climate research, ensuring a balanced and forward-looking discussion.

About our programme

Our MSc Renewable Energy Engineering programme is designed to equip engineers with expertise in renewable technologies, sustainable energy systems, and climate solutions. Students studying this course develop a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies and how they fit into global systems and policy, preparing them for a career in this exciting sector.