EPFL Middle East: 2009-2022

EPFL Middle East was a pioneering research center based in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE which converged graduate and postgraduate research in the fields of energy, smart infrastructure and sustainability.

EPFL Middle East closes after a successful 13 years

Founded in 2009, the UAE-based campus specialized in developing innovative energy and sustainability-oriented solutions.

After 13 years of successful activities, EPFL and Sheikh Mohammed bin Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah, have decided to end a unique partnership that trained nearly 200 researchers and produced as many scientific publications.

Key figures

170

graduated picto

graduates

12

Thesis picto

PhD theses

more than 200

Publication picto

scientific publications

Concrete environmental gains

The opening of the campus came hand-in-hand with the introduction of a Master’s program in energy management and sustainability, directed by Prof. Maher Kayal. This Lausanne-based program has positioned EPFL as a major player in the energy transition, both in Europe and abroad. Master’s students have had the opportunity to gain hands-on experience through internships and projects on energy and sustainability topics in the UAE.

EPFL Middle East has also served as a pioneer in the field of sustainable development. The campus’ initiatives have led to a plan to cut CO2 emissions by more than 400,000 tons/yr, with an initial 50,000 tons/yr reduction already achieved in 2020.

Franco Vigliotti

We estimate that to date, our campus in Ras Al Khaimah has created over 150 jobs in the region and about 30 in Switzerland

Franco Vigliotti, Dean of EPFL Middle East