“For the UAE, events like MECAM Expo support key objectives in local production, sustainability and economic growth, and help strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in advanced materials.” – Dr. Eng. Aishah Al Shehhi
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Eng. Aishah Al Shehhi, a well-known engineer and sustainable infrastructure expert, and the Assistant Undersecretary for Federal Infrastructure Projects Sector at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure, reflects on her journey in engineering and sustainability. She puts the spotlight on the UAE’s strategic vision and efforts to position itself as a global leader in climate-resilient infrastructure by leveraging advanced composite materials, smart technologies and a skilled workforce.
Tell us about your journey as a sustainability and engineering specialist.
My journey began with a deep-rooted passion for using engineering as a force for positive environmental transformation. As the first Emirati woman to earn a Ph.D. in Sustainable Built Environment, I’ve focused my research on highlighting the importance of use of recycled asphalt, circular construction materials, and life-cycle analysis for preventive maintenance. My work bridges academic research, public sector collaboration, and global representation of UAE-led innovations. I have had the privilege of contributing to national infrastructure policy and representing the UAE in global forums, showcasing our commitment to resilient and future-ready development.
Currently, I serve as an engineering expert at the UAE Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure. With over 15 years of experience in project management and sustainable development, I focus on integrating sustainability metrics early in the design process to ensure long-term durability, cost-efficiency, and environmental compliance. I am also a certified Innovation Specialist, trainer, and advocate for smarter, more resilient communities. My efforts have been recognized through several national awards, reflecting a continued commitment to excellence, innovation and sustainability in engineering.
Why is integrating sustainability into engineering systems important?
Sustainability is no longer optional – it is now a core structural requirement across all facets of construction infrastructure, from buildings and water systems to roadways. Integrating sustainability principles not only reduces carbon footprints and conserves essential raw materials, but also lowers long-term maintenance costs. Moreover, it supports global efforts toward climate resilience by leveraging smart, adaptive technologies and innovative practices. Adopting this approach sets a high-performance benchmark, positioning you as a leader and role model in the infrastructure sector.
How is the UAE integrating sustainability into its long-term infrastructure strategy, and what role do material innovations such as composites and recycled materials play in achieving these goals?
The UAE’s long-term infrastructure strategy, aligned with UAE Vision 2031 and the National Green Agenda, places sustainability at its core. Both the government and local authorities are actively promoting carbon-neutral construction by enforcing green building codes and integrating lifecycle analysis requirements.
Materials innovation, especially in composites and recycled resources, is playing a transformative role. Lightweight composites help reduce structural loads and energy consumption, while the use of recycled materials lowers lifecycle emissions and contributes to circular economy.
What is your view on the current requirements in terms of the sustainable use of advanced materials in engineering applications?
Sustainability requirements are improving across sectors, though they continue to vary in scope. Regulations are being updated to support the use of sustainable materials, yet their application remains inconsistent. In the UAE, environmental impact assessments are mandatory, and innovation is actively encouraged through organisations like the Advanced Technology Research Council. However, comprehensive standards for testing and evaluating the lifecycle performance of advanced materials are still under development. To enable broader adoption without compromising on safety and durability, it is important to align performance codes, environmental certifications, and supplier approval processes.
How has your Ph.D. research on recycled asphalt in UAE road maintenance influenced national policy or practice, and what barriers still limit the broader use of recycled or composite materials in infrastructure projects?
My doctoral research demonstrated that incorporating recycled asphalt pavement (RAP) into UAE road construction, when optimized for local climatic conditions, can achieve performance parity with virgin materials, while delivering up to 30% cost savings and reducing carbon emissions by as much as 40%.
These findings contributed to a technical framework that has since been adopted by several emirates for pilot implementation in maintenance and rural road programs. However, challenges remain, including inconsistent material supply chains, a shortage of skilled labor for processing, and limited integration of performance-based material specifications in procurement. Overcoming these barriers will require institutional capacity building and stronger public-private collaboration.
Advanced composites and engineered materials are increasingly being used in construction for their durability and environmental benefits. In your view, what are the opportunities and limitations of using these materials in large-scale infrastructure projects across the UAE?
Advanced materials offer numerous benefits such as enhanced structural performance, reduced long-term maintenance, and resistance to corrosion, particularly valuable in coastal and desert environments. These materials also contribute positively to achieving green building certifications.
However, there are certain challenges, including limited local manufacturing capacity, procurement practices that still favour traditional materials, and a shortage of skilled professionals for installation and inspection. To promote greater use of advanced materials, it is essential to update relevant policies, establish clear standards, and invest in local production and workforce development.
As a woman in STEM and a national spokesperson, how do you view the role of female leadership in shaping technical and policy decisions in engineering, particularly in areas like sustainable materials, public works, and smart city development?
Women in leadership bring fresh ideas, inclusive thinking, and strong collaboration, which are key qualities for addressing today’s complex engineering challenges. In fields like sustainable materials and smart cities, where innovation shapes daily life, women help ensure that technology serves both technical and social needs. Working alongside men as equal partners, they play an important role in building a more inclusive and sustainable future for engineering.
In the UAE, women engineers are at the forefront – leading national laboratories, advancing R&D, and shaping sustainability legislation, reflecting the country’s progressive vision. Empowering more women in technical leadership will accelerate innovation and promote more coherent, effective policies for sustainable development.
You’ve presented your work internationally from Europe to Latin America. How do you see the UAE’s infrastructure strategy influencing or learning from global trends in sustainable design and advanced material application? Are there specific innovations you aim to champion regionally or globally?
The UAE learns from and contributes to global trends in sustainable development. It adopts green standards from Europe, incorporates U.S. innovations like composite bridges, and draws on Latin American strategies for building resilience. At the same time, the UAE shares its own desert-adapted solutions and swift policy-making approaches, now attracting global attention. Personally, I aim to promote local innovations for international applications, such as using recycled materials suited to arid climates and leveraging AI tools to track material usage. Collaborating with GCC countries also presents an opportunity to develop unified standards and support a regional circular economy in the construction sector.
What is your view on the significance of a platform like Middle East Composites and Advanced Materials (MECAM) Expo and Conference? Why is it important for industry and the nation at large?
MECAM Expo serves as a vital platform for knowledge exchange, policy dialogue, and building industry partnerships. It bridges the gap between research and real-world solutions, connects local manufacturers with global suppliers, and supports the harmonization of industry standards. For the UAE, events like MECAM Expo support key objectives in local production, sustainability, and economic growth. They also help strengthen the country’s position as a global leader in advanced materials, aligning innovation with climate goals and international trade.
How does the UAE’s adoption of composites and smart infrastructure materials compare with other global leaders in the field? Through initiatives like MECAM Expo, how do you envision the UAE positioning itself on the world stage of infrastructure innovation?
The UAE is moving decisively, whether in clean energy, aviation, or infrastructure. The nation is building its position as a global leader in advanced materials for hot and demanding environments. With its strong potential, the UAE is poised to become a frontrunner in climate-resilient infrastructure by leveraging composites, smart technologies and skilled talent.