Khalifa University Young Innovators: Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 Recognition for Cutting-Edge Research

Khalifa University of Science and Technology in Abu Dhabi has once again demonstrated its position as a powerhouse in higher education by securing recognition for six exceptional young talents on the Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list in the Science and Technology category for 2025. This prestigious honor, announced in late 2025, highlights the university's commitment to nurturing groundbreaking researchers who tackle global challenges like diabetes, water scarcity, plastic pollution, and wastewater treatment. The group includes one faculty member, four PhD students or recent graduates, and one postdoctoral fellow, underscoring Khalifa University's role in fostering the next generation of innovators in the United Arab Emirates.

The Forbes Middle East 30 Under 30 list celebrates emerging leaders under 30 who are driving change across the region through innovative work. Khalifa University's strong showing—six honorees in a competitive field—reflects its research-intensive environment, where students and faculty collaborate on projects aligned with UAE's national priorities such as sustainability, health, and advanced materials. In 2025, the university published 86% of its papers in Q1 journals, with 57.5% in the top 10% globally by CiteScore, a sharp rise that positions it as UAE's leading research institution.

His Excellency Professor Ebrahim Al Hajri, President of Khalifa University, emphasized the significance: "These outstanding achievements showcase the depth of talent nurtured here at Khalifa University. Their work not only advances fundamental science but also directly addresses pressing global challenges." This recognition comes amid Khalifa University's climb to 177th globally in QS World University Rankings 2026, topping UAE institutions in international faculty and research impact.

Dr. Mira Mousa and Fatima Alshamsi: Revolutionizing Diabetes Treatment with AI-Driven Immunotherapies

Dr. Mira Mousa, a 28-year-old Iraqi assistant professor in Public Health and Epidemiology at Khalifa University's College of Medicine and Health Sciences (CMHS), and Fatima Alshamsi, a 28-year-old Emirati PhD student, are jointly honored for their pioneering work in the Biomedical Science and Discovery (BISDI) Program. This initiative partners Khalifa University with VIB–KU Leuven in Belgium to pioneer novel immunotherapies for diabetes—a disease affecting millions worldwide, including rising cases in the UAE due to lifestyle factors.

Their process begins with in-house artificial intelligence (AI) tools—machine learning algorithms trained on genomic data—to scan vast datasets for 'mystery genes' responsible for endothelial cell dysfunction. Endothelial cells line blood vessels; when dysfunctional, they trigger vascular complications like heart attacks, strokes, and diabetic retinopathy (vision loss). Step-by-step, they: 1) Collect multi-omics data (genomics, proteomics); 2) Use AI to identify gene variants; 3) Validate in lab models; 4) Develop targeted immunotherapies to restore function. Their findings have appeared in top journals like Nature and ScienceDirect, accelerating potential treatments.

Dr. Mousa's background includes a PhD in Genetic Epidemiology from the University of Oxford and expertise in women's reproductive health and metabolic disorders. Alshamsi complements this with hands-on PhD research. In UAE context, where diabetes prevalence exceeds 12%, their work supports national health goals. For aspiring researchers, explore academic CV tips or research assistant roles at institutions like Khalifa.

Mariam Ouda: 2D Materials for Nano-Plastic Removal and Water Innovation

Mariam Ouda, 29, Palestinian-Canadian postdoctoral fellow at Khalifa University's Research and Innovation Center for Graphene and 2D Materials (RIC2D), stands out for engineering an electro-membrane filtration system using two-dimensional (2D) materials like graphene to trap nano-plastics—tiny pollutants smaller than 1 micrometer that evade conventional filters and harm marine life and human health.

Her innovation works by applying electric fields to 2D membranes, attracting charged nano-particles for precise removal. During her PhD, she filed a U.S. patent; now, she's scaling production with the University of Manchester for real-world testing. Ouda also serves on the Early Career Editorial Board of the Journal of Water Process Engineering and co-chairs the International Desalination Association's Young Leaders Program—vital in water-scarce UAE, which relies on desalination for 42% of supply.

This aligns with UAE's Water Security Strategy 2036. Her career trajectory inspires: from PhD to postdoc commercialization. Check UAE university jobs for similar opportunities.

Zeinab Saeed: Upcycling Plastic Waste into Valuable Products

Zeinab Saeed, 29, Somali-UAE resident and recent Chemistry PhD graduate, co-founded Solid Form Innovations (PolyNovate) to upcycle polystyrene (PS) waste—ubiquitous in packaging—using photomechanical methods. Light triggers chemical reactions converting waste into high-purity molecules for pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and industry, under review by KU's IP office.

The process: 1) Collect PS waste; 2) Expose to specific light wavelengths; 3) Break bonds mechanically via photo-catalysis; 4) Yield usable monomers. This circular economy approach reduces UAE's 500,000 tons annual plastic waste. Saeed's dual researcher-entrepreneur path exemplifies KU's innovation ecosystem.

For students eyeing startups, career advice on academia-industry balance is key.

Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash

Aya Ghazal: Solar-Powered Membranes for Sustainable Wastewater Reuse

PhD candidate Aya Ghazal in Chemical Engineering develops plasmonic titanium nitride (TiN)-based membranes harnessing solar energy for membrane distillation, treating domestic wastewater for reuse. TiN's plasmonic properties absorb sunlight, generating heat to evaporate water while rejecting contaminants—efficient for arid UAE. With 62 citations, her work advances photothermal desalination.

Step-by-step: Solar irradiation → localized heating → vapor permeation → clean condensate. Addresses UAE's wastewater challenge (1.5 billion m³/year produced).

Nada Elmerhi: Covalent Organic Frameworks for Purification and Sensing

Nada Elmerhi (El Merhi), Chemistry PhD student, engineers covalent organic frameworks (COFs)—porous crystalline materials—for multi-tasking: water purification, green catalysis degrading pollutants, and ultra-sensitive electrochemical sensors for diagnostics. Cited 251 times, her COFs offer tunable pores for selectivity.

Synthesis: Link organic building blocks via covalent bonds → form frameworks → functionalize for targets. Vital for UAE's clean water goals.

Khalifa University's Innovation Ecosystem: Programs Driving Excellence

KU's success stems from centers like CMHS, RIC2D, BISDI. Ranked top UAE (QS 2026), 86% Q1 pubs. Supports UAE Vision 2071 via tech platforms (energy, health, space).Learn more on KU research.

Compared to UAEU, NYUAD, KU leads in patents, impact.

Broader Impact on UAE Higher Education and Society

These innovators embody UAE's shift to knowledge economy, with R&D spend rising. Aligns with UAE Centennial Goals for health, sustainability. KU grads pursue postdoc jobs, faculty roles.

Cultural context: UAE invests AED 3B+ in R&D, universities like KU attract global talent.

Photo by Artyom Korshunov on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Sustaining Momentum in UAE Research

With UAE aiming top 5 global innovation by 2031, KU's talents signal bright future. Actionable: Aspiring PhDs, apply to KU programs; review postdoc advice.

Stakeholders: Policymakers boost funding; unis expand collaborations. Outlook: More patents, startups from KU ecosystem.

Conclusion: Celebrating UAE's Young Research Pioneers

Khalifa University's Forbes honorees exemplify excellence. Explore rate professors, higher ed jobs, career advice, university jobs. UAE higher ed thrives.