Abu Dhabi - MENA Herald: Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, an independent, research-driven graduate-level university focused on advanced energy and sustainable technologies, today announced that its first PhD graduate Dr. Faisal AlMarzooqi has received the Medal of Top Emiratis on the occasion of the 44th UAE National Day.
Dr. AlMarzooqi, who recently joined Masdar Institute as an assistant professor after receiving his Doctorate from the Institute over the summer, was among 44 UAE Nationals who were presented awards by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, for their achievements in the fields of education, research, health, economy, military, and sports. He was honored for being the “first UAE inventor of a water desalination technology based on nanotechnology.”
AlMarzooqi’s award-winning work combined water desalination research and advancements in nanotechnology to produce device that can desalinate water in a more sustainable and energy efficient way, which is potentially of great value to the UAE due to its dependence on desalination to meet its domestic water needs. The young Emirati scientist’s device was so unique and innovative that a patent application has been submitted for it.
“Faisal AlMarzooqi has brought pride to Masdar Institute ever since he joined as a student in 2013, and it comes as no surprise to us that he is also bringing pride to the nation today. He is a talented and dedicated scientist and we are confident he will continue to be an asset to the UAE and a role model to young UAE nationals who also wish to give back to their country,” said Dr. Behjat Al Yousuf, Interim Provost of Masdar Institute.
Of the tens of thousands of applicants who are nominated to win the yearly Medal of the Top Emirati prizes, each year the government selects the same number of winners as the UAE’s age. AlMarzooqi and this year’s 43 other Medal of Top Emiratis award recipients will have their names archived with their achievements in the UAE Government Year Book.
“I would like to express my sincere gratitude and appreciation first to the leaders of our nation and second the Masdar Institute, for establishing the excellent platforms through which we can achieve such dreams and goals.” Dr. AlMarzooqi said, upon his receipt of the award.
This latest prize for Dr. AlMarzooqi is a culmination of his pursuit of excellence in the service of his country. Prior to joining Masdar Institute’s doctoral program, he completed his MSc degree in chemical engineering at the Imperial College, London and has worked as a process engineer for the Abu Dhabi Marine Operating Company (ADMA-OPCO).
Dr. AlMarzooqi is also an alumnus of Masdar Institute’s Young Future Energy Leaders (YFEL) program, a mentorship experience that he said led him to choose Masdar Institute for his PhD. He also recently served as a member of the UAE Government Leaders Program, which was established by the UAE government to help prepare and develop future UAE Nationals as leaders who will help the government achieve the main objectives of its declared economic and socio-political strategies.
As an assistant professor at Masdar Institute Dr. AlMarzooqi has focused his attention on expanding the research he conducted during his PhD studies. His thesis research dissertation combined water desalination research and advancements in nanotechnology to produce a novel device that can desalinate water in a sustainable, energy efficient way.
Along with critical research in areas of advanced energy and sustainable technologies, Dr. AlMarzooqi believes that teaching is needed to firmly anchor the UAE’s knowledge-based economy. This belief, along with his deep gratitude toward his country for its unwavering support, prompted Dr. AlMarzooqi to apply for a faculty position at Masdar Institute.
