The Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation Publishes AURAK Research

Policy Paper Number 28, “Alternative Energy in the UAE: The Potential of Biofuels Sourced from Ras Al Khaimah Mangroves,” written by a research team headed by Dr. Maxime Merheb, the Associate Dean of the Biotechnology Department of the American University of Ras Al Khaimah (AURAK), has been published by the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.

An AURAK biotechnology research team consisting of Dr. Merheb; Dr. Rachel Matar, Associate Professor of Biotechnology; Dr. Rawad Hodeify, Assistant Professor of Medical Biotechnology; Mr. John Marton, Instructor for the Biotechnology Lab; Ms.Nausheen Shafiq, Instructor for English for Speakers of Other Languages; Mr. Milad Soleimani; and Mr. Kamel Abou Youssef explored the possibilities of a future sustained by biofuels composed of fungal microorganisms native to the emirates mangroves in contrast to traditional fuels that are harmful to the environment. It investigates both the successes and challenges occurring in each stage of biofuel implementation to facilitate officials in critically assessing the prospects of biofuel employment in current technology and future applications. This policy paper was sponsored through a grant from the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research, making Dr. Merheb and his team the very first AURAK recipients. The team will continue to conduct research focusing on the fungal oils’ capability in functioning as biodiesel feedstock and further assess other implications.

AURAK President, Professor Hamdan Al Alkim, commended Dr. Merheb and his research team for their hard work and congratulated them on this momentous achievement, “It is indeed an accolade well earned. This high honor is a testament to the quality level of the AURAK faculty; AURAK students are learning from top-notch professors on the vanguard of academic, real-world research, leading the way for UAE progress.”