Contact
rashed.alshaali@ajman.ac.ae
06 705 6223
Ajman Campus
Rashed Khalifa Alshaali 6428

  • Rashed Khalifa Alshaali

  • Assistant Professor
  • Ext: --

Dr. Rashed Khalifa Alshaali is an Emirati architect, researcher, and academic leader whose career bridges architectural education, sustainable design innovation, and national energy policy. With over two decades of professional and academic experience, he has contributed significantly to shaping environmental design education and policy frameworks in the United Arab Emirates. He earned his PhD in Architecture Technology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where his research explored the intersection of design, environment, and technology. His academic journey continued with an MSc in Building Science from the University of Southern California (USC), followed by a Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering from the United Arab Emirates University (UAEU). At UAE University, Dr. Alshaali taught for nearly two decades, developing and leading courses in sustainable design, environmental systems, and advanced digital design. His pedagogical approach integrates research and practice—cultivating future architects who design responsibly within the realities of the region’s hot-arid climate. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Dr. Alshaali was selected among the GCC Pioneers in Engineering (2023). He currently serves as a Board Member of the Society of Engineers UAE, Head of the Advisory Board for the AURAK School of Architecture, and Member of the Advisory Board for the Sharjah University Department of Architectural Engineering. His research and innovation efforts include the development of analytical tools such as Climate Analysis for Natural Ventilation (CANV) and Wind Wheel, empowering architects to evaluate passive cooling strategies through climate-responsive data.

Education
  • PhD, UCLA University of California Los Angeles, USA, 2006
  • Master of Building Science, USC University of Southern California, 2002
  • Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering, UAEU United Arab Emirates University, 1999
Research
  • Passive Cooling and Natural Ventilation in Arid Climates
  • Building Performance Analysis and Simulation
  • Climate Adaptation and Urban Resilience
  • Vernacular and Contemporary Sustainability in Architecture
  • Energy Policy and Low-Carbon Urban Development
Publications
Conference Presentation
  • “Engineering a Future Ready Workforce.” Belt and Road Forum on Engineering Capacity Building, Tianfu International Convention Center, Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, June 11–12, 2025
  • • Prospects of Construction and Engineering in Sharjah’s Eastern Region: How Continuous Professional Development Shapes the Future of Cities? By invitation from the Municipal Council of Kalba City, at the 3rd Building & Construction Forum 2025, Emirate of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, June 25, 2025
  • Workshop on Innovative Sustainable buildings, Federal Youth Authority, UAE 2023
  • Workshop on Energy Conservation Guidelines, Tools and Applications, Sharjah Electricity and Water Authority. 2019
  • Keynote speaker at the 4th International Architectural Conservation Conference and Exhibition in Dubai, UAE, on the topic of "Traditional Architecture: Beyond Aesthetics." 2016
  • Presentation at the United Nations Framework Convention for Climate Change (UNFCCC) International Experts Workshop in Al Khobar, Saudi Arabia, on the vulnerabilities of energy-based economies and the role of economic diversification to build resilience. 2015
  • Presentation at the GCC Energy Efficiency side event at the United Nations COP19 in Warsaw, Poland, on the challenges and opportunities for energy efficiency in the desert region. 2013
  • Presentation on the role of international institutions in enhancing the research performance of overseas post-graduate students at a conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE. 2012
  • Keynote speaker at a sustainable development conference in Cairo, Egypt, on the topic of "Environmental Evaluation for Projects in Sahara 'Arid' Climate: Why and How." 2010
  • Presentation at the Emirates Standardization & Meteorological Authority (ESMA) UAE Energy Efficiency Standards and Labelling Seminar in Dubai, UAE, on the topic of "Cooling Load Efficiency for UAE Houses: SEER Rating vs. Envelope Optimization." 2010
Memberships, Awards and Honors
  • GCC Pioneer in Engineering, Gulf Cooperation Council (2023)
  • Board Member, Society of Engineers UAE (2023 – Present)
  • Member, Advisory Board – AURAK School of Architecture (2023 – Present)
  • Advisory Board Member, Sharjah University Department of Architectural Engineering (2023 – Present)