Graduation of First Masters Student, Institute of Environment, Water and Energy, Ajman University
The first Masters student of Ajman University of Science & Technology's (AUST) Institute of Environment, Water and Energy has graduated from the University. Ahmad Saif Al-Matari, Head of the Water Resources Department at the Ministry of Environment and Water, presented the defense of his thesis, entitled "Geophysical and Hydrological Assessment of Ground Water Resources on the Eastern Coast of the UAE." The defense committee was headed by Professor Abdul Rahim Al-Sharhan, Dean of the Faculty of Science at UAE University, with Professor Esam Al-Jawad, Professor of Geophysics at UAE University, and Professor Zain El Abidine Rizq, Dean of the Institute of Environment, Water and Energy at AUST as members. The thesis defense was also attended by representatives from government and private agencies from the UAE and other GCC countries. Dr. Basheer Shehadah, AUST Vice President for Follow-up and Development, welcomed the guests on behalf of His Excellency Dr. Saeed Abdullah Salman, AUST's President, and conveyed his sincere thanks to Professor Rizq for his efforts - scientific, research, and academic - in the leadership of the institute. He also congratulated Ahmad Said Al-Matari and wished him success in the thesis defense.
Mr. Al-Matari began his defense presentation by saying that the most important goals of his study were studying the hydrological conditions of the UAE's east coast, and the nature of water resources in the region in general and groundwater in particular. During his presentation he presented his findings and the results of his study of 2D Earth resistivity images, and the climatic conditions that affect water, which include air temperature, relative humidity, wind speed, evaporation and rainfall. He indicated that the proportions vary during the year in their impact on surface and ground-water in the region. He covered the problems of groundwater relating to the overlap of Gulf of Oman seawater with fresh groundwater as a result of the intensive pumping of water for agricultural, domestic and industrial uses.
He ended his presentation by stressing the need for the use of 3D images of Earth resistivity that will aid accurate diagnosis of the problem of salt water intrusion on the East Coast. He also stressed the need to focus on surface and ground-water resources, as these are the most important resource for humans, as well as the need for an integrated plan for the management of all water resources in the area. After discussion and deliberation, the committee granted Ahmad Saif Al-Matari the degree of Master of Science in Engineering and Management of Groundwater, wishing him continuing success in the future.
The committee members and other attendees, together with faculty members and students had a celebratory luncheon. Commenting on the event, Professor Rizq said that he felt pride in the graduation of the first Masters student of the Institute of Environment, Water and Energy. He added that the educational achievements of Emiratis not only develops the individual but society in general, particularly if the students hold key positions, as does Ahmad Saif Al-Matari.
