International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates

Overview

It is our pleasure to welcome you to the third edition of the International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates (ICSEWEN’23) to be held in Doha, Qatar. This year’s ICSEWEN’23 is structured around five main themes that focus on innovations, solutions and impactful research. The themes are Energy Transition, Water Resources, Processes and Advances, Environmental Pollution and Mitigation, Innovative Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry, Sustainability and Digital Solutions. Each theme will be delivered through a series of sessions which will cover a wide range of topics which will revolve around, economics and policy of energy transition, sustainable energy technologies, water resources and large-scale water management, air quality challenges in arid environments, climate change adaptation, corrosion solutions, food security and smart cities.

ICSEWEN is the flagship conference of Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI) at Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), which takes place every two years. The conference brings together scientists from the region and globally to discuss critical challenges, innovative solutions and new advances in sustainable energy, water and environment with a focus on desert climate regions. 

Chair’s Welcome Message 

The world around us is changing rapidly with unprecedented shifts in global and regional climate patterns caused by global warming resulting from pressures of a rising global population and consumption of natural resources. Among many other environmental threats, our sea levels are rising, the world temperature is increasing, and we are facing frequent, severe droughts and heat waves. These changes in global environmental patterns have critical health, social, and economic implications on life and biodiversity as well as the business and government operations. In this context, the energy-water-environment nexus represents a global challenge, and it is more so in arid regions.  

Following the success of ICSEWEN’19 and ICSEWEN’21, we expect over 300 delegates to attend the four-day ICSEWEN’23, which will feature three international plenary sessions, scientific oral and poster presentations, exhibition space, coffee and networking sessions and multidisciplinary panel discussions with national and international stakeholders. Selected abstracts will be invited to have their full manuscript included, with our partner journals, for publication in the conference special issues. 

On behalf of the organising committee, we are thrilled to invite you to join us in Doha to experience and enjoy all it has on offer from stunning skylines, landmark cultural locations and world class museums. 

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, Dr. Mohammed Rami Alfarra and Mr. Mohammed Ayoub
Chairs of ICSEWEN’23
 

Strategic Partner
Supporting Partner
Strategic Partner Knowledge Partner
Sustainability Partner
Policy Partner
Sustainability Partner Policy Partner
Education Partner
Wellness Partner
Community Partner
Wellness Partner Community Partner
Cultural Partner
Cultural Partner

About

About QEERI

Qatar Environment & Energy Research Institute (QEERI), part of Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), is a national research institute tasked with supporting Qatar in addressing its grand challenges related to energy, water, and environment.

QEERI – with its experienced scientists, engineers, and technicians supported by its focused management and operations teams, working within its world-class indoor and outdoor facilities – aims to make a lasting positive impact on Qatar and the region. The institute’s work is in line with the goals set forth by Qatar National Vision 2030, and is supported by Qatar Foundation Research, Development and Innovation (QF RDI)

About Hamad Bin Khalifa University 

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU), a member of Qatar Foundation for Education, Science, and Community Development (QF), was founded in 2010 to continue fulfilling QF’s vision of unlocking human potential. A homegrown research and graduate studies, the university acts as a catalyst for positive transformation in Qatar and the region while having a global impact.

Located within Education City, HBKU seeks to provide unparalleled opportunities where inquiry and discovery are integral to teaching and learning at all levels utilizing a multidisciplinary approach across all focus areas.

HBKU is committed to actively contribute to achieving the Qatar National Vision 2030 by building and cultivating human capacity through an enriching academic experience and an innovative research ecosystem. Through applying creativity to knowledge, students will have the opportunity to discover innovative solutions that are locally relevant and have a global impact.

At HBKU our students, faculty, staff, partners, and leadership  all share a common belief in the power of higher education and research to make a positive impact on the development of nations.

More information at www.hbku.edu.qa 

About Education City

Qatar Foundation’s flagship initiative is a campus of more than 12 square kilometers that hosts branch campuses of some of the world's leading educational institutes, a homegrown university, and other research, scholastic, and community centers. Together, these institutes make Education City a unique model of academic and research excellence, pioneering a new approach to multidisciplinary, global education and enabling breakthroughs that benefit Qatar and the rest of the world.

Total number of students across our universities and schools: 8,000+
Universities located in Education City: 9
Schools as part of our pre-university education network: 11

More information at https://www.qf.org.qa/education/education-city

About Qatar

About Qatar

Qatar has been an independent sovereign state since 1971. Qatar comprises an 11,500 square kilometer peninsula extending northwards into the Arabian Gulf. It has 563 km of uninterrupted coastline. The country’s population stands at 2.69 million and its capital city is Doha.

Local time is GMT/UCT + 3 hours. There are no daylight savings adjustments.

Qatar has a desert climate with year-round sunshine, very hot summers and mild winters. Mean monthly temperatures range from 17°C in January to 36°C in July, sometimes reaching highs of 40°C+ during the summer. Rain is infrequent, falling in brief showers mainly in winter.

Capital: Doha
Population: 2.69 million
Area: 11,500 sq. km
Language: Arabic
Religion: Islam
Currency: Riyal
Power Connection: The power plugs and sockets are of type D and G. The standard voltage is 240 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

More information at https://www.visitqatar.qa 

Transportation

Karwa is the national taxi and limousine service. To book a taxi call +974 800 8294. You can pay by cash, bank card or mobile payment.

Karwa taxis can be ordered or pre-booked via the Karwa Taxi app (available on iOS and Android), or hailed from the street.

UBER taxi service is also active in Qatar.

You can use your international driving license for seven consecutive days.

Metro

The metro system has three lines (Gold, Green and Red) covering 37 stations. Trains run every 3 minutes and staff are available at every station to assist you during your journey.

You can buy a travel card at stations and then save time by topping up online or on the Qatar Rail app (iOS and Android).

All stations have elevators and all train carriages provide space for wheelchair users and pushchairs, as well as guide dog allowances. You can check the Qatar Rail website before you travel.

Free metrolink buses run useful routes within 2 - 5 km of stations.

If you are traveling to central Doha, you can take the metro to one of these stations, which are conveniently located to access the Corniche area. You can change lines at Al Bidda (Red and Green) stations and Msheireb (Red, Green and Gold)

More information at https://www.qr.com.qa/home

 

Event preferred Hotels

Event preferred Hotels

We have established partnerships with several hotels to offer special rates to our conference participants. This exclusive collaboration aims to enhance your experience during the event and make your stay as convenient and affordable as possible.

We understand that comfortable accommodation is crucial for your overall conference experience, and we are happy to offer a range of options that fit different preferences and budgets: 

Scientific Committee

Conference Co-Chairs

Dr. Khaled Mahmoud (PhD)
Senior Scientist
Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute
Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Dr. M. Rami Alfarra
Principal Scientist
Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)
Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Mr. Mohammed A. Ayoub
Senior Research Director
Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI)
Hamad Bin Khalifa University

Scientific Committee

Theme 1: Energy Transition

 

Theme Co-Chairs

  • Dr. Sertac Bayhan, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Haitham Abu-Rub, TAMUQ

Economics and Policy of Energy Transition

  • Dr. Marcello Contestabile, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Muez Ali, Earthna, Qatar Foundation

Sustainable Energy Conversion Solutions

  • Dr. Juan Lopez Garcia, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Rahul R. Bhosale, Qatar University

Energy Management and Integration

  • Dr. Dunia A. Bachour, HBKU-QEERI
  • Eng. Rafah Alarrouqi, Sector Expert - Government Entity

Energy Demand and Efficiency

  • Dr. Ameni Boumaiza, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Yusuf Bicer, HBKU-CSE

Theme 2: Water Resources, Processes and Advances

 

Theme Co-Chairs

  • Dr. Jenny Lawler, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Suhur Saeed, ExxonMobil Research Qatar

Water Resources and Large-Scale Water Management

  • Dr. Jenny Lawler, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Waleed Hassan, UNFAO

Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery

  • Dr. Oluwaseun Ogunbiyi, HBKU-QEERI
  • Eng. Christian Pérez Hernández, Idrica

Desalination and Brine Management and Mining

  • Dr. Dema Al-Masri, Earthna, Qatar Foundation
  • Dr. Ahmed Abdallah, TAMUQ
  • Dr. Mohammad Al Beldawi, MoECC

Water Sector Technology Advances - moving from research towards commercialization

  • Dr. Zhaoyang Liu, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Dong Suk Han, Qatar University

Theme 3: Environmental pollution and mitigation

 

Theme Co-Chairs

  • Dr. Christos Fountoukis, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Tareq Al-Ansari, HBKU-CSE

Air Quality Challenges in Arid Regions

  • Dr. M. Rami Alfarra, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Konstantinos Kakosimos, TAMUQ

Climate Change: Impacts and Adaptation in Arid Regions

  • Dr. M. Rami Alfarra, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Christos Fountoukis, HBKU-QEERI

Environmental Monitoring and Waste Management

  • Dr. Khaled Mahmoud, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Ahmed Abdel-Wahab, TAMUQ

Environmental Policy

  • Dr. Sa'ad Shannak, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Esmat Zaidan, HBKU-CPP

Natural and anthropogenic hazards and risk

  • Dr. Yehia Manawai, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Zlatan I. Tsvetanov, HBKU-QEERI

Theme 4: Innovative Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry

 

Theme Co-Chairs

  • Dr. Afrooz Barnoush, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Ahmed Reda, Curtin University

Corrosion Solutions

  • Dr. Mariana Costa Folena, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Katherina Lepkova, Curtin University
  • Eng. Yaser Elmorin, Qatar Energy

Hydrogen and CO2 Management

  • Dr. Abdulkarem Amhamed, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Sabah Solim, Qatar Shell
  • Dr. Dong Suk Han, Qatar University

Novel materials & Sustainability

  • Dr. Fadwa El-Mellouhi, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Bilal Mansour, TAMUQ
  • Dr. Amin Esmaieli, UDST

Theme 5: Sustainability & Digital Solutions

 

Theme Co-Chairs

  • Mr. Mohammed Ayoub, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. M. Rami Alfarra, HBKU-QEERI

Food Security in Desert Climates

  • Dr. Kashif Rasool, HBKU-QEERI
  • Dr. Michel Velders, Ministry of Municipality

Digital Environment and Smart Solutions

  • Dr. Antonio Sanfilippo, HBKU-QEERI
  • Mr. Tamujin Mirza, TASMU

Local Organizing Committee

  • Mr. Omar Seoud
  • Ms. Abeer Al-Dosari
  • Dr. Manal Alsalama
  • Dr. Sara Ahmad
  • Ms. Suhad Al Hour
  • Ms. Hissa H. Al-Hajri
  • Dr. Oluwaseun O. Ogunbiyi
  • Dr. Shamjad Moosakutty
  • Dr. Kenza Maher
  • Dr. Mohammed Al-Azba
  • Dr. Chong Chee Wen
  • Mr. Ahmed Al Ajji
  • Ms. Annie Mathew
  • Ms. Camelia Adela Deac

Registration

Registration Details

  Early Bird Rate (8 October 2023) Standard Rate  
Delegate

Early Bird Rate (31 July 2023): QR 1095 (USD 300) - Discount Code IC7QEERID

Standard Rate#: QAR 1643 (USD 450)

Proceed to Payment
Graduate Students

Early Bird Rate (31 July 2023): QAR 365 (USD 100) - Discount Code IC7QEERIGS

Standard Rate#: QAR 548 (USD 150)

Proceed to Payment
Undergraduate Students

Early Bird Rate (31 July 2023): Free of Charge 

Standard Rate#: Free of Charge

Proceed to Registration
HBKU Staff

Early Bird Rate (31 July 2023): Free of Charge 

Standard Rate#: Free of Charge

Proceed to Registration


 

Daily rate registration is available at QAR 730 (USD 200)

All payments will be in QAR (equivalent to listed prices)
 

Visa Information

Nationals of more than 80 countries are eligible for visa-free entry into the State of Qatar, with varying lengths of stays allowed. Nationals of these eligible countries do not require any prior visa arrangements and can obtain a visa waiver on arrival to Qatar, upon presentation of a valid passport with a minimum validity of six months and a confirmed onward or return ticket.

It is strongly recommended that authors start the visa application process as soon as possible if your nationality does not allow you to enter Qatar without a VISA. Authors of accepted papers are solely responsible for understanding the requirements and procedures to obtain a visa to attend the conference. The Organizing Committee can provide a visa assistance letter to authors of accepted papers by email.

For more information on visa requirements to enter Qatar, please visit the links below:

Visa Requirements

Qatar Airways Visa Requirements

Note: In addition to the required documents listed on the Qatar visa website, please carry the official invitation letter/email copy and hotel reservation with you for the immigration purposes.

Medical Insurance

Starting from February 1, 2023, all non-Qatari visitors are obliged to possess a recognized medical insurance policy that has been approved, to be able to enter Qatar. The insurance policy must be valid for the entire duration of their visit and can be obtained in advance or purchased upon arrival for 50 Qatari Riyal.

More details on the insurance are available at https://portal.moi.gov.qa/qatarvisas/

Consent to use photographic, video and audio recordings

During the symposium, official photographers will be taking photographs, recording videos, or making audio recordings. The photographs, videos, and audio recordings will be used for symposium-related news and events including: promotional material, in both print and electronic format, on the Internet via HBKU and QF websites, and on social media.

Submission

The Local Organizing Committee of ICSEWEN’23 warmly invites you to submit an abstract, either for oral or poster presentations. We welcome submissions from diverse and international contexts, with priority given to proposals that investigate topics related to Qatar and the Gulf region. 

Themes and topical areas of interest include, but are not limited to:

  1. Energy Transition 

  • Economics and Policy Of Energy Transitions
  • Sustainable Energy Conversion Solutions
  • Sustainable and Circular Chemical Economy
  • Energy Management and Integration
  • Energy Demand and Efficiency
  1. Water Resources, Processes and Advances

  • Water Resources and Large-Scale Water Management
  • Wastewater Treatment and Resource Recovery
  • Desalination
  • Brine Management and Mining
  • Water Sector Technology Advances and Commercialization
  1. Environmental Pollution and Mitigation

  • Air Quality Challenges In Arid Environments
  • Climate Change: Adaptation In A 1.5 -2.0 °C World
  • Environmental Monitoring and Waste Management
  • Environmental Policy
  • Natural and Anthropogenic Hazards and Risks
  1. Innovative Solutions for the Oil and Gas Industry

  • Corrosion Solutions
  • Hydrogen and CO2 Management
  • Novel Materials & Sustainability
  • Environmental Pollution and Mitigation
  1. Sustainability and Digital Solutions

  • Food Security in Desert Climates
  • Smart Cities
  • Digital Environment 

Abstract Submission

  • All abstracts must be submitted and presented in clear English. Submitted abstracts must be a maximum of 250 words. The author can also upload supplementary material (figures, tables, etc.) that are relevant, but not included in the abstract. 
  • The abstracts must clearly indicate the research aim, the methodological approach, and the main obtained results. 
  • The author can select the preferred method of presentation (oral or poster or both) and the preference will be noted by the reviewers. Final determination will be made by the Scientific Committee. 
  • Presenting authors must be registered participants, and are expected to attend the conference and present their work. 

Full Paper Submission 

  • Abstracts that meet excellence and relevance criteria will be selected and invited for a full paper submission.
  • Submitted papers must be original research results, experimental or theoretical and not have been previously published.
  • All submissions will be peer-reviewed, and accepted papers will be published in a special issue in an indexed journal or as part of the conference proceedings ebook. 

Abstract submission deadline: Monday, May 15, 2023. 

Extended Abstract submission deadline: Tuesday, May 30, 2023.

The submission of abstracts will be managed through the online conference paper management system EasyChair. This system allows authors complete control over their submission. Authors can upload their abstracts and also check the review status. 

Notification of acceptance: Monday, June 26, 2023. 

To submit an abstract, please follow the steps below: 

Set up an account (username and password) as an author: click here

Submit your abstract by logging into the ICSEWEN23 EasyChair website and following the “New submission” link: (click here)

For more information please contact us at: qeeri-icsewen@hbku.edu.qa

Young Innovator Award

The Qatar Environment and Energy Research Institute (QEERI) is thrilled to announce the 3rd edition of the Young Innovator Award (YIA) for 2023.

As a significant component of QEERI's highly anticipated event, the YIA is an integral part of the 3rd International Conference on Sustainable Energy-Water-Environment Nexus in Desert Climates (ICSEWEN23), scheduled to take place from October 30 to November 2, 2023. The award features the following categories:

  • Junior Category: 6-9 years
  • Intermediate Category: 10-13 years
  • Senior Category: 14-17 years

This year's competition theme is "The Innovation of Today Leads the Sustainability of Tomorrow." We firmly believe that the next groundbreaking invention can emerge from anywhere! Through the YIA initiative, QEERI provides a platform for young students aged 6-17 to think critically about global sustainability challenges and encourages them to share their creative ideas on how to address them.

The competition aims to achieve the following objectives

  • Ignite a passion for science, technology, and research among young individuals.
  • Capture the interest of students in STEM-based activities and assess their creativity by integrating critical thinking with their technological skills.
  • Assist young students in developing and practicing essential skills such as scientific research, communication, collaboration, decision-making, and video creation while promoting sustainability.
  • Enhance sustainability awareness by challenging young students to explore new methods of supporting Qatar's 2030 vision. This vision aims to transform Qatar into an advanced country capable of achieving sustainable development.

Award Eligibility 

  • Participating students must submit a valid Qatar ID.
  • Participants must be attending a school in Qatar recognized by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education.
  • Both copyright protection and Parental Consent forms must be signed by the parent and the student.

Important Dates

Award Launch: August 27, 2023
Registration Deadline: September 17, 2023  | Extended till 25th September, 2023
Video Submission Deadline: October 1, 2023 | Extended till 8th October, 2023
Winners Announcement: October 26, 2023
Award Ceremony: November 2, 2023

Awards

  • Three winning videos will be selected from each category (1st, 2nd, and 3rd place).
  • Financial awards (To be announced later)
  • The winning videos will be showcased during the conference at the award ceremony.
  • The winning videos will be shared on QEERI's webpage and social media platforms.
  • The winners will be interviewed for QEERI's social media platform during the award ceremony.

Competition Rules

Registration

All schools must register before the registration deadline.

Registration Closed!

Submission

Please download and sign the consent form along with the terms & conditions before submitting your work.

Consent Form Download
Terms & Conditions Download

Submission Closed!


We eagerly anticipate the participation of students in the competition and witnessing their innovative ideas. If you have any inquiries or questions, please feel free to contact us at qeeri-icsewen@hbku.edu.qa.

Winners

Senior Category

Al-Sailiyah Secondary Independent School for girls, Khalifa secondary School for boys, Al Aqsa Preparatory School for Girls

Intermediate category

Kamal Naji School for Boys, Al Wukair School for Boys, Hind Bint Amr Al-Ansaria Preparatory School for Girls

Junior category

Al Wukair School for Boys, Zaynab Bint Jahash Girls Primary, Philippine School Doha