AERZEN Middle East proudly launched the AERZEN Academy, a groundbreaking regional training initiative aimed at advancing energy-efficient wastewater treatment solutions. Endorsed by the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and held in collaboration with the University of Wollongong in Dubai and Wilo, the Academy represents a major step toward supporting the UAE’s Net Zero Strategy 2050 and advancing multiple United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including quality education, clean water, industry innovation, climate action, and global partnerships.
Wastewater treatment is one of the most energy-intensive sectors in water management, and the AERZEN Academy seeks to equip engineers with the skills and technical knowledge needed to design and implement sustainable systems that reduce energy consumption and carbon emissions. The first edition of the Academy successfully trained and certified 68 engineers and students, strengthening regional capacity to decarbonize wastewater operations and accelerate the transition to more sustainable industrial practices.
The launch featured a high-level Thought Leadership Roundtable and Technical Training Workshop, bringing together leading voices from government, academia, and industry. Eng. Faisal Ali Rashid, Senior Director of Demand Side Management at the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, shared insights on decarbonization policies, energy efficiency, and strategies to advance the UAE’s water sector. Dr. Martin Henkelmann, CEO of the German-Emirati Joint Council for Industry and Commerce (AHK), highlighted the critical role of German engineering and environmental technologies in shaping sustainable water infrastructure worldwide, emphasizing the importance of private-sector leadership and cross-sector collaboration in driving measurable climate impact.
The event also included expert contributions from Markus Leidinger, AERZEN’s Global Application Manager for Wastewater Treatment, Adrienne Doolan, Founder & CEO of Sustain Global, and Julia Timms, Group Chief Commercial Officer at IFZA. Together, they underscored the need for partnerships between government, industry, and academia to drive innovation, knowledge transfer, and tangible progress toward net-zero objectives. The program demonstrated how industry-led initiatives, when aligned with government vision and academic expertise, can deliver practical solutions while inspiring the next generation of engineers to tackle complex sustainability challenges.
“This is more than a training program; it is a platform for building the leaders, knowledge, and confidence needed to transform industries, cities, and communities toward a sustainable future,” said Craig Russell, Managing Director & Head of MEA Region at AERZEN. Rim Slimane, Regional Marketing Manager for Middle East, Turkey & Africa at AERZEN, added: “Through the AERZEN Academy, we unite German engineering excellence, Australian academic leadership, and the UAE’s innovation-driven vision. This initiative proves that when government, academia, and industry collaborate, the impact is scalable, lasting, and transformative.”
The AERZEN Academy marks a milestone in the region, establishing a new model for industry-driven technical education that directly contributes to capacity building, energy efficiency, decarbonization, and the sustainability of water infrastructure. By bridging the gap between technology, training, and practical application, the Academy empowers engineers to implement solutions that will shape the future of the UAE’s water and wastewater sector and support global climate goals.
