Promising Student Innovation in Chemical Engineering: Hybrid Drying Technology Enhances Food Security and Opens Export Opportunities

University Media

In a scientific event reflecting academic excellence and high-quality output, the College of Engineering and Information Technology at the Emirates International University witnessed the discussion of an innovative graduation project by female students from the Chemical Engineering Department entitled: “Hybrid Drying Technology for Agricultural Use (Freeze-Drying – Solar Drying).” This project, undertaken as part of the requirements for a Bachelor's degree, represents an innovative scientific initiative that embodies the students' ability to apply engineering knowledge to address real-world issues related to food security and sustainable development.

The project, prepared by students Abeer Aref Malik, Reem Mohammed Babiker, Tasbeeh Shabeeb Ali Al-Daba’i, and Yusra Samir Al-Maghrabi, under the supervision of Professor Hani Damaj, represents the first scientific output of the department and reflects an advanced academic level that demonstrates the quality of education provided by the university since the inception of this specialization.

 The discussion committee consisted of consultant engineer Adnan Omar Abubakr Obaid from the Agricultural Encouragement Fund at the Ministry of Agriculture, and Dr. Diaa Abdel Hamid Ali, Professor of Organic Chemistry and Chemical Industries. They praised the depth of the idea and the quality of its implementation, considering the project a promising model for integrating scientific research with the needs of the agricultural sector.

The discussion was attended by the University President, Professor Dr. Khaled Ahmed Salah, who emphasized in his speech that the graduation of the first cohort from the Chemical Engineering Department and the discussion of their first project represent a true launch of a promising academic path, enhancing the university's role in preparing qualified personnel capable of innovation and competition. Also present were the Secretary-General, Engineer Mohammed Abbas; the Dean of the Development and Quality Assurance Center, Professor Dr. Sharaf Al-Hamdi; the Dean of the College, Dr. Ibrahim Fara'a; several heads of academic departments; and a ministerial committee from the Agricultural Committee.

The project addresses one of the most prominent agricultural challenges: post-harvest losses. It does so by introducing a hybrid drying system that combines freeze-drying for fruits to preserve their nutritional and aesthetic characteristics with solar drying for vegetables, using clean and sustainable energy.

 The study demonstrated that this technological integration contributes to reducing the high operational costs associated with freeze-drying, offering an effective economic and environmental solution while fully preserving product quality.

The project also highlights its ability to address the problem of seasonality in agricultural production, ensuring year-round availability of products. This supports reducing reliance on imports, opens up export opportunities, and promotes the development of a more efficient and sustainable agricultural system.

This achievement sends a clear message that the Emirates International University is not only keeping pace with the future, but shaping it from its very inception, through high-quality educational outcomes that start strong and continue to make a lasting impact.

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