Ajman University Team Leads Groundbreaking Underground Urban Planning at Dubai Municipality’s Innovation Lab

Ajman University continues to pioneer future-focused architectural solutions, with Dr. Muna Salameh leading the Architecture Team at the prestigious Dubai Municipality Innovation Lab, held as part of UAE Innovation Month 2025.

This remarkable platform brought together top minds to address critical urban challenges, with Dr. Salameh and her team contributing innovative underground urban planning strategies aimed at advancing sustainability and optimizing land use.

Driving Innovation in Subterranean Urban Planning

As cities expand and available surface land becomes increasingly scarce, the strategic use of underground spaces has emerged as a vital frontier for sustainable urban development. The Ajman University team’s work focused on tackling key urban challenges by reimagining how subterranean environments can be utilized for infrastructure, public spaces, and essential services.

By integrating advanced architectural thinking with sustainability principles, the team proposed forward-thinking solutions that not only alleviate surface-level congestion but also enhance climate resilience and energy efficiency. This approach directly supports the UAE’s broader goals of sustainable urbanization and smart city development.

A Synergistic Team of Faculty and Students

The Innovation Lab provided a unique opportunity for experiential learning and intergenerational collaboration. The Ajman University Architecture Team was comprised of a dynamic mix of faculty expertise and emerging student talent:

Team Lead:

• Dr. Muna Salameh

Team Members:

• Ms. Ayat Elkhazindar (Faculty)

• Aysha Nimra (Fourth Year Student)

• Ban Alsayyed (Fourth Year Student)

• Rawda Ahmed (Fourth Year Student)

This collaboration allowed the fourth-year students to apply their academic knowledge to real-world, high-stakes municipal challenges, working alongside experienced faculty to pitch and develop viable solutions for the city of the future.

Empowering the Next Generation of Innovators

Dr. Muna Salameh expressed her enthusiasm for the project: “I am thrilled to have led the Architecture Team in the prestigious Dubai Municipality Innovation Lab as part of UAE Innovation Month 2025. This remarkable platform allowed us to contribute innovative underground urban planning strategies, addressing critical challenges in sustainability and land optimization.”

This hands-on experience is invaluable for the participating students, equipping them with the critical thinking, design, and problem-solving skills necessary to become the next generation of environmental and urban leaders.

Aligning with Ajman University’s Strategic Vision

Ajman University’s prominent role in the Dubai Municipality Innovation Lab aligns seamlessly with its institutional commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, notably SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities), and SDG 13 (Climate Action).

This initiative builds on the university's recent achievements in the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Rankings 2026, where it ranked among the world's top 300 institutions overall and secured the #1 spot in the UAE for SDG 13 (Climate Action) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).

Shaping the Cities of Tomorrow

As the UAE continues to lead the charge in smart, green, and resilient urban development, academic institutions play a crucial role in providing the research, innovation, and talent needed to turn ambitious visions into reality. Through the active engagement of experts like Dr. Muna Salameh and the enthusiastic participation of students like Aysha, Ban, and Rawda, Ajman University is proving that the future of sustainable urbanism is being built right here in the UAE.