16 May 2007 Following the initiative and vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE, Ruler of Dubai, to make solar energy the energy of the future in Dubai, the School of Engineering, at the American University in Dubai, organized a workshop titled "Solar Energy and Its Applications in the Gulf Region" on 6-7 May 2007. Dr. Jihad Nader, Provost and Chief Academic Officer, and Dr. Lana Chaar, Assistant Professor of Electrical Engineering, introduced the workshop which focused on the different categories of solar conversion systems and their applications in the Gulf and the Middle East. Issues that were discussed during the workshop included Integration of Renewable and Traditional Infrastructures, Dust and Humidity Effect on PV Array, Large Scale projects for UAE, Renewable Energies Strategy Development, to name a few.

During the workshop several presentations were given on the different technologies that already exist and how the Gulf, in general, and the UAE, in particular, can benefit by protecting the environment and reducing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions. Ali Said Jamaleddine, a student in Electrical Engineering at AUD also presented a research study on dust, humidity, and temperature effects on PV arrays in the UAE. The research study, which involves 4 other undergraduate students under the supervision of Dr. Chaar, also addresses solutions to account for and overcome environmental factors affecting the efficiency of PV panels.

The workshop was co-chaired by Dr. Lana Chaar and Dr. Ali El-Haj-Mahmoud, Assistant Professors in Electrical and Computer Engineering at AUD. The two-day event was sponsored by major local and international energy companies including Dubai Electricity and Water Authority, Siemens, Sharp, Microsol and S.S. Lootah. It was attended by over 55 professionals representing various regional and global companies from the UAE, Germany, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, and Oman.

"With speakers from Europe, Japan, and the Middle East, this workshop brought new and emerging technologies in solar energy to the attention of the key parties in the region," commented Dr. Alaa Ashmawy, Dean of the School of Engineering. He stressed that a more important outcome is that it allowed a group of researchers, engineering professionals, and business leaders to "discuss the opportunities and challenges associated with the implementation of this clean energy alternative in the UAE and the Gulf." At the conclusion of the workshop, Dr. Chaar emphasized that the main aim is to "promote such technology in every possible way, seeking to produce a safer and better environment for the future."