Prof. Saif Salim AlQaydi Economic Geography · Environmental Studies · GIS

Economic Geographer · Academic Leader

Prof. Saif Salim AlQaydi

Retired academic and policy maker with more than three decades in higher education leadership, economic geography, environmental studies, GIS applications, and natural resource management in the UAE and the Gulf.

Explore profile View publications
30+Years in academia, research, and leadership
50+Journal articles, conference papers, and proceedings
8Books, plus 5 book chapters
1997Fulbright Scholar, George Washington University
01

Professional summary

Prof. Saif Salim AlQaydi is an academic and policy maker with extensive expertise in economic geography and environmental studies. His career includes senior leadership roles as First Chancellor of the University of Kalba, Dean of Academic Operations at the Higher Colleges of Technology in Fujairah, and Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences at United Arab Emirates University.

His research addresses economic activities, environmental management, GIS applications, geographical names, and sustainable approaches to natural resource management in the UAE and internationally. He has represented the UAE at United Nations meetings on geographical names and served on numerous national committees, editorial boards, and award juries.

02

Education

  1. 1992

    Ph.D. in Social Science

    University of Durham, United Kingdom

    Dissertation: “The East Coast of the UAE: An Evaluation of Economic Activities and Future Prospects.”

    Read the thesis (Durham e-Theses)

  2. 1987

    M.Sc. in Geography

    Eastern Michigan University, United States

    Thesis: “The Modernization of Agriculture in the United Arab Emirates.”

  3. 1984

    B.A. in Geography (Economic Geography)

    United Arab Emirates University, Al Ain

Post-doctoral certificates

  1. 1997

    Certificate of Achievement in GIS and Remote Sensing

    Clark University, Worcester, Massachusetts, USA

  2. 1994

    Certificate in Cartographic Sciences

    Salem State College, Massachusetts, USA

03

Academic & professional experience

  1. Jul 2023 – Sep 2024

    First Chancellor

    University of Kalba

  2. 2019 – 2021

    Professor of Emirates Studies

    Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujairah

  3. 2017 – 2019

    Dean of Academic Operations

    Higher Colleges of Technology, Fujairah

  4. 2013 – 2016

    Dean, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

    United Arab Emirates University

  5. Sep 2013 – 2017

    Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

    United Arab Emirates University

  6. 2010 – 2013

    Chair, Department of Geography and Urban Planning

    United Arab Emirates University

  7. 2006 – 2010

    Assistant Dean for Student Affairs

    United Arab Emirates University

  8. 2005 – 2006

    Academic Supervisor, GIS Training Program

    United Arab Emirates University

  9. Oct 2003 – Sep 2013

    Associate Professor, College of Humanities and Social Sciences

    United Arab Emirates University

  10. 2002 – 2003

    Chair, Geography Program

    United Arab Emirates University

  11. 1992 – 2003

    Assistant Professor of Economic Geography and GIS

    United Arab Emirates University

  12. 1989 – 1992

    Teaching Assistant, Department of Geography

    United Arab Emirates University

Boards, committees & external service 30
  • Board Member, Gulf Cooperation Council Geographical Society, since 2026.
  • Member of the Editorial Board, The Journal of Sustainable Investment and Food Security, Arab Authority for Agricultural Investment and Development, Dubai, since 2024.
  • Member of the Jury, Sharjah International Award for Cultural Heritage, Sharjah Institute for Heritage, since 2024.
  • Member, International Scientific Programme Committee, TransNav: The International Journal on Marine Navigation and Safety of Sea Transportation, since 2024.
  • Advisory Board Member, Arab Journal of Security Studies, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, KSA, 2016.
  • Review Committee Member, Arab Media Outlook, Dubai Media City, 2016.
  • Member, High Committee to Adopt Roads and Streets Names, Emirate of Abu Dhabi, 2014–2017.
  • External Evaluation Committee Member, Master of Environmental Science Program, UAEU, 2014.
  • Chair, UAEU Technical Review Committee for Planning Dictionary, 2013–2014.
  • Scientific Committee Member, Journal of the Gulf Cooperation Council Geographical Society, 2012.
  • Team Leader, Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center Exhibit Review, Al Ain Zoo, 2011–2012.
  • Member, Abu Dhabi High Committee in Geographical Names, 2011.
  • Board Member, UAE Geographical Society, 2009.
  • Representative of UAE University to Abu Dhabi Municipality for the Road Naming Project, 2009.
  • Visitor, Department of Geography, University of Sydney, Summer 2008.
  • Consultant Team Member, Abu Dhabi Authority for Culture & Heritage, 2007–2009.
  • Advisory Board Member, AL-AYN Magazine, UAEU, 2007–2009.
  • Vice Chair, Technical Committee for Toponymy Database, UNGEGN Conference, New York, 2007.
  • Dean Advising Group Member, CHSS, UAE University, 2006–2010.
  • Visitor, George Washington University, Summer 2006.
  • Advisory Board Member, Scientific Journal International, 2006.
  • Editorial Board Member, The Gulf Geographical Journal, GCC Geographical Society, 2005–2011.
  • Visitor, Department of Geography, University of Durham, Summer 2005.
  • Representative of the UAE at United Nations Geographical Names meetings (UNGEGN), 2004–2012.
  • Vice-Chairman, Arabic Division on Geographical Names, UNGEGN, 2004–2012.
  • Editorial Board Member, Water International, IWRA, 2004–2007.
  • Board Member, Gulf Cooperation Council Geographical Society, 2003–2012.
  • Visitor, Center for Contemporary Arab Studies, Georgetown University, 2001–2002.
  • Invited Lecturer and External Examiner, Research Methods, Police College, Abu Dhabi, 1997–2003.
  • Fulbright Scholar, George Washington University, 1997–1998.
04

Research interests

  • Economic Activities
  • Agriculture
  • Fishing
  • Industry
  • Tourism
  • Geographical Names
  • Research Methods
  • Environment & Energy
  • Water Resources
  • Natural Resources Management
  • GIS Applications
  • Remote Sensing

Economic Geography

Agriculture, fishing, industry, tourism, trade, and the spatial organisation of economic activity in the UAE and the Gulf region.

Environment & Natural Resources

Water resources, energy, environmental management, sustainability, and long-term monitoring of environmental change.

GIS & Remote Sensing

Geographic Information Systems, remote sensing, and cartographic methods applied to research, planning, and resource management.

Geographical Names

UNGEGN activities, naming standards, toponymic databases, and place-name policy in the UAE and the Arab region.

05

Publications

Selected journal articles, conference papers, and proceedings. Where a paper is available online, a link to it is provided. Use the search box to filter by title, year, co-author, or venue.

Journal publications, conference papers & refereed proceedings 41
  1. 2021AlQaydi, Saif (2021). Small Scale Family Farm Businesses and Their Role in UAE Food Security. Advancing Food Security in the UAE Conference, HCT, 10 June 2021. Online Edition. Unpublished work.
  2. 2018Al Qaydi, Saif & Al-Mehairi, Jamal (2018). Toward New Dynamics of Naming in Dubai: The Impact of Multiculturism on Places, Streets and Geographical Features. 7th Academic International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, Harvard University, Boston, USA.
  3. 2017Fathelrahman, Eihab, Khalid Siddig, Al Qaydi, Saif, Safdar Muhammad, and Rafi Ullah Tasbih Ullah (2017). Options for Maintaining Fishery Production in the United Arab Emirates due to Climate Change Adaptation Strategies. Emirates Journal for Food and Agriculture. Journal
  4. 2017Al Qaydi, Saif & Al-Ghafli, Ali (2017). The Early Intervention in Fragile Farming Regions and its Impact on World Food Supplies. Proceedings of the 5th Global Conference on Business and Social Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, pp. 365–376.
  5. 2016Al Qaydi, Saif (2016). The academic curriculum in tourism and its importance in rooting its economic and social development roles in the Gulf Cooperation Council. Fifth Scientific Conference of the Gulf Geographical Society, Salalah, Oman, pp. 333–351.
  6. 2016Al Qaydi, Saif (2016). The Status and Prospects for Agriculture in the United Arab Emirates and their Potential to Contribute to Food Security. Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences, 12, 155–163. Journal
  7. 2014Al Qaydi, Saif (2014). Small Scale Sustainable Farming Activities in the United Arab Emirates: The Case of the East Coast of the UAE. Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Food and Agricultural Sciences, Auckland.
  8. 2014Al Qaydi, Saif (2014). Food Security in the United Arab Emirates: The Role of the State in Overseas Farm Crops Production. Asian Journal of Agriculture Extension, Economics & Sociology, 3(6), 569–579. Full text
  9. 2013Al Qaydi, Saif (2013). The Role of the Arabic Division, UNGEGN in the GCC Geographical Names. Symposium on Gulf Cartography from Past to Present, Sharjah.
  10. n.d.Bulhamam, Mohamed and Al Qaydi, Saif. UN GGIM, United Nations initiative on Global Geospatial Information Management. User Case Studies: United Arab Emirates: Development and Implementation of a GIS for Ras Al Khaimah.
  11. 2012Al Qaydi, Saif (2012). GCC Future Energy Alternatives Challenges. Alternative Future GCC Energy Symposium, Kuwait Geographical Society.
  12. 2012Al Qaydi, Saif (2012). Water problem in the UAE mountain areas: The East Coast Farming Areas. Refereed Proceeding, Annual International Conference, Banda Aceh, Indonesia.
  13. 2010Al Qaydi, Saif (2010). Industrial Solid Waste Management in the UAE Rural Areas, focusing on the Northern Emirates. International Journal of Academic Research, 2(6).
  14. 2010Arthur, Robert & Al Qaydi, Saif (2010). Agricultural marketing in the western region of Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates: attitudes and perceptions. Agriculture and Biology Journal of North America, 1(4), 458–468.
  15. 2010Al Qaydi, Saif (2010). The Role of the UAE Federal Governance System in Rural-Urban Regions: Industrial Solid Waste Management. International Conference on Managing the Urban Rural Interface, University of Copenhagen.
  16. 2009Al Qaydi, Saif (2009). Training Transformation: Building a GEOINT Knowledge Environment in the GCC Countries. Geospatial Intelligence Conference, Dubai.
  17. 2008Al Qaydi, Saif (2008). Tradition, Change, and Government Policy in the UAE East Coast Fishing Community. FOCUS on Geography, American Geographical Society, 51(1). DOI
  18. 2008Al Qaydi, Saif & Arthur, R. M. (2008). Evaluating the Farming Activities in the Western Region of the UAE. Asia & Pacific Studies, 5/2008.
  19. 2008Al Qaydi, Saif (2008). Commercial Fish Marketing in Fujairah, UAE: A supply and demand study of marine resources and aquaculture potential. 5th World Fisheries Congress, Yokohama, Japan.
  20. 2007Al Qaydi, Saif (2007). The Spatial Dimension of Farm Crops Production in the Arab Countries. Emirates Journal of Food and Agriculture, 19(2). Journal
  21. 2007Al Qaydi, Saif and Brownson, J. (2007). Assessing Planned Industrial Location and Economic Development in Dubai, UAE. The Arab World Geographer, 10(2). Journal
  22. 2007Al Qaydi, Saif (2007). Highlights on the Seawater’s Geographical Names of the Gulf Cooperation Council. 13th International Seminar on the Naming Seas and East Sea, Vienna.
  23. 2006Al Qaydi, Saif (2006). Concentration of Industrial Labor Force at GCC Countries. Journal of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Studies, 32(123).
  24. 2006Al Qaydi, Saif (2006). Industrial Solid Waste Disposal in Dubai, UAE: A study in Economic Geography. Cities, 23(2). DOI
  25. 2004Al Qaydi, Saif and Khalifa Al-Rimaithi (2004). Qualitative Writing of UAE Geographical Names. 1st Arab Meeting on Geographical Names, Tripoli, Libya.
  26. 2004Al Qaydi, Saif (2004). Industrial Establishments and Their Role in the Distribution of Labor Force in Dubai, UAE. IGU-UK, Glasgow.
  27. 2004Al Qaydi, Saif (2004). The Geographical Names in the UAE. UNGEGN Twenty-Second Session, New York. UN paper (PDF)
  28. 2003Al Qaydi, Saif & Massasati, Ahmed (2003). UAE Profile on GIS and Cartographic Science. 16th United Nations Regional Cartographic Conference for Asia and the Pacific, Okinawa, Japan.
  29. 2002Al Qaydi, Saif & Al-Darmaki, Fatima (2002). Examination of Factors Contributing to Academic Probation for UAE University Students. Ala Al-Tareeq, 20, 407–422.
  30. 2001Al Qaydi, Saif (2001). Food Security in the UAE during Zayid Reign. Zayid Conference: Accomplishments and Achievements, Abu Dhabi.
  31. 2001Al Qaydi, Saif (2001). The Role of Geographical Location on the UAE’s Foreign Trade. Institutes of Arab Research and Studies, 26(35).
  32. 2000Al Qaydi, Saif (2000). General Geographical Characteristics of the UAE. Public Affairs, No. 4.
  33. 1999Al Qaydi, Saif (1999). Teaching GIS at the Gulf Cooperation Council Universities: Geography Department, UAE University. GeoJournal, 47(4). DOI
  34. 1997Al Qaydi, Saif (1997). Introduction to Economic Geography: A Modern Synthesis. Department of Geography, George Washington University Newsletter, 2–3.
  35. 1997Al Qaydi, Saif (1997). Tourism in the UAE. The Geographical Bulletin, 39, 6–28.
  36. 1997Al Qaydi, Saif (1997). Agricultural Development in Al-Ain Region between Reality and Ambition. Egyptian Geographical Society, 29, 29–45.
  37. 1997Al Qaydi, Saif (1997). The Geographical Distribution of the Industrial Areas in the UAE and their Role in Industry Establishment. Kuwait Geographical Society, No. 204.
  38. 1997Al Qaydi, Saif & Al-Ullama, H. M. (1997). Job Opportunities for New Geographers in the UAE. Journal of Social Affairs, 56, 37–58.
  39. 1994Al Qaydi, Saif (1994). The Importance of Remote Sensing in Studying Physical and Human Phenomena. A~Faaq Gugrafiya, UAE University, pp. 16–19.
  40. 1993Al Qaydi, Saif (1993). Introduction to Geographical Information System. Diri` al-Watan, No. 367, 85–87.
  41. 1988Al Qaydi, Saif (1988). The Modernization of Agriculture in the UAE. The Geographical Bulletin, 30(2), 1987–1988. Record
Non-refereed journals, conferences & newsletters 11
  1. 2011Al Qaydi, Saif (2011). Food security in the United Arab Emirates: Organic Food as an alternative food supply. 17th IFOAM Organic World Congress, Seoul, South Korea.
  2. 2010Al Qaydi, Saif (2010). The Impact of Desertification on UAE Economic Activities. Symposium on Biodiversity, Ecosystem Management and Green Economy, Ras Al Khaimah.
  3. 2010Al Qaydi, Saif (2010). A Project for Building Automated Database for the Arab Cities Using Beirut Guide for Romanization. 5th Arab Conference on Geographical Names, Beirut.
  4. 2010Al Qaydi, Saif (2010). Managing Industrial Waste in the UAE Mountain Areas using GIS and Remote Sensing. 3rd GCC Geographical Society Conference, Doha.
  5. 2009Al Qaydi, Saif (2009). New Arab Cities Geographical Names Electronic Database Using Beirut Guideline for Romanization. International Cartographic Conference, Santiago, Chile.
  6. 2009Al Qaydi, Saif (2009). Industrial & Hazardous Waste Management in the UAE Suburban Areas. Hazardous Waste Conference, Dubai.
  7. 2009Al Qaydi, Saif (2009). The UAE cities between urbanization and civilization. International Conference “City, Life, Vision,” Abu Dhabi.
  8. 1998Al Qaydi, Saif (1998). Environmental Planning and Agricultural Development in the GCC Countries. Kuwait University.
  9. 1997Al Qaydi, Saif (1997). The Role of Sea Outlets in Drug Smuggling in the UAE. Ministry of Interior, UAE.
  10. 1994Al Qaydi, Saif (1994). Farming Activities in Al-Ain Region, UAE. Development of Arid and Semi-Arid Areas Conference, University of Muata, Jordan.
  11. 1994Al Qaydi, Saif (1994). Tourism Industry in the UAE: Places of Interest to Tourists. Quality Management in Urban Tourism Conference, Victoria, Canada.
06

Books & book chapters

Cover images and catalogue links are shown where the title is listed online. Al Tibrah is a UAE book database that records titles and editions; it does not sell or distribute copies.

2015

Geography of the United Arab Emirates: Advanced Topics

with H. Al Ullama, A. Al Kitbi & N. Ridha

2009

Research Methodology: Its Rules and Skills

with M. Al Hamidi & M. Mohsin

Ministry of Interior, Abu Dhabi

2008

Geography of the United Arab Emirates

with H. Al Ullama, A. Al Kitbi & N. Ridha

12 chapters · 327 pages

2003

Introduction to Economic Geography

المدخل إلى الجغرافيا الاقتصادية

Second edition, 2009 · 495 pages

Maktabat Al-Falah

View on Al Tibrah
2001

Introduction to Research Writing in Humanities and Social Sciences

مقدمة في كتابة البحوث في العلوم الإنسانية والاجتماعية

200 pages

Bin Dismal Printing Press, Dubai

View on Al Tibrah
2001

Urban Growth in Al-Ain Region and its Effect on Developing Economic Activities

النمو العمراني في إقليم العين ودوره في تطور الأنشطة الاقتصادية

with A. Ghunaim · 215 pages

Cultural Foundation, Abu Dhabi

View on Al Tibrah
1999

Economic Geography: Principles, Approaches and Applications

الجغرافيا الاقتصادية: أسس ومناهج وتطبيقات

ISBN 0-9661097-2-4

Dar Al-Qalam, Dubai

View on Al Tibrah Library record
1997

Selected Bibliography in Geography Using Transportation

Fujairah National Printing Press

Book chapters

  1. 2014Al Qaydi, Saif (2014). UAE Main Geographical Characteristics. UAE Studies, Chapter 3. Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Research.
  2. 2012Al Qaydi, Saif (2012). UAE Environment. UAE Society textbook, Chapter Three. UAE University. Unpublished work.
  3. 2012Al Qaydi, Saif (2012). Biophysical Resources and the Built Environment: Features, Foci, and Issues in the Muslim Majority Countries. In The Muslim World in the 21st Century, Springer. Springer
  4. 2011Al Qaydi, Saif (2011). Highlights on the UAE Economic Growth. UAE Economic, Chapter Five, Zayed Military College.
  5. 2011Al Qaydi, Saif (2011). The Impact of Pearl Diving and Trade on the UAE’s Architecture. In Abu Dhabi & Pearls: A Story with a History.
Other research-related work 5
  • Arabic translation of the USGS Water-Cycle website, 2006.
  • Editor, Geography Textbook for 10th Grade, UAE Ministry of Education, 2006.
  • Editor, Teacher’s Guide for 10th Grade Geography Textbook, UAE Ministry of Education, 2006.
  • Editor, Seventh Grade Geography Textbook, UAE Ministry of Education, 1996.
  • Editor, Seventh Grade Teacher’s Guide, UAE Ministry of Education, 1996.
07

Conferences & workshops

Selected conferences 15
  • 15th GFRAS Annual Meeting, Dakar, Senegal, 11–13 November 2025.
  • Advancing Food Security in the UAE Conference, HCT (online), 10 June 2021.
  • Third Fujairah Conference on Historical Buildings and Restoration Methods, Fujairah, 2019.
  • 7th Academic International Conference on Social Sciences and Humanities, Harvard University, Boston, USA, 2018.
  • 5th Global Conference on Business and Social Sciences, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 2017.
  • Geography 2050: Envisioning a Sustainable Planet, Columbia University, New York, 2016.
  • Fifth Scientific Conference of the GCC Geographical Society, Salalah, Oman, 2016.
  • 21st Annual Youth and Development Conference, Emirates Center for Strategic Studies and Research, Abu Dhabi, 2016.
  • International Forum: Geographical Names in the Arab World and the Countries of the Sahel, Constantine, Algeria, 2016.
  • 3rd International Conference on Food and Agricultural Sciences (Keynote Speaker), Dubai, 2015.
  • 6th Annual Conference on Education, ECSSR, Abu Dhabi, 2015.
  • 3rd International Conference on Global Warming: Food Security (Keynote Speaker), Ras Al Khaimah, 2015.
  • 2nd International Conference on Food and Agricultural Sciences, Auckland, New Zealand, 2014.
  • International Conference for the Gifted and Talented (chaired the first session), UAE University, Al Ain, 2014.
  • Mountain Research Initiative Key Contact Workshop, University of California, Berkeley, 2013.
Selected workshops & seminars 14
  • Workshop on principles of scientific publishing, academic promotion, and scientific writing, 2021.
  • International Symposium on Geospatial Intelligence, Mumbai, 2020.
  • National Workshop on Alien Invasive Species, Ministry of Climate Change and Environment, Dubai, 2016.
  • Executive Leadership Academy, “Leading in a Multicultural Environment,” University of California, Berkeley, 2015.
  • Publication Mechanism Workshop, Kuwait University, 2012.
  • Effective Leadership and Organizational Diagnosis Workshop, UAE University, 2009.
  • New Trends on Research Methods Workshop, Kalba, Sharjah, 2009.
  • New Trends in Teaching Geography Workshop, UAE University, 2009.
  • Field Data Collection Workshop on Geographical Names, Tunisia, 2007.
  • Research Technique Workshop, Ministry of Education, East Coast Office, Kalba, 2007.
  • Freehand Workshop, UAE University, 2004.
  • Interactive Learning Workshops, UAE University, 2003.
  • Blackboard Workshop, UAE University, 2002.
  • GIS and Remote Sensing courses, Salem State College, Massachusetts, 1994.
08

Awards, honours & scholarships

  1. 2013

    Academic Excellence Award, Cultural and Scientific Association, Dubai.

  2. 2007

    Merit Reward, UAE University.

  3. 2007

    Selected by the International Biographical Centre, Great Britain, for inclusion in Outstanding Scientists 2008/2009.

  4. 2007

    Listed in Marquis Who’s Who in the World, 25th Silver Anniversary Edition.

  5. 2006

    Distinguished in Teaching, Research and Community Service, CHSS Geography Program, UAE University.

  6. 1997

    Fulbright Scholarship, Department of Geography, George Washington University, Washington, D.C.

  7. 1993

    UAE University Preeminence Honor.

  8. 1992

    Rashid’s Award for Scientific Excellence, Government of Dubai.

  9. 1989

    Distinguished Student Prize, Ministry of Education, UAE.

09

Professional memberships

  • Scientific Committee, Geographical Journal, GCC Geographical Society — since 2012
  • Board Member, UAE Geographical Society
  • Board Member, Gulf Cooperation Council Geographical Society — 2004–2009
  • Economic Geography Specialty Group
  • European Aquaculture Society — 2005–2007
  • Saudi Geographical Society — since 1998
  • International Water Resources Association — since 2000
  • Egyptian Geographical Society — 1996–2004
  • Association of American Geographers — since 1995
  • Sociologists Association, Sharjah — since 1994
  • Designated Member, World Meteorological Organization Technical Commissions, UAE — 1994–1997
  • Syrian Geographical Society — 1995–2005
  • Texas Committee on U.S.-Arab Relations — since 1995
  • National Geographic Society — since 1985
10

Areas of expertise

Economic Sustainability

Sustainable economic practice across agriculture, fishing, industry, and tourism.

Applied Research

Research methodology and technology-driven academic and practical applications.

Long-term Monitoring

Tracking indicators of environmental change and analysing long-term data.

GIS

Advanced GIS applications for geographical and environmental studies.

Environmental Management

Management and preservation of natural resources, particularly water and energy.

Educational Leadership

Academic administration, operations, programme development, and student affairs.

11

Contact

For academic correspondence, research collaboration, or speaking and committee invitations, please get in touch by email.

Email alqaydi@uaeu.ac.ae
Location Kalba, United Arab Emirates