UAE, 4 November 2025 — In a significant step for global energy education and research, WEUN members China University of Petroleum-Beijing (CUP) and Khalifa University (KU), together with industry partners, unveiled the Joint Laboratory for Petroleum Innovation and Sustainability at a ceremony held at Khalifa University in the United Arab Emirates.
The two universities also signed a joint declaration to establish the China–UAE Institute of Outstanding Engineers. The ceremony was witnessed by H.E. Zhang Yiming, Chinese Ambassador to the UAE.
This partnership stands as a major achievement under the framework of WEUN, demonstrating tangible progress in resource sharing, research collaboration, and talent development among member institutions.
President Jin Yan of CUP highlighted that the joint laboratory marks a new milestone in university collaboration. He expressed CUP’s commitment to deepening cooperation with KU in areas such as shared overseas research platforms and talent exchange, reinforcing sustained momentum in China–UAE energy cooperation.
President Ebrahim Al Hajri of KU remarked that the establishment of the joint laboratory and the Institute reflects a shared vision in energy technology innovation and talent development. He emphasized that KU will leverage its academic and research strengths to foster deeper integration among the partners and help build an open, mutually beneficial platform for international collaboration.
The joint initiatives exemplify how WEUN’s global network facilitates in-depth collaboration among members in energy education, scientific innovation, and talent cultivation. CUP and KU will continue to align with global energy needs and promote deeper university–industry cooperation in scientific research, talent development, and cultural exchange.
The partnership aims to cultivate outstanding professionals with international perspectives, engineering practice capabilities, and cross-cultural competence—equipped to tackle shared challenges in green and smart oilfield exploration, deep-earth renewable energy, carbon neutrality technologies, and produced water treatment.
Since its establishment, the Worldwide Energy University Network has grown into a key platform comprising 32 leading energy universities across 17 countries. WEUN will continue to leverage its global network to encourage more bilateral and multilateral collaborations among members, contributing collectively to global energy transition and sustainable development.
