Pouria Hafiz

Program Director of Civil Engineering | Senior Lecturer
Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Pouria Hafiz is an experienced academic and industry professional specializing in civil and structural engineering and education. Since joining Heriot-Watt University in 2012, he has been actively involved in teaching, research, and leadership roles within the Civil Engineering discipline.

He teaches and supervises students across undergraduate and postgraduate levels, with a focus on:

• Structural Analysis & Design (Concrete, Steel, Plastic, and Bridge Design)
• Geotechnical Engineering (Soil Properties and Foundation Design)

Pouria has introduced innovative teaching methods, including flipped classrooms, experiential learning, and industry-integrated projects. He has also played a key role in the accreditation of Civil Engineering programs by the Joint Board of Moderators (JBM) and the UAE Ministry of Education (CAA).

Beyond academia, he has extensive industrial experience working with Dubai Municipality, contractors, and consultants, contributing to key infrastructure projects. He also leads industry collaborations as the Academic Chair of the Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Board and has been instrumental in fostering relationships with IStructE, ICE, and other professional bodies.

Industry Collaboration & Major Projects

Beyond academia, he has extensive industrial experience, working with Dubai Municipality, contractors, consultants, and national water authorities on major infrastructure projects. He also leads industry collaborations as the Academic Chair of the Civil Engineering Industrial Advisory Board, fostering relationships with IStructE, ICE, and other professional bodies.

In 2020, he led Heriot-Watt Dubai’s participation in the Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME), an international competition focused on designing and building a sustainable, net-positive energy home. As Faculty Lead, he supervised a multidisciplinary team of 120 students and 40 industry partners, managing all aspects of structural design, architectural modeling, MEP systems, and on-site construction.

Key achievements of the SDME 2020 project:

• Secured a winning prize of 400,000 AED
• Designed and built a 7m-high 3D-printed wind tower, showcasing cutting-edge construction technology
• Obtained an 80,000 AED sponsorship for 3D concrete printing research
• Currently working on relocating the SDME house as a permanent “Living Lab” for student learning and research

In 2025, he successfully launched the first-ever Constructionarium in Dubai in collaboration with Dubai Precast, providing students with hands-on experience in large-scale construction.

Research interests