Shaikh Khalifa Al-Maktoum

HH Shaikh Khalifa Al-Maktoum is a PhD candidate at SOAS University of London in the School of Energy and Policy. 

With a dual Bachelor’s degree in Nuclear and Mechanical Engineering from Penn State University and a Master’s in Energy Systems Management from the University of San Francisco. Shaikh Khalifa’s academic path reflects his commitment to tackling global energy challenges through policy innovation and technological advancement. 

His master’s thesis, titled "A Study of Regulatory Frameworks: Analysis of Advanced Nuclear Technology (ANT) Policies in the Global Landscape," analyzed the regulatory landscapes governing Advanced Nuclear Technologies (ANTs) worldwide, exploring how adaptive regulatory frameworks and international collaboration are crucial for ANT development. By examining key legislative acts, regulatory structures, and global partnerships, he identified the gaps and strengths within nuclear policy, underscoring the importance of robust yet flexible regulations for sustainable energy integration.  

Shaikh Khalifa’s PhD research builds on these insights, focusing on policy-driven renewable energy growth in Dubai. This research addresses one of the most pressing challenges in the Middle East: reducing carbon emissions while meeting rising energy demands. By investigating the intersection of renewable energy policies and sustainability frameworks, particularly the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Shaikh Khalifa explores how Dubai’s policies are impacting renewable energy adoption, influencing sustainability rankings, and addressing climate change. 

His work examines policy effectiveness across various levels of governance—federal, emirate, and municipal—and considers how these policies can accelerate Dubai’s transition from fossil fuels to renewable sources. His research methodology combines comparative policy analysis and case studies from key cities in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Dubai, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Riyadh. 

Through this approach, Shaikh Khalifa investigates both policy strengths and areas needing improvement to meet sustainability targets. His analysis considers not only the success stories but also the existing policy gaps that hinder renewable energy progress in a region heavily invested in traditional energy sources.  

Beyond his immediate research, Shaikh Khalifa’s academic interests encompass renewable energy advancement, sustainable development, and the role of governmental frameworks in energy transitions. His work contributes to a broader discourse on how regulatory adaptability and cross-border collaboration can support energy goals in the Middle East and beyond. 

By bridging theoretical policy models with on-the-ground energy transition challenges, he offers valuable insights to policymakers, industry leaders, and academics focused on developing sustainable energy solutions.

Through his studies, Shaikh Khalifa aims to support the development of resilient, flexible policies that align ambitious regional energy visions with practical implementation strategies. His work underscores the importance of adaptable regulatory frameworks and the need for continuous collaboration, as the GCC region seeks to build a sustainable energy future that addresses both regional needs and global climate imperatives.

Shaikh Khalifa Al-Maktoum's research interests focus on policy-driven renewable energy growth, sustainable development, and reducing carbon emissions in Dubai and the Middle East, with a particular emphasis on adaptable regulatory frameworks and the role of government policies in energy transitions