SusTAIN 2026 Aligned with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Madinah · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia October 6, 2026 – October 8, 2026 University of Prince Mugrin The 1st International Conference on Technology and Engineering Innovation for Sustainability SusTAIN 2026 Aligned with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Madinah · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia October 6, 2026 – October 8, 2026 University of Prince Mugrin The 1st International Conference on Technology and Engineering Innovation for Sustainability
University of Prince Mugrin (UPM) SusTAIN 2026
Madinah at sunset — Al-Masjid an-Nabawi
Call for papers – Live
Artificial Intelligence Sustainability Emerging Tech

A sustainable
future, engineered
from Madinah.

Theme ·Empowering a Sustainable Society with Innovation: Application of Emerging Technologies & Engineering

SusTAIN 2026 is the The 1st International Conference on Technology and Engineering Innovation for Sustainability — bringing researchers, engineers and policymakers around emerging technologies, Aligned with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals., and the UN SDGs.

Submit a paper See the programme
400+
Expected researchers
8
Scientific tracks
5
UN SDGs mapped
3
Days · Madinah · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

Under the Patronage of

His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Sultan bin Abdulaziz

Governor of Madinah Province

برعاية كريمة من صاحب السمو الملكي الأمير

سلمان بن سلطان بن عبدالعزيز

أمير منطقة المدينة المنورة

// Identity

The conference, at a glance.

Read more →
01
Name

The 1st International Conference on Technology and Engineering Innovation for Sustainability

(SusTAIN 2026)

02
Theme

A sustainable future, engineered from Madinah.

Application of emerging technologies & engineering

03
Date & Place

October 6 – 8, 2026

Madinah · Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

// About

Why SusTAIN,
why now?

Aligned with Vision 2030 and the UN Sustainable Development Goals. · UN SDGs

As global challenges intensify, SusTAIN 2026 provides a strategic, multidisciplinary platform to harness emerging technologies for sustainable growth.

Hosted at University of Prince Mugrin in Madinah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the conference brings together scientists, engineers, innovators and industry to exchange the latest research output supporting sustainable societies — establishing the conference as a catalyst for national and international sustainability innovation.

Five SDGs mapped to the conference tracks

07Energy
09Innovation
11Cities
13Climate
17Partners
Al-Masjid an-Nabawi — the Green Dome and the courtyard shade umbrellas, Madinah
Madinah — host city of SusTAIN 2026

// Why participate

Four reasons your presence makes a difference.

Strategic Networking

Build high-level partnerships with policymakers and industry experts to scale your innovations.

Scientific Recognition

Showcase your research within a framework dedicated to UN SDGs and global environmental standards.

Market Insight

Gain first-hand knowledge of National RDI priorities related to sustainability and explore advances aligned with Vision 2030.

Contribution

Showcase your contribution to the transition toward a knowledge-based, sustainable economy.

// Our vision

Six ambitions
driving the conference.

SusTAIN 2026 sets out to:

/01

Foster interdisciplinary collaboration

Encourage dialogue and partnerships across technology, engineering and other disciplines to address sustainability challenges.

/02

Promote innovation for sustainability

Showcase and explore novel solutions for environmental, economic, cultural and societal sustainability.

/03

Align with Vision 2030

Support national priorities while contributing to the global Sustainable Development Goals.

/04

Bridge academia and industry

Facilitate exchange between researchers, professionals and decision-makers for real-world impact.

/05

Empower emerging researchers

Open a platform for students, early-career researchers and startups to present ideas aligned with sustainable futures.

/06

Highlight best practices

Use successful regional and global models, technologies and frameworks for sustainability.

// Key dates

Keep these on your calendar.

  1. 25 Apr 2026
    Call for Papers, Tutorial/Workshop & Demo Proposals
    Open
  2. 10 Jul 2026 25 Jul 2026 Extended
    Full papers due & tutorial/demo proposals deadline
    Hard
  3. 30 Jul 2026 15 Aug 2026 Extended
    Notification of acceptance
    –
  4. 05 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 Extended
    Camera-ready due
    –
  5. 05 Aug 2026 20 Aug 2026 Extended
    Early-bird registration deadline
    –
  6. 06 Oct 2026
    Conference dates
    Main

// Call for papers

Open now to researchers worldwide.

SusTAIN 2026 invites researchers, engineers, innovators and professionals to submit original research and innovative ideas related to sustainability.

Why submit?

Participating in SusTAIN 2026 offers more than academic recognition. It is a platform to:

  • Showcase your work to an international audience.
  • Contribute to real-world sustainable solutions.
  • Connect with leading experts, researchers and industry.
  • Gain visibility among global institutions and decision-makers.

Selected papers and projects will be presented alongside distinguished Keynote Speakers and innovators from around the world.

Submit via ReviewPilot

// Conference tracks

Eight scientific tracks.

Covering the full spectrum of sustainability engineering, from smart cities and AI to digital Hajj & Umrah solutions.

01

Emerging Technologies and Smart Cities for Sustainable Infrastructure

Smart city systems, intelligent infrastructure and resilient urban ecosystems built for sustainability.

Topics

Smart city systems Intelligent infrastructure Sustainable mobility Smart housing Urban resilience
02

AI, Arabic Language Processing, and LLM Applications to Sustainability

Machine learning, Arabic NLP and large language models in service of sustainability use-cases.

Topics

Machine learning Arabic NLP Large language models AI for climate & energy Responsible AI
03

Cybersecurity and Blockchain for Securing Sustainable Developments

Protecting digital and physical sustainability infrastructure with cybersecurity and distributed-ledger systems.

Topics

Critical-infrastructure security Blockchain for sustainability Privacy-preserving systems Smart-grid security Digital resilience
04

Sustainability in Digital Education and Society

EdTech, digital literacy and social technologies that promote sustainable societies.

Topics

Digital education platforms EdTech for sustainability Inclusive societies Social innovation Digital citizenship
05

Networking and Industry 5.0 for Sustainable Development

Next-generation networks and human-centric Industry 5.0 manufacturing for sustainable value chains.

Topics

5G/6G networks IIoT Industry 5.0 Sustainable manufacturing Edge computing
06

Sustainable Health Informatics and Telemedicine

Digital health, telemedicine and informatics systems improving access and sustainability of care.

Topics

Telemedicine mHealth Health informatics Sustainable healthcare delivery Clinical AI
07

Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Metaverse for Sustainable Applications

Immersive technologies — AR, VR and metaverse — applied to education, training and sustainable services.

Topics

AR/VR systems Metaverse platforms Immersive training Digital twins Spatial computing
08

Digital Technologies for Sustainable Hajj and Umrah Solutions

Crowd management, mobility, services and AI/IoT solutions for sustainable Hajj and Umrah experiences.

Topics

Crowd management Smart mobility for pilgrims IoT for holy sites AI-powered services Sustainable logistics

// Keynotes

Keynote speakers.

View all keynote speakers
Prof. Dr. Mohamed-Slim Alouini

Prof. Dr. Mohamed-Slim Alouini

Computer, Electrical and Mathematical Science and Engineering (CEMSE) Division, King Abdullah University of Science and Technology (KAUST), Thuwal, Saudi Arabia

Above the Clouds & Below the Orbit: A Sustainable Future Enabled by Free-Space Optics and RF Coexistence in Terrestrial and Stratospheric Networks

 Prof. Dr. Anis Koubaa

Prof. Dr. Anis Koubaa

Director of AlfaisalX: Center of Cognitive Robotics and Autonomous Agents · Alfaisal University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia

Toward a Sustainable Self-Driving University: Transform or Perish

 Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Mageed

Dr. Muhammad Abdul-Mageed

University of British Columbia, Canada

Next-Generation Arabic AI: Dialectal, Multimodal, Efficient, and Sustainable

 Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan

Prof. Muhammad Khurram Khan

Professor of Cybersecurity, Center of Excellence in Information Assurance, King Saud University, Saudi Arabia

Securing Sustainable Intelligent Infrastructures: AI Vulnerabilities, Cyber Resilience, and Trustworthy Digital Ecosystems

 Prof. Christel Bergström

Prof. Christel Bergström

Director of The Swedish Drug Delivery Center · Professor in Molecular Pharmaceutics, Uppsala University, Sweden

AI, modelling and simulation for sustainable development of new medicines

// Organising committee

The team behind the conference.

A distinguished group of academics and practitioners shaping SusTAIN 2026.

H.E. Dr. Bandar M. Hajjar

Honorary Chair

H.E. Dr. Bandar M. Hajjar

Honorary Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Prof. Dr. Omar Tayan

General Chair

Prof. Dr. Omar Tayan

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Prof. Dr. Adel Ben Mnaouer

General Co-Chair

Prof. Dr. Adel Ben Mnaouer

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Technical Program Committee 3 members
Prof. Dr. Omar Tayan

Prof. Dr. Omar Tayan

Technical Program Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Prof. Dr. Adel Ben Mnaouer

Prof. Dr. Adel Ben Mnaouer

Technical Program Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Maha Modather

Technical Program Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Track Chairs 15 members

Track 1

Emerging Technologies and Smart Cities for Sustainable Infrastructure

  • Prof. Lamia Chaari University of Sfax · Tunisia
  • Dr. Abdelaziz Hammouri University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Track 2

AI, Arabic Language Processing, and LLM Applications to Sustainability

  • Dr. Soumaya Chaffar University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia
  • Dr. Abdurazzag Almiladi University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Track 3

Cybersecurity and Blockchain for Securing Sustainable Developments

  • Prof. Mohammed Abdur Rahman University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia
  • Dr. Bassem Ouni Khalifa University · United Arab Emirates

Track 4

Sustainability in Digital Education and Society

  • Dr. Muna Khushaim University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia
  • Prof. Dr. Ahmed Alkhodre Islamic University of Madinah · Saudi Arabia

Track 5

Networking and Industry 5.0 for Sustainable Development

  • Prof. Hatem Boujemaa SUP'COM · Tunisia
  • Dr. Badia Bouhdid ESPRIT · Tunisia

Track 6

Sustainable Health Informatics and Telemedicine

  • Dr. Mohamed Bahloul Alfaisal University · Saudi Arabia
  • Dr. Amjad Mohamad Alhalaweh University of Sharjah · United Arab Emirates

Track 7

Augmented Reality, Virtual Reality and Metaverse for Sustainable Applications

  • Dr. Adnan Ahmed University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia
  • Dr. Anas Fattouh Mälardalen University · Sweden

Track 8

Digital Technologies for Sustainable Hajj and Umrah Solutions

  • Prof. Tarek Moulahi Qassim University · Saudi Arabia
Publication Chairs 2 members

Dr. Adnan Ahmed

Publication Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Abdelaziz Hammouri

Publication Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Publicity Co-Chairs 4 members

Dr. Sanaa Askool

Publicity Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Soumaya Chaffar

Publicity Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Maha Modather

Publicity Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Maroua Abdelhafidh

Publicity Co-Chair

ISAMM, University of Manouba · Tunisia

Tutorials & Demo Committee 6 members

Dr. Rabaa Bousbih

Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Noura Alhazmi

Co-Chair

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Dr. Adnan Ahmed

Member

University of Prince Mugrin · Saudi Arabia

Ms. Razan Alnuzha

Member

Entrepreneurship Center, UPM · Saudi Arabia

Ms. Lamia Ghamri

Member

Entrepreneurship Center, UPM · Saudi Arabia

Mr. Ahmed Ennakhli

Member

Entrepreneurship Center, UPM · Saudi Arabia

// Partners & sponsors

Become a SusTAIN 2026
sponsor or partner.

Connect your brand with leading academics, policymakers and industry figures shaping the future of sustainability across the Gulf and beyond. Multiple sponsorship tiers are available — from headline branding and keynote partnerships to exhibition booths and student awards.

Request the sponsorship pack Talk to the organising committee

Headline visibility

Logo on every major touch-point: opening session, programme, banners, and website.

Speaking & sessions

Keynote slot, panel seat, or co-branded workshop track.

Exhibition presence

Booth in the venue for demos, recruiting, and partnerships.

Audience access

400+ researchers, engineers and policymakers from the GCC and beyond.

// Contact

A question? An idea? A partnership?

The organising team is available business days. Reach us by email, or come visit us at University of Prince Mugrin.

// Email us

Write to us directly

Replies in ~2 business days

Send your enquiry from your own email. To help us route your message quickly, please include your name, your affiliation, and a clear subject line.

General enquiries

Paper submissions, registration, program, and anything else about SusTAIN 2026.

sustain@upm.edu.sa
Email us

Sponsorship requests

Partnership and sponsorship enquiries go to the Scientific Research & Graduate Studies office.

srgs@upm.edu.sa
Sponsorship enquiry

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