Connecting the United Arab Emirates chemical sciences community through the global network of the American Chemical Society (ACS)

Welcome to the ACS-UAE Chapter

We unite chemists, researchers, educators, students, and industry leaders across the Emirates to foster collaboration, accelerate innovation, and strengthen professional growth. Through scientific events, knowledge exchange, mentorship, and outreach, we cultivate a vibrant ecosystem where chemistry drives progress.

What We Do

Advancing science, empowering education, and elevating the international presence of chemistry in the UAE.

Inspiring future leaders

Expanding global connections

Networking through chemistry

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Our Vision

To become the leading professional chemistry network in the UAE, inspiring the next generation of scientists and strengthening the nation’s scientific community through collaboration, outreach, and academic excellence.

Our Mission

The UAE ACS Chapter is committed to expanding and strengthening the chemistry community by recruiting members through strong partnerships with major institutes across the UAE. We actively engage with the local community through workshops, school programs, and participation in science festivals to promote chemical education. Through student-centered chemistry activities, we aim to increase interest in undergraduate and graduate studies in chemistry and contribute to the development of future scientific leaders in the UAE.

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Global Connection

As part of the American Chemical Society network, the Chapter provides access to international resources, professional development opportunities, and a global chemistry community.

Student Chapters & Engagement

We support independent Student ACS Chapters at universities across the UAE, creating platforms for student involvement and leadership. The Chapter operates under ACS-certified bylaws, ensuring transparent and structured governance.

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person holding black academic hat
person holding black academic hat

History of the ACS-UAE Chapter

Proposal & Approval

2015

The UAE ACS Chapter was proposed by Prof. Dr. Panče Naumov and co-founded with Prof. Dr. Wael Rabeh at New York University Abu Dhabi

Approved by the Council of the American Chemical Society at the ACS National Meeting in Boston on August 19, 2015.

Ratified by the ACS Board of Directors on December 13, 2015, authorizing operation under ACS Bylaw IX.

Official Inauguration

2016

Formally inaugurated on March 22, 2016 during the First Middle-Eastern Materials Conference at New York University Abu Dhabi.

ACS President-Elect Donna Nelson presented the official Chapter plaque to the co-founders.

First Executive Committee

2016

Chair

Prof. Wael Rabeh

Secretary

Prof. Panče Naumov

Treasurer

Prof. Na’il Saleh Ibrahim

Growth & Expansion

Present

Expanded to 100+ active members, including senior and student chemists across the UAE.

Currently oversees five Student ACS Chapters.

Continues to grow alongside the rapidly developing academic chemistry community in the United Arab Emirates.

Proposal & Approval

2015 – Proposal & Approval

The UAE ACS Chapter was proposed by Prof. Dr. Panče Naumov and co-founded with Prof. Dr. Wael Rabeh at New York University Abu Dhabi

Approved by the Council of the American Chemical Society at the ACS National Meeting in Boston on August 19, 2015.

Ratified by the ACS Board of Directors on December 13, 2015, authorizing operation under ACS Bylaw IX.

Official Inauguration

2016 – Official Inauguration

Formally inaugurated on March 22, 2016 during the First Middle-Eastern Materials Conference at New York University Abu Dhabi.

ACS President-Elect Donna Nelson presented the official Chapter plaque to the co-founders.

First Executive Committee

First Executive Committee

Chair: Prof. Wael Rabeh

Secretary: Prof. Panče Naumov

Treasurer: Prof. Na’il Saleh Ibrahim

Growth & Expansion

Expanded to 100+ active members, including senior and student chemists across the UAE.

Currently oversees five Student ACS Chapters.

Continues to grow alongside the rapidly developing academic chemistry community in the United Arab Emirates.

Leadership & Executive Committee

Prof. Na'il Saleh Ibrahim

Chair

United Arab Emirates University, UAE

Prof. Panče Naumov

Secretary

New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE

Prof. Jolly Jacob

Chair-Elect

Abu Dhabi University, UAE

Dr. Sreekumar Pankajakshan

Treasurer

New York University Abu Dhabi, UAE

Prof. Maryam Khaleel

Advisory Committee Chair

Khalifa University, UAE

Prof. Fatin Samara

Accademic Outreach Officer

American University of Sharjah, UAE

Prof. Ihsan Shehadi

Industrial Outreach Officer

University of Sharjah, UAE

Past Chairs of the Chapter

Prof. Wael Rabeh

Prof. Wael Rabeh

Prof. Yehya ElSayed

Prof. Sharmarke Mohamed

ACS-UAE Student chapters

ACS student chapters are student-led networks of undergraduate and graduate students with an interest in chemical sciences, to promote professional development, community awareness and networking. As of 2026, UAE has the following student chapters that are formally established.

Accolades

News & Events

three person pointing the silver laptop computer

ACS UAE Chapter Named Among Top Five in 2025 Membership Drive

three person pointing the silver laptop computer

National Chemistry Week Event

three person pointing the silver laptop computer

DSV Workshop

three person pointing the silver laptop computer

National STEM Hackathon - 2025

three person pointing the silver laptop computer

ACS Social Hour

three person pointing the silver laptop computer

ACS Regional Meet Up

Become A Member

Membership in the UAE ACS Chapter, for both professional and student members, is automatic for all individuals who hold an active (paid) membership in the American Chemical Society (ACS) and have a registered ACS residence address in the United Arab Emirates. No separate application for Chapter membership is required.

Contact Us

Answers to your most common questions

Who can become a member of the UAE ACS Chapter?

Do I need to apply separately to join the Chapter?

What is the mission of the UAE ACS Chapter?

Are there Student ACS Chapters in the UAE?

When was the UAE ACS Chapter established?

What benefits does the Chapter provide?

Advancing science. Empowering education. Elevating the international presence of chemistry in the UAE.

Copyright@2024

ACS-UAE

Advancing science. Empowering education. Elevating the international presence of chemistry in the UAE.

Copyright@2024

ACS-UAE

Advancing science. Empowering education. Elevating the international presence of chemistry in the UAE.

Copyright@2024

ACS-UAE

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