Prof. Alaa Muhammad Ali Attar

Professor Alaa bin Mohammed Ali Attar is the Dean of the Faculty of Engineering at King Abdulaziz University – Rabigh Branch since 2024, and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering specializing in thermal system design and thermoelectric technologies. He earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Western Michigan University in the United States and has more than 15 years of academic and research experience. Dr. Attar’s research focuses on advanced thermal systems, including heat exchanger design, waste heat recovery, and the development of high-efficiency cooling applications using Thermoelectric Coolers (TEC), as well as the design of Thermoelectric Generators (TEG) to enhance energy production from available heat sources. He has published extensively in reputable international journals, presented at specialized global conferences—often by invitation—and leads several funded research projects in thermal energy and engineering innovation. Dr. Attar also brings extensive leadership experience, having served as Vice Dean of the college for seven years before becoming Dean. During this period, he contributed to developing strategic and academic plans, enhancing quality systems, fostering innovation, and leading key committees and developmental initiatives at the university level. He has received multiple research awards, including the Best Paper Award at the IEEE Conference in 2020