Maha Al-Zu’bi

Regional Researcher – Sustainable & Resilient Water Systems


Maha has over 15 years of experience in managing public and internationally funded (United Nations Development Programme [UNDP], Global Green Growth Institute [GGGI], Worlf Bank, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit [GIZ], Japan International Cooperation Agency [JICA], Korea International Cooperation Agency [KOICA], United States Agency for International Development [USAID], etc.) portfolios, programs and projects in various development sectors, including water, energy, agriculture and the environment. She has over 5 years of experience in managing academic/research initiatives, such as the Global Research Initiative in Sustainable Low Carbon Unconventional Resources funded by the Canada First Research Excellence Fund at the University of Calgary, Canada. Maha conducted most of her research in the Middle East, focusing on the Arab region, with the goal of proposing local climate policy and principles for governance of climate change adaptation and mitigation. Her passion is to actively fostering interdisciplinary approaches to real-world energy, water and environmental issues. Maha has published book chapters and peer-reviewed journal articles mainly related to climate change governance, green roof policy, and energy-water-food nexus.


Current projects


Latest news for Maha Al-Zu’bi

IWMI researchers appointed as authors of UN climate change report

Actionable scientific knowledge is essential to planning for an uncertain climate future, says IWMI researchers and IPCC AR7 Lead Authors Maha Al-Zu’bi and Zafar Gafurov ...

Two years after Libya’s disastrous floods, dam neglect remains a global risk

With thousands of dams worldwide aging beyond safe limits, IWMI is working on practical ways to improve dam management, even in communities affected by conflict ...

A community in Wadi Seer inspires action for Jordan’s climate resilience

As springs flow again in Wadi Seer, a community shows how Jordan can scale nature-based solutions for water security and climate resilience ...

IWMI taps into local knowledge to build climate resilience in Jordan’s Jerash Camp  

On this World Humanitarian Day, we shed light on how IWMI’s climate-risk mapping is helping Jordan’s most crowded refugee camp with better adaptation strategies.  ...

IWMI’s new Wiqaya project aims to build transboundary resilience to sand and dust storms 

On this International Day of Combating Sand and Dust Storms, IWMI is shedding light on its new Wiqaya project that is bringing together governments, communities and partners to deliver practical, ...

Co-design shapes water solutions in Uzbekistan

Water solutions must be built not just for people, but with them. When co-design is understood not just as a method but as a mindset it can help navigate the ...

March-April 2025 Research Journal Roundup 

Roundup of research, journal and other academic articles from March and April 2025 ...

IWMI works to turn water conflict into peace with new framework for the MENA region

In the Middle East and North Africa (MENA), water is often a casualty of political instability, with access disrupted by conflict and poor governance. IWMI's new framework offers a path ...

Does saving water really save water? We rethink water conservation in Jordan

Jordan looks at systems thinking for water conservation and the irrigation paradox ...

Women break barriers in Jordan’s water and agricultural future

Jordanian women are overcoming societal and professional barriers to lead in water science, engineering, and agriculture. Their work in research and innovation is driving sustainable solutions and highlighting the need ...

Partnerships are key to transitioning to a circular economy in the Arab region

IWMI and partners identify immediate actions for shifting to circular models in the water and agriculture sectors ...

IWMI is working with governments to build water resilience at COP29 

IWMI women researchers are leading the way on actionable policy recommendations and implementation for water resource management ...

Contact

For media enquiries, please contact IWMI's communications team.

Languages

English, Arabic

Based in