BSpace

The British University in Dubai (BUiD) Digital Repository

Welcome to BSpace, the online institutional repository of the British University in Dubai. BSpace provides access to the Dissertations, Thesis, Research projects, Faculty publications and archives of BUiD.

Submit your dissertation/thesis by completing the registration using your BUiD email.

Review the submission guidelines before you submit the final version

Communities in DSpace

Select a community to browse its collections.

Now showing 1 - 7 of 7

Recent Submissions

  • Thumbnail Image
    Item type:Item,
    A Deep Neural Network Chatbot for the Gulf Arabic Dialect: A Hybrid BiLSTM-Transformer Approach
    (The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2023-10) ALAZZAM, BAYAN AHMAD; Prof Shaalan Khaled
    Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a technology that enables machines to mimic human intelligence, with core fields including Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning (ML). Chatbot is a prominent AI application, that uses NLP techniques to engage in human-like conversations, enhancing human-machine interactions. This thesis explores the development of a chatbot that can automatically answer natural language questions, a key goal in AI. It provides a historical overview of chatbot evolution, generic workflow, and applications across various sectors. However, Chatbots are widely used, but there is a significant gap in systems specifically designed for the Gulf Emirati Arabic dialect, particularly in educational institutions and public sector universities, Existing systems are often trained on general corpora or other languages, highlighting a research gap in this area. Our proposed model addresses this gap by combining two advanced approaches in NLP. First, we employ Bidirectional Long Short-Term Memory (BiLSTM) networks for text generation, leveraging their ability to grasp contextual information and model long-term dependencies. Second, we integrate the Transformer model for both the encoding and decoding processes. This dual architecture enables our model to generate responses in Modern Standard Arabic (MSA) even when questions are posed in Gulf Arabic Dialect (GAD). The Transformer model was developed to handle MSA and GAD inputs in mixed-language environments. Three models were developed: BiLSTM, BiLSTM with Farasa Segmentation, and Hybrid BiLSTM-Transformer. After extensive experimentation, the Hybrid BiLSTM-Transformer model was the best-performing, achieving a BLEU score of 0.8674, 83% accuracy, and an F1 score of 0.86.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item type:Item,
    Transforming Non-Critical External Suppliers to Domestic Suppliers: A Risk Management Approach to Building a Competent Supply Chain in The Defense Industry
    (The British University in Dubai (BUiD), 2024-12) ALMADHAANI, HODHAIFAH; Dr Papadaki, Maria
    This thesis explores the transformation of non-critical external suppliers into domestic suppliers within the UAE’s defense industry, emphasizing a structured risk management approach to enhance supply chain competence and performance. The study identifies key challenges associated with supplier localization, including quality control, cost competitiveness, and compliance with defense industry regulations. By integrating supplier development initiatives and project risk management strategies, the research aims to address project-specific risks while promoting a resilient and self-sufficient supply chain. The study applies theoretical frameworks such as the Resource-Based View (RBV), Transaction Cost Economics (TCE), and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) to assess the interplay between risk mitigation, supplier capacity building, and localization efforts. Using a descriptive research design supported by quantitative survey data collected from stakeholders in the UAE defense sector, the research develops a comprehensive risk management framework. Findings reveal that effective project risk management and targeted supplier development positively influence supply chain resilience, efficiency, and responsiveness. The study offers practical recommendations for policymakers and industry leaders to strategically localize suppliers, improve compliance, and mitigate risks in defense operations. The research contributes to academic knowledge and industry practice by bridging gaps in supplier localization literature while supporting national security and economic growth.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item type:Item,
    Optimizing Urban Performance: Automated Multi-Objective Trade-offs Between Thermal Comfort and Energy Use in Hot Climates: Case study of Dubai City Walk.
    (2025-10) Emam, Alaa; Prof. Bassam Abuhijleh; Dr. Fuad Baba
    The growing challenge of urban heat stress in arid climates necessitates optimizing outdoor thermal comfort while reducing energy consumption. This study investigates the interplay between the Universal Thermal Climate Index (UTCI) and Energy Use Intensity (EUI) in an urban plot within Dubai City Walk. Using parametric modeling and multi-objective optimization, the research explores how urban morphology, building orientation, shading strategies, and ventilation corridors impact both pedestrian comfort and energy efficiency. The findings demonstrate that strategic urban configurations can reduce UTCI by up to 1.5°C and lower EUI by 26.5%, highlighting the potential of integrated design solutions to mitigate extreme heat. Seasonal analyses confirm the year-round effectiveness of optimized urban forms in improving outdoor usability while minimizing cooling loads. By bridging the gap between outdoor thermal performance and energy demand, this study offers practical insights for urban planners and policymakers to develop climate-responsive and energy-efficient urban environments. The results align with sustainability objectives, underscoring the need for adaptive design approaches to enhance livability in hot regions. Keywords: outdoor thermal comfort, energy use intensity (EUI), universal thermal climate index (UTCI), urban morphology, passive cooling, hot climates, sustainable urban design.
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item type:Item,
    Variation Works Under UAE Law and FIDIC Contracts
    (Sara, 2025) Mardini, Sara; Al Eisaei, Hamad
    This study addresses a crucial issue of the variation works in construction projects, and its objective is to have insight into how the variation is controlled under and by the UAE law and FIDIC contracts. It focuses on the major distinctions between the two legal systems and stresses the need for well-defined difference clauses in contracts to avoid disputes in the course of the implementation of projects. Changes are a fact of life, and sometimes they are uncontrollable, as in the case of large projects where the changes in scope, time, or cost are constantly changing. Investigating the reasons for such variation, this paper aims to explain the effects of variation on all parties concerned, the owner, the contractor, and the consultant, especially when there is a conflict. An understanding of variations and how variations are to be put into play can go a long way in minimising disputes and will undoubtedly ensure more streamlined project delivery for all stakeholders. Keywords: variation works, construction projects, UAE law, FIDIC contracts, contractual disputes, scope changes
  • Thumbnail Image
    Item type:Item,
    Students Plugged: The Psychological Impact of Smart Devices Screen Time Exposure on Cognitive Concentration Skills in Primary School Students in Abu Dhabi
    (BUID, 2025-09-07) Shorouk Sobh; Dr. Emad Abu Ayyash
    This study examined the relationship between the time primary school students spend on screens and their cognitive concentration. It gathered quantitative and qualitative data using a mixed-methods approach to provide a comprehensive view of the effects of excessive screen exposure. The cognitive concentration of students was assessed through a modified version of the CAB_AT test administered via Google Forms, which collected the quantitative data. Additionally, parents recorded screen time data over three weeks in daily logs detailing the types of content (educational and entertainment), categorised into seven types: games, social media, phone usage, watching TV or movies, and playing on LCD screens. Increased engagement with entertainment and gaming content was linked to lower cognitive scores; in other words, screen time correlated with diminished cognitive concentration. However, high screen exposure was identified as a factor influencing health, correlating with reduced cognitive concentration, while physical activity proved to be a mitigating factor. These findings were further supported by qualitative data from parental interviews, where parents expressed concerns that excessive screen time may negatively affect their children’s attention spans and behavioural outcomes. While educational content may appear beneficial for cognitive outcomes, it seems unsuitable for cognitive development—there’s a detrimental impact due to insufficient use of screens for entertainment and gaming. The findings hold significance for parents, educators, and policymakers, emphasising the importance of considering screen time for children and promoting healthy cognitive development. Keywords: screen time, cognitive skills, physical activity, selective attention, divided attention, social interaction, mental health, cognitive load theory