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.

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Recent Submissions

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    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.
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    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.
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    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.
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    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