The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge announces 7th Edition of Abu Dhabi Science Festival on 9th of November

Abu Dhabi, October 16, 2017 - The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced in a Press Conference held today in Abu Dhabi that the 7th edition of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) will be held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and take place simultaneously at both Khalifa Park and the Al Ain Zoo from the 9th to the 18th of November 2017. 

The 7th ADSF Edition will bring together 40 brand-new activities out of a total of 71 promoting the spirit of innovation and science among children such as ‘Imaginary Playground’ and ‘Water Robot.’ Activities that have drawn a huge turnout in previous years – including ‘Dig-up-a-Dinosaur’ and ‘The Secret Life of Coral’ – are returning. More than 40 per cent of the events this year are provided by local science education organizations to ensure a memorable educational experience for visitors and participants. Organizers aim to spark the curiosity of children and motivate them to choose scientific paths in the future.

Today’s Press Conference was attended by H.E. Dr. Ali Al Nuaimi, ADEK’s Chairman; Mr. Adel Ahmed Albuainain, Chief Executive Officer of Dolphin Energy Limited; Dr. Yousef AlShaiba Alsheryani, Advisor to ADEK’s Chairman; Eng. Sanad Humaid Ahmed, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation Committee at ADEK; and other senior officials from the public and private sectors.

H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi praised the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan for the Festival since its inception. He said that the country’s wise leadership is keen to develop human capital and support all initiatives and educational projects that enhance creativity and innovation.  He added that ADSF complements national efforts to develop a new generation of outstanding talents in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) field that lead to the transition of a competitive knowledge-based driven economy.

ADEK’s Chairman added that the new edition offers a rich schedule of unique activities and events developed for two distinct locations - Khalifa Park and the Al Ain Zoo - based on an approach that stirs curiosity while providing youth with a productive, interactive and innovative learning experience that encourages them to build successful careers in science.

Commenting on the company’s sponsorship of the event, Mr. Adel Ahmed Albuainain, Chief Executive Officer, Dolphin Energy Limited, said: “The Abu Dhabi Science Festival has become an important platform for enlightening the UAE’s young minds on the importance of science and encouraging them to pursue productive careers in STEM subjects. This is the seventh year of our sponsorship and we are honored to continue to be a part of this initiative’s sustained growth.” 

Mr. Albuainain added: “Khalifa Park has been chosen as the primary location of this year’s festival. This new venue will provide more space for us to provide better experiences and we expect to welcome the biggest and most proactive crowds this year thanks to the new site.”

ADSF is a unique award-winning annual event that contributes to the competency of a new generation of innovators in the STEM fields. It has been attended by over half a million visitors and supported by more than 50 sponsors since its inception and complements the UAE’s science curriculum as well as ADEK’s focus on promoting innovation and discovery especially among young learners. 

ADSF, the largest celebration of science in the region, promotes community interest in STEM areas through various formats such as interactive exhibits, lively workshops and entertaining shows. It is specifically geared towards children aged five years old and above who embody the next generation of scientists, technologists, engineers and innovators. 

Organized school tours are an essential part of the festival, giving school children the opportunity to attend various events accompanied by their teachers. Other activities also enable participants to learn science in a fun and memorable way.

ADEK is coordinating with 15 universities and academic and scientific institutions across the UAE to be part of the event. More than 1,000 higher education students volunteered to help present the festival – including ADSF alumni who will deliver workshops and shows in an engaging and distinctive manner to inspire the new generation of future scientists.

ADEK is working closely with the Edinburgh International Science Festival to design and develop the content of ADSF 2017 which is an ideal platform for promoting community participation and educating the public about the importance of STEM areas in an interactive and entertaining environment. 

ADEK is organizing the 7th annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival in collaboration with major government and private entities such as Dolphin Energy (Presenting Sponsor), Mubadala and Emirates Transport (Affiliate Sponsors), Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation (Content Sponsor), Abu Dhabi Media (Exclusive Media Partner), Marina Mall and Dalma Mall (Mall Partners) and several local universities. Interested parties can obtain festival information, book workshops and purchase tickets in advance electronically via ADSF’s website, www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae, or through a new downloadable official ‘ADSF’ mobile app. 

The new festival location, Khalifa Park, is an easily accessible recreational landmark in the city of Abu Dhabi stretching on the East Ring Road. It spans 500,000 square meters and is adjacent to major communities such as Khalifa City, Bain al Jessrain, Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi Gate City, and Zayed City. Al Ain Zoo, on the other hand, provides a family-friendly atmosphere for ADSF’s world-class entertainment and informative science-inspired activities.