Emirates Foundation kicks off 2014 “Think Ccience” Fair and Competition

Helping a new generation of Emirati scientists 

Dubai, UAE, 20 April 2014 - Young scientists from all over the UAE gathered today to show off the brain power that is fuelling innovation in the country at the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development  ’Think Science Fair’.

Held under the Patronage of H.H Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister and Chairman of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development, the science fair is one of the biggest events of its kind in the region, attracting thousands of school and university students, parents, academics, investors and private sector representatives. This year’s event witnessed a grand opening inauguration with His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed Al Nahyan welcoming students and participants to the fair and competition that  will continue until April 22, 2014 at the World Trade Center in Dubai. 

The Think Science program aims to inspire, encourage, and empower Emirati youth, between the ages of 15 and 24 years, to follow their passion for science with interactive, hands-on activities in the fields of engineering, energy, aviation and other technological industries.

On this occasion, His Highness Sheikh Theyab bin Mohammed Al Nahyan said: "I am glad to be part of the “Think Science Fair” which is considered one of the biggest scientific exhibitions in the United Arab Emirates and the Middle East region, showcasing innovative projects and inventions of the Emirati youth interested in science and technology. 

Today, I feel proud of the innovation and scientific excellence and creative potentials of Emirati youth who provided a successful model for Arab youth characterized with confidence and armed with scientific skills, strong will and determination and supported by all government and private sectors. I urge all industry partners and stakeholders to interact and connect with these young scientists and provide them with all forms of support to achieve the desired goals of this project and encourage youth to choose scientific fields as a course of study and future career path which will serve the wider national vision and boost UAE national development in the future."

Maytha Al Habsi, Chief Programmes Officer at the Emirates Foundation said: “Think Science Fair is part of our drive to have a positive and sustainable impact on the lives of Emirati youth. Through this initiative we aim to inspire, encourage and recognize youth across UAE and provide them with opportunities to further develop their knowledge and analytical thinking, and enable participation in solving local and global technological issues.” 

The fair will exhibit scientific inventions designed and built by young UAE scientists as part of the “Think Science” competition. More than 550 youth aged between 15 and 24 year olds from public and private schools and universities have entered the competition under the guidance of 150 mentors and supervisors from educational institutions across the UAE.

The schools competition focuses on electrical engineering, environmental sciences, industrial and mechanical systems, non-conventional energy, sustainable energy, physics and chemistry, safety systems, smart systems and transportation. The universities competition is centred around three main categories: Energy & Environment, Smart & Safety systems, and Applied Sciences & Engineering. 

The fair also act as a platform to connect youth with experts through motivational sessions that focus on key areas in education.  Discussion panels allow participants to hear from scientist who have made careers out their passion.  There are also various companies and academia at the fair to offer career advice to those in attendance. 

The event will be a heightened engagement initiative connecting young people with a strategic scientific network. The Fair also offers individual companies, academia and government institutions the opportunity to showcase their work and connect directly with UAE youth. 30 institutions were selected to exhibit at this event.

The fair, organised in partnership with the Ministry of Education and the Abu Dhabi Educational Council, is part of the Emirates Foundation’s continuous efforts to inspire and empower UAE students to innovate in the fields of science and technology. The “Think Science” program was launched in September 2012 as part of the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development’s efforts to inspire and encourage UAE youth to embrace careers in science.