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Abu Dhabi Science Festival

ADEK’s Abu Dhabi Science Festival ends 2017 edition on high note with footfall of more than 100,000 visitors

Region’s premier science fair attended by more than 17,000 students
Award-winning festival featured 71 entertaining & education activities
Over 40% of activities & workshops provided by local organizations
Festival’s social media platforms log around 20,000 social media engagements
UAE, November 25, 2017 –The 7th edition of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF), the region’s premier science fair, surpassed expectations to close its highly successful 10-day run with an estimated attendance of more than 100,000 visitors and over 17,000 student participants. 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 organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK), the leading festival treated its audiences comprising mostly young students aged 5 and above to 71 exciting and educational activities and shows highlighting the wonders and importance of the Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines.

The science extravaganza was simultaneously staged at new venue Khalifa Park and perennial favorite Al Ain Zoo. More than 40 per cent of its content was provided by local partners, providing a cultural dimension to the festival and connecting visitors to the local industry. This year’s interactive activities successfully captured the imagination and sparked creativity among visitors and drew around 20,000 social media engagements on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Many topics ranging from the human body and the natural world to creative technology and space were covered by the festival’s various interactive exhibits, fun workshops and spectacular shows.

H.E. Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, Director General of ADEK, expressed his extreme satisfaction with this year’s results and extended his gratitude to all the volunteers, sponsors, government and private supporters, educators, schools, students, and other individuals and organizations that contributed to the show’s exceptional run. He said that ADEK will continue to improve the festival’s vision as a platform for inspiring the next generation of scientists, technologists and engineers.
“The Abu Dhabi Science Festival has emerged as a catalyst for developing talents for the science and technology sectors in line with the UAE Innovation Strategy and the government’s educational agenda under UAE Vision 2021. Given the very positive response to the fair this year, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge will intensify its efforts to further enhance its content, scope and influence. I would also like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all who helped make the festival special and immensely popular,” added H.E. Dr. Al Nuaimi.
Reflecting on the success of ADSF 2017, Mr. Adel Ahmed Albuainain, CEO, Dolphin Energy Limited said: “I am delighted with the response to this year’s event and it was wonderful to see so many visitors come and experience the festival and participate in the array of activities and workshops that were on offer. ADSF lies at the heart of our community outreach program; it is one of the most inspiring and rewarding events that we sponsor because it provides the opportunity to inspire the young and support the vision that aims to make Abu Dhabi a world-class center for science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Congratulations to all those involved.”
ADEK coordinated with 15 universities and academic and scientific institutions across the UAE to be part of the event. Organized student tours – an integral part of the annual festival – fostered a dynamic atmosphere of collective learning and encouraged lively discussions on the STEM field presented by each activity. More than 1,000 higher education students volunteered to present the event – including several ADSF alumni who were able to help deliver the workshops and shows in an engaging and unique manner. The organizers of the Edinburgh International Science Festival, one of Europe’s largest science festivals, helped design and develop ADSF 2017’s overall content to ensure maximum impact and participation.
The Abu Dhabi Science Festival has been attended by over half a million visitors and supported by more than 50 sponsors since its launch in 2011. This year’s edition was organized in collaboration and cooperation with major government and private entities such as Dolphin Energy Limited (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. 


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‘Hackathon’ competition

Mansoor Bin Mohammed
honors outstanding winners of 
‘Hackathon’ competition

4 young Emirati talents win the title of ‘Innovative Emirati Programmer’
International jury evaluates creative applications in line with UAE’s national policies
Local contestants demonstrate high-level skills in programming, computer thinking systems, digital applications, & electronic games

‘Emirati Programmer’ gives young local talents an opportunity to join global programming competitions

UAE, November 12, 2017– H.H. Sheikh Mansoor bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum honored the ‘Innovative Emirati Programmer’ winners of the ‘Hackathon’ competition organized by the Emirates Talent Association and Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU). The recognition marked the culmination of the successful first batch of the ‘Emirati Programmer,’ the first-of-its-kind national initiative in the UAE launched to enhance the skills of Emirati programmers in programming languages, computer thinking systems, the basics of digital application and electronic games development.

 

The closing ceremony held at HBMSU’s campus saw world-class young Emirati talents and innovators recognized for their competitive programming abilities. Dignitaries attended the event were headed by H.E. Lieutenant General Dhahi Khalfan Tamim, Deputy Chairman of Police and General Security in Dubai, Chairman of HBMSU’s Board of Governors, and Chairman of the Emirates Talent Association, H.E. Hussain Al Hammadi, Minister of Education, H.E. Humaid Al Qutami, Chairman of the Board and Director General of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), Majid Hamad Rahma Al Shamsi, member of the National Federation Council and Chairman of Union Coop’s board of directors and HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, Vice Chairman of Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and MD & CEO of Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA). Attendees applauded the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative for laying a solid foundation for human capital development and investing in the country’s human resources to build a future generation capable of driving economic growth driven by modern technology, knowledge, and innovation in line with UAE Vision 2021.
An international jury chose the winners based onset criteria, including the ability to link the creative programming projects to national policies and initiatives such as adopting a competitive and knowledge- and innovation-driven economy.
The four winners of the ‘Innovative Emirati Programmer’ title bagged the Golden Award in four categories. They were Hamdan Al Maqoodi, ‘Developing Game – Kudo Category’ for age group 7-10; Saud Ahmed Al Hosani, ‘Developing Game – Kudo Category’ for age group 11- 15; Shaikha Khalid Al Ali, ‘Developing App – Bloxmob Category’ for age group 7-10; and Saif Adnan Al Marri, ‘Developing App – Swift Category’ forage group 11-15. The four were among the 12 finalists of the ‘Hackathon’ competition, which served as a platform to put the spotlight on the global programming talents.
H.E. Tamim said: “We are proud to honor young talents with enormous creative potentials who have shown thirst for knowledge and strong interest to be part of the development process for a more advanced and prosperous future. Furthermore, the ‘Emirati Programmer’ has pushed young people to be creators of a bright future for all using their talents and achieve the highest international ranks. This success has further inspired us to excel in preparing a generation of qualified, innovative, and creative local and international young programmers. ”
“The strong partnership between the Emirates Talent Association and HBMSU has been recognized as a model for constructive cooperation among national entities for youth development. It is also aligned with what H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, has said, ‘The youth is the future and hope of our country.’ We are undoubtedly taking proactive steps to provide the world of programming with creative talents who have confidence, knowledge, determination, and leadership to guide the economy towards the highest levels of innovation and creativity,” H.E. added.
Aside from the Gold Award, Silver and Bronze Awards were also given across the four categories. The international judges comprised technology professionals led by Lewis Hall, English as Medium of Instruction (EMI) Manager, Apple Distinguished Educator; Rayan Karaky, Head of DoubleClick MENA & Turkey, Google; Ahmed Ebrahim, Microsoft Gulf Teacher Engagements Manager; and Hanan Hasan, Head of Technology Development at Al Ittihad National Private School in Abu Dhabi, Apple Distinguished Educator.
Hall said: “As a jury member, it is an honor to witness the creativity and innovative skills of young Emirati talents, who have exhibited strong potentials in programming. I am glad to see their eagerness to develop applications relevant to local society and have the potentials to address future challenges. We are also confident that the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative was a step in the right direction to build a generation capable and qualified to develop applications supporting the progress of the UAE and the rest of the world.”
Karaky thanked the Emirates Talent Association and HBMSU for the opportunity to be one of the judges. He said: “It is inspiring to see the youth using their imagination combined with their capabilities to master programming languages, which play a major role in the modern era. We are looking forward to seeing more talented Emirati entrepreneurs, application developers, and programmers in the future. Allow me also to announce that we are turning Shaikha’s proposal into a reality by putting her application in our application store. Additionally, I will continuously follow the projects and innovations of other promising talents to instill creativity and innovation in the UAE.”
After the ceremony, the winners presented their applications and projects at the ‘Coding Expo.’
The winners in the ‘Developing App – Bloxmob’ (7 to 10 years old) category are Shaikha Khalid Al Ali – Diabetes Learning Bag (Gold); Sarah Saeed Al Awar – Read-ester (Silver); and Wid Hamad Al Awar – Slime Angle (Bronze); and in the ‘Developing App – Swift’ (11 to 15 years old), Saif Adnan Al Marri – Discount Me IN (Gold); Abdulla Al Jawi- Discover Dubai (Silver); and Mohammed Alowais – Family Hub (Bronze). 
The victors in the ‘Developing App – Swift’ (7 to 10 years old) are Hamadan Al Maqoodi – Road Kill (Gold); Zayed Saif Al Zaabi – Death Road (Silver); and Ali Saif Al Zaabi – Save Water Save Life (Bronze); while Saud Al Hosani – Star Fires (Gold); Hind Saad Abbas – Mars Rock On (Silver); Fahad Al Awadi – Dodge and Race (Bronze) won in ‘Developing Game – Kudo’ (11 and 15 years old) category.
Student Shaikha Khalid Al Ali, Gold Winner of ‘Bloxmob’ for 7 to 10 years old, expressed her happiness for being part of the successful competition. She added that the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative provided her with a unique opportunity to acquire key programming and smart application development skills which she used to create her simple and streamlined Diabetes Learning Bag app. She also thanked the Emirates Talent Association, HBMSU, and event organizers for supporting her in achieving her ambition and turning her idea into a concrete application.
About 96 graduates comprised the first batch of the ‘Emirati Programmer’ initiative, 46 of whom qualified for the semi-finals and 12 reached the finals. The participants received high-level training under the direct supervision of renowned instructors who specialize in the three-level ‘Lifelong learning model.’ The training ensured that the local contestants would excel in the “Hackathon” competition. The  ‘Emirati Programmer’ focused on providing talented youth with new knowledge and skills in computer language programming to design games and digital and electronic applications using multiple programming platforms such as Microsoft’s KODU Game Lab, Apple’s Swift, Google’s Blockly, and  ‘Cloud Campus.’
 
 


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7th Abu Dhabi Science Festival

7th Abu Dhabi Science Festival to feature nearly a dozen exciting learning activities for kids at Al Ain Zoo
 
Kids Dig! New Waterlight Graffiti among expected crowd favourites
 
Abu Dhabi, November 07, 2017 – The Abu Dhabi Department for Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced that the 7th Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) to 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, will include more than 10 exciting learning activities at the Al Ain Zoo, one of the event’s two venues.
Aside from the returning Kids Dig! and Splat! which drew huge crowds at the zoo last year, the latest edition of the Middle East’s premier science festival, running from November 9 to 18 2017, will feature new attractions such as Waterlight Graffiti and The Loony Gas show.
 
Sponsored by Dolphin Energy Limited, Kids Dig! introduces young students to the world of archeology by enabling them to dig up items using real tools used for archeological exploration and helping them interpret their finds.
 
On the other hand, participants can become mini-robot engineers, by attending Cubelets Robot Blocks sessions and creating their own unique robots from blocks and magnetic faces.

The debuting Waterlight Graffiti will bring out children’s artistry by allowing them to create dazzling interactive installations lit by thousands of LED lights from just a sponge, brush, water gun and water atomizer.
 
Engr. Sanad Humaid Ahmed, Vice Chairman of the Innovation Committee at the Abu Dhabi Department for Education and Knowledge, said: “The Abu Dhabi Science Festival has made a significant mark as an educational activity that exposes children to disciplines such as archeology and engineering in a highly engaging and hands-on manner. This year we will once again balance the theoretical and practical aspects of learning through sessions that give students supervised access to the real tools of the trade while explaining to them the importance of the various scientific fields they encounter throughout the festival.”
 
Mr. Adel Ahmed Albuainain, CEO, Dolphin Energy Limited, said: “Children can surprise us with their ability to absorb information and be creative even at their young age. The Abu Dhabi Science Festival provides an excellent learning-themed playground for us to arouse interest in various major scientific fields and inspire the next generation of archaeologists, robotics experts and even artists. We want today’s youths to be comfortable with science and realize that knowledge opens up limitless possibilities.”
 
The 2017 Abu Dhabi Science Festival will feature 71 unique activities. ADEK is coordinating with 15 universities and academic and scientific institutions nationwide for participation in the event. More than 1,000 volunteer higher education students will help deliver the workshops and shows in an engaging and distinctive manner.
ADEK is organizing the 7th annual Abu Dhabi Science Festival simultaneously at both Khalifa Park and the Al Ain Zoo 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. 



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UNESCO General Conference in Paris

Mansoor Al Awar presents report for UNESCO Institute for Information Technologies in Education during UNESCO General Conference in Paris
UAE, November 7, 2017 – Dr Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE), recently participated in several meetings at the UNESCO General Conference in Paris and presented his report on the UNESCO IITE including ‘Policy Advocacy and Technical Assistance,’ ‘Teacher Professional Development’, ‘Open Education Resources and Digital Pedagogy,’ as well as ‘National Capacity Building for ICT in Health and Wellbeing Education’. 
 
Dr. Mansoor Al Awar, Chancellor of the Hamdan Bin Mohammed Smart University (HBMSU) and Chairman of the Governing Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Institute for Information Technologies in Education (IITE)

Al Awar highlighted the activities of the IITE Governing Board, including networking and strategic partnerships as well as challenges and lessons learned. He also emphasized the ongoing efforts to support UNESCO’s initiatives in realizing education’s goals up to 2030 to provide a fair and inclusive education and promote the lifelong learning opportunities for all. On the sidelines of the meetings, Dr. Al Awar also took part in a meeting with H.E. Hussain Ibrahim Al Hammadi, Minister of Education for the UAE and Minister of Education of Switzerland, which addressed common issues and shared interests in education.


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GETEX Autumn 2017

GETEX Autumn 2017 opens doors to more than 5,000 learners keen to take up higher education 
 
Leading education event throws spotlight on occupational & industrial skills, continuing education & professional development
 
November 1, 2017 – Gulf Education and Training Exhibition (GETEX) Autumn Edition 2017, the latest edition of the leading student recruitment platform in the Middle East and Asia, has opened today (Wednesday, November 1, 2017) at Hall 5 of the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre to help more than 5,000 learners around the region find the right educational choice from over 600 courses.

 

The region’s most trusted event for higher education features a wide variety of study streams from over 50 regional and international universities located in eight countries, which are set to open their admissions between November 2017 and April 2018. The courses are focused on occupational and industrial skills, continuing education courses and other professional development offerings.
 
Anselm Godinho, Managing Director, IC&E and organizer of GETEX, said: “We are excited to present to students and parents the range of new courses and career options they can choose from in this year’s Autumn Edition of GETEX. Universities are here to address student’s concerns and present their course options to learners aspiring to study further. Admissions officers and education counselors are ready to offer them career guidance on the appropriate program, including advice on scholarship opportunities.”
 
For more information, please visit: http://www.mygetex.com/