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Winners of UAE Electric Vehicle Grand Prix announced

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

The winners of the second edition of the UAE Electric Vehicle Grand Prix (UAE EVGP) for high school students have been announced. 

The UAE EVGP 2024 was co-organised by Global EEE and 3elm Education and Training in partnership with the US Mission in the UAE, NYU Abu Dhabi, ProjoTech, Al Forsan International Sports Resort, and PepsiCo. 

The winning teams from Shenandoah Valley Virginia, Al Ittihad Private School, and Harissonburg High School were ranked based on the most laps completed at the race. 

The race took place on March 2 at Al Forsan International Sports Resort in Abu Dhabi and brought together more than 450 participating high school students.

The US team from Shenandoah Valley in Virginia joined as an independent team and won first place after completing 32 laps on a single battery charge, it was shared. 

Second place overall and first place in the UAE was awarded to Ittihad Private School with 30 laps achieved. 

Teams from schools in the UAE received awards in 12 of the 13 categories. 

These teams were placed first in:

  • The best-performing new team, 
  • Car workmanship, 
  • Technical innovation, 
  • Innovation in the use of 3D printing, 
  • Best car graphics, 
  • Best video, 
  • Best photo, and 
  • The Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) award.

The panel of judges comprised experts from the private sector, academia, and government, including representatives from the US Department of Transportation and the Washington DC Department of Energy and Environment.

Commenting on the event, NYU Abu Dhabi Vice Chancellor Mariët Westermann said: “We congratulate the winners of the Electric Vehicle Grand Prix and commend all the participating teams. It is inspiring to see high school students combine academic learning with hands-on exploration of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts in an exciting real-world context. We are proud to serve as the academic partner. We will continue working at NYU Abu Dhabi to prepare and empower the next generation to explore cutting-edge technologies and drive positive change toward a sustainable future.”

Lina Lampkin from 3elm Education added: “We imagine that the students from the UAE building the electrical vehicles in this program will shape the future of sustainable mobility tomorrow. We witnessed the students’ innovation and creativity during the student cantered and fun race day and we congratulate all participants and winners. The UAE EVGP program is one of our flagship projects at 3elm Education because we believe in creating hope for the future through education.”

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Innovation & EducationLatest News

MoHAP hosts ‘Innovation… for Sustainable Health’ event

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

The Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) recently hosted the “Innovation…for Sustainable Health” event at its Dubai headquarters, featuring a series of interactive workshops and sessions aimed at showcasing the health sector’s developments, services, and role in promoting healthy living habits.

Held in conjunction with the UAE Innovation Month under the theme of “UAE Innovates 2024,” the event featured a number of sessions and workshops on everything from the future of the sector in the UAE and Emiratisation to the ideal health model and global health sector trends.

HE Dr. Mohammed Salim Al Olama, Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), commented: “Guided by the wise leadership’s directives, MoHAP is committed to developing a strategic national framework for innovation while also nurturing an institutional culture that actively promotes innovation, research, and development.”

Adding: “This framework can serve as a guiding light towards delivering premier health services supported by cutting-edge technologies such as artificial intelligence and smart systems.”

“The Ministry strives to achieve its vision by delivering comprehensive and innovative health services, coupled with its regulatory and supervisory functions via a sophisticated health legislative framework.”

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Food & WaterLatest News

UAE President launches water initiative & partnership with XPRIZE

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, has launched the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative, it has been announced. 

The initiative is aimed at tackling the water scarcity crisis and will be chaired by His Highness Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs; and vice-chaired by His Excellency Khaldoon Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of the Executive Affairs Authority.

As the water crisis intensifies, the Mohamed bin Zayed Water Initiative seeks to raise awareness around the issue and drive forward technological innovation targeted at solving it. 

International cooperation and partnership are also key priorities here, and on Thursday, the XPrize Water Scarcity competition was launched, a collaboration between the UAE initiative and the US-headquartered XPrize Foundation.

With an investment of $150 million, the five-year global competition invites innovators to focus efforts on making water desalination technologies more sustainable and affordable, with a prize purse of $119 million.

This development follows the publishing of the UAE’s discussion paper on water scarcity last year, which launched a call for decisive and coordinated international action. 

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Innovation & EducationLatest News

EtihadWE showcases initiatives & projects at MOEI Innovation Week

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

During the “Innovation Week,” organised over three days by the Ministry of Energy and Infrastructure (MOEI), Etihad Water and Electricity (EtihadWE) showcased a range of initiatives and projects on clean energy and water.

The event, which took place concurrently with the “UAE Innovates 2024” events, highlighted innovation targeted at supporting the objectives of the UAE Centennial 2071.

The company spotlighted its various initiatives for using clean energy, including converting golf carts used for internal transport to solar-powered vehicles.

The innovation team shared it is currently working on developing this idea to include converting the vehicles to operate on kinetic energy.

EtihadWE also presented its design for a mobile charging vehicle to service electric vehicles needing emergency road charging.

Further, the company showcased an advanced sensor used in water tanks to send immediate alerts to officials when there is a change in water colour or chemical properties.

This, it shared, is capable of automatically closing valves to prevent the pumping of unfit water for consumption, along with a system for remote periodic inspection of high-pressure pipes.

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Innovation & EducationLatest News

MoE launches the Entrepreneurship Challenge

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

The UAE Ministry of Education has launched the Entrepreneurship Challenge under the Graduate Fund.

The Challenges will provide Emirati university students and graduates, with the necessary training and tools for entrepreneurial success.

It comes under the umbrella of the ‘Projects of the 50’ programmes and initiatives aimed at enabling progress on the developmental path of the UAE and developing the national economic ecosystem.

UAE nationals aged between 18 and 35 who are university students and graduates can participate in the Entrepreneurship Challenge.

Commenting on the programme, His Excellency Dr. Ahmad Belhoul Al Falasi, Minister of Education, said: “At the Ministry of Education, we are working to nurture, motivate and qualify all talented Emirati university students and graduates, and enhance their competitiveness across all fields. We are keen to empower those with entrepreneurial and innovative ideas, enabling them to translate their creative ideas into successful businesses and projects, which contributes to further enhancing the UAE’s world-class entrepreneurial environment that has enabled us to maintain the highest rankings in the Global Entrepreneurship Index globally.”

Adding: “The Entrepreneurship Challenge, the first programme of the Graduate Fund, fosters the values of innovation and creativity among young Emiratis and encourages them to transform their ambitions into reality.”

Those participating will have the opportunity to win up to AED 2 million worth of prizes that will be distributed among 12 Emirati winners.

Winners can also join advanced incubator and accelerator programmes and receive personalised mentoring and coaching sessions.

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Innovation & EducationLatest NewsSocial

LEAP 2024 set to spotlight women in tech

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Technology event LEAP 2024 is returning for its third edition, set to take place at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre in the capital’s Malham district from March 4-7.

This year’s event, organised by Tahaluf alongside the Ministry of Communications and Information Technology (MCIT), features an inclusivity-focused program.

Part of this is the ‘Women in Tech’ program, which will feature content, investment, networking, and entrepreneurial mentorship opportunities, as well as a dedicated startup award.

Speaking about the event and its focus on inclusivity, Annabelle Mander, Senior Vice President of Tahaluf, said: “Female representation is across all of LEAP’s features and reflects the event’s mission of driving economic diversification and providing market access to international business.”

The LEAP 2024 ‘Women in Tech’ program will have a horizontal content track with a speaker line-up including former government ministers, C-suite executives, ethics advisors, and venture capitalists.

The event will also feature the Women’s Investor Forum, Entrepreneur Mentorship Scheme, and the Rocket Fuel pitch competition’s Aviatrix Award, which carries a US$150,000 prize purse for the best and most innovative startup pioneered by women founders.

LEAP organisers anticipate a record-breaking turnout of over 180,000 visitors in March, up from 172,000 at last year’s event.

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EnergyInnovation & EducationLatest News

DEWA’s Innovation Centre and Gulf Renewable Energy Lab collaborate on training for renewable energy projects

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA)’s Innovation Centre has collaborated with the Gulf Renewable Energy Lab to organise training on on developing and delivering a renewable energy project per global best practices in the renewable energy sector.

This is part of DEWA’s professional certification programmes and training courses that are aimed at accelerating the energy transition through expanding and promoting clean and renewable energy projects.

Graduates of the programme received the ‘Financial Modelling & Analysis of Renewable Energy Projects’ international certificate.

“We support the development of the clean and renewable energy sector as well as strengthening the skills and knowledge of experts and the youth while focusing on developing National talents. We aim to empower Emiratis to be active contributors in anticipating and shaping the future of renewable energy and involve them in the path of sustainable development. This supports the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050 and the Dubai Net Zero Carbon Emissions Strategy 2050 to provide 100% of the energy production capacity from clean energy sources by 2050,” said HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA.

Adding: “The Innovation Centre, at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, is an educational platform that hosts events, conferences, seminars, and workshops. It is a global incubator for innovations in clean energy and knowledge sharing through its robust and constructive partnerships with universities, corporations, and startups. The centre is equipped with the latest renewable and clean energy technologies. It provides a range of interactive scientific experiments, making it an ideal destination for those interested in expanding their knowledge and technical and practical expertise in clean and renewable energy.”

The two parties shared that attendees included those with a bachelor’s degree or a diploma in mechanical/electrical engineering or other engineering fields, and professionals with university degrees in finance specialising in project financing and evaluation of renewable energy projects.

Through the training, participants were able to gain insight into developing a comprehensive financial model for planning, investments and financial analysis of renewable energy projects.

“The Gulf Renewable Energy Lab plays a major role in supporting the transition to renewable energy through knowledge localisation initiatives and being an incubator of research, development, and innovation programmes. The lab is the largest and the most modern centre for renewable energy in the Middle East and North Africa. The GCC countries, represented by The GCC Interconnection Authority, have established the lab to develop the energy mix and localise the testing, inspection, and consultancy services. We are proud of our partnership with DEWA to promote efforts that enable the GCC youth in this sector, build a knowledge-based economy, and enhance local content,” said Saeed Abubaker Belhaddad, General Manager, Gulf Renewable Energy Lab.

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EnvironmentInnovation & EducationLatest News

GBI to produce biodegradable PLA in KEZAD

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

Gulf Biopolymers Industries Ltd. (GBI) has joined the KEZAD ecosystem under a 50-year lease agreement, it has been announced. The establishment of the new GBI facility will make it the first unique producer of biomass-based, recyclable, and biodegradable polymers in the Middle East.

The facility will span 135,000 sqm in KEZAD, with a capacity of 30,000 mt per annum, and will be dedicated to producing Poly Lactic Acid (PLA), which it said is a fully biodegradable material derived from renewable resources.

Speaking about the facility, Mohamed Al Khadar Al Ahmed, CEO Khalifa Economic Zones Abu Dhabi – KEZAD Group, said: “The establishment of GBI’s facility is more than an industrial venture; it’s a catalyst for broader economic growth and environmental sustainability. By attracting similar industries and supporting services, KEZAD is creating a vibrant network of innovation and business synergy with GBI as a key facet of this ecosystem.

“KEZAD Group is thrilled to welcome Gulf Biopolymers Industries Ltd. and looks forward to the enduring, positive impact of our collaboration on the region and the industry at large. Together, we are setting new standards for industrial innovation and commitment to a sustainable future,” he added.

Harald Kroll, CEO of Gulf Biopolymers Industries Ltd., commented: “We are proud to announce the establishment of the first biopolymer plant in The MENA region. This project is a milestone for the reduction of fossil-based plastics and advancing the adoption of environmentally friendly PLA polymers. Together with our customers we are actively contributing to decarbonization, advancing the circular economy, and creating a less polluted future for our planet. GBI is very much looking forward to closely collaborating with the KEZAD Group with the best fit for our project”.

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Innovation & EducationLatest News

Industry and Advanced Technology Forum explores role of quality infrastructure in driving sustainable industrial development

by Madaline Dunn
written by Madaline Dunn

The Industry and Advanced Technology Forum at this year’s WGS, was organised by the Ministry of Industry and Advanced Technology (MoIAT), in cooperation with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). It sought to address global challenges and solutions in developing quality infrastructure, as well as its role in achieving inclusive and sustainable industrial development.

There, the ‘Make it in the Emirate initiative’ came into the spotlight, with a focus on its role in enhancing the competitiveness of local products and enhancing the resilience and sustainability of supply chains.

Discussions at the Forum aimed to shape policies that enhance its contribution to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in industrial sustainability and development.

Also discussed were the UAE’s business environment, incentives and enablers, competitive financing and credit insurance, and competitive advantages such as logistics and quality infrastructure.

Sessions held as part of this Forum saw the participation of Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards & Regulations Sector, MoIAT; His Excellency Osama Amir Fadhel, Assistant Undersecretary for the Industrial Accelerators Sector at MoIAT; Jo Cops, President, International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), Ciyong Zou, Deputy Director-General and Managing Director, UNIDO, Ramy Zaki, CEO, Multinational Companies Business Group and His Excellency Ahmed Al Naqbi, CEO of Emirates Development Bank (EDB).

Her Excellency Dr. Farah Al Zarooni, Assistant Undersecretary for the Standards & Regulations Sector, MoIAT, commented: “The ministry is committed to enhancing quality infrastructure in line with its strategic objectives. The quality infrastructure ecosystem, which comprises standards, accreditation, and conformity, is fundamental to facilitating trade, creating an attractive business environment for local and international investors, as well as expanding access to global markets. This further bolsters the growth and competitiveness of our national industries, strengthening the UAE’s position as a pioneering nation of a resilient and sustainable quality infrastructure.”

She added: “The UAE ranked first in the MENA region and 11th globally in UNIDO’s 2022 Quality Infrastructure for Sustainable Development Index report, which demonstrates its commitment to aligning with global best practices and advancing the ecosystem.”

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