The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences has wrapped up the fifth season of its “Future Science Challenge,” marking a significant increase in engagement from young innovators across the Arab world. The competition drew 681 nominated teams, consisting of 1,713 students from 17 different entities, underscoring its growing influence as a platform for developing talent in future-focused technologies.
Quick Facts
- 1,713 students participated from 17 regional entities.
- Competition saw nearly 35% growth from last season.
- Theme focused on AI and IoT for tourism.
Expanding its Pan-Arab Reach
This year’s competition recorded a nearly 35% jump in participation compared to its fourth edition, signaling a strengthening of its reach across the Gulf and wider Arab region. The fifth season welcomed first-time participants from the Sharjah Private Education Authority, Rubu’ Qarn Centre, and Lebanon’s Ministry of Education and Higher Education. Out of 914 registered teams, 681 were officially nominated to compete.
To prepare the participants, the foundation held introductory sessions in both Arabic and English, along with a specialized training program for junior and professional teams. This training covered key areas like smart embedded systems, machine learning, the Internet of Things, and prototype development, equipping students with practical skills.
Fostering Innovation in Tourism and Hospitality
The theme for this year’s challenge, “Tourism and Hospitality,” pushed students to develop solutions using emerging technologies like artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to enhance tourism services, sustainability, and cultural experiences.
His Excellency Humaid Mohammed Al Qatami, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Foundation, highlighted the initiative’s importance. “The participation of 1,713 male and female students from educational institutions across the Arab world reflects our young people’s ambition, knowledge, and genuine capacity to innovate and make a meaningful difference.”
He added, “The selection of tourism and hospitality as this season’s theme reflects the rapid transformations taking place in the use of artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to develop vital sectors. It also reflects the Foundation’s commitment to connecting students with development, economic, and knowledge-related priorities.”
Rigorous Evaluation and Recognition
A panel of 17 university professors, engineers, and specialists in AI and IoT evaluated the projects. The submissions were judged on six key criteria: design, innovation, technology and electronics, programming, presentation and communication, and relevance to the competition’s theme.
The evaluation process involved an initial online judging phase followed by in-person interviews for the qualified teams. Awards were distributed across junior and professional categories, recognizing the Future Science Challenge Champion as well as winners for Best Designer, Best Innovator, Best Engineer, and Best Presenter, alongside special jury awards for outstanding performance.
About Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences
The Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation for Medical and Educational Sciences is a UAE-based organization committed to supporting knowledge-based initiatives. It focuses on promoting excellence and innovation while empowering talented Arab students to strengthen their presence in future sciences and global scientific competitions.
Source: Zawya
