10th edition of Abu Dhabi Science Festival Returns

Abu Dhabi:  ADEK announced today the launch of the 10^th edition of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, ADSF, one of the biggest events of its kind in the region that brings exciting educational activities in the STEAM fields for children and adults. Held from 30^th January to 8^th February 2020, the festival aims to contribute to promoting the spirit of discovery among future generations.

As in previous editions, the festival will be held at A’l Bahar, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Jahili Park in Al Ain and City Mall at Al Dhafra. On the Corniche, more than 80 young innovators are expected to present their projects and 20 signature innovations will be showcased. In addition, 75 workshops and scientific activities will be organised in Abu Dhabi and over 19,440 students are expected to attend. At Al Jahili Park, 8,280 students will be participating in 20 interactive workshops while 1,440 students will take part in five interactive workshops in Al Dhafra City Mall. At least 120,000 visitors are expected overall to attend the Festival’s fascinating events.

The Abu Dhabi Science Festival will be open for school students from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm and then from 4:00 pm to 10:00 pm on weekdays, and from 2:00 pm to 10:00 pm at weekends for the public.

ADSF kicks off to coincide with the UAE Innovation Month, whereby ADEK coordinates all government bodies’ activities in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi related to innovation, thus contributing to creating an environment that promotes innovation, excellence and a process of strategic initiatives implemented by governmental, academic, and private sector institutions, in coordination with the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation in the Prime Minister’s Office at the Ministry of Cabinet Affairs and the Future.

The UAE Innovation Month strengthens the country’s position as a centre for innovation. For this one month every year, ADEK gathers government bodies and young entrepreneurial

innovators under an inspirational umbrella, showcasing initiatives by providing a platform that promotes innovation in all disciplines.

During the opening speech, H.E. Amer Al Hammadi Acting Undersecretary at ADEK, emphasised that UAE Innovation Month enjoys excellent support and continued attention from the UAE’s wise leadership, led by His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and their brothers Their Highnesses the Members of Federal Supreme Council and Rulers of the Emirates.

His Excellency especially expressed his appreciation of leadership that encourages and inspires innovation. He highlighted the UAE’s keenness to implement strategic initiatives that develop and promote a culture of innovation among the younger generations.

H.E. Amer Al Hammadi declared: “For over 10 years now, we have been proud to organise the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, the strategic initiative by ADEK that is in accord with the Abu Dhabi plan and its aspirations, the UAE’s National Innovation Strategy (NIS), and the UAE Centennial 2071. This year, the United Arab Emirates celebrates ‘2020: Towards the next 50’, and ADEK is looking forward to continuing to organise this important annual initiative as it contributes to developing human capital in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. It introduces these mind-opening fields to children and the public in an interactive way that fosters their interest and encourages the nation’s youths to expand their learning horizons, complementing the state’s efforts to prepare a new generation of distinguished and talented youngsters as it transitions to a competitive and innovative knowledge-based economy.”

His Excellency thanked the various government organisations and bodies, private sector institutions, innovators, partners, and the media in the country for their contributions during UAE Innovation Month, explaining that ADEK’s mission to provide strategic initiatives leads to students enhancing their skills and becoming motivated to apply creativity and innovation to the world of science.

Shatha Al Hashemi, Director of the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation, stated: “Organizing the UAE Innovation Month embodies the directives of the UAE leadership to adopt innovation as a work ethic and a culture of life in society. Over the past years as the month has enhanced the participation of individuals in providing innovative ideas that enrich government knowledge in a way that supports achieving the goals of the UAE Government’s

Vision in developing current methodologies, employing future tools and the latest technologies in preparation for the next fifty years.

The cooperation between the MBRCGI and ADEK in organizing qualitative events during the month, kicked off by the innovative platform of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival to enrich students’ experiences, supports the goals of the UAE Innovation Month while inspiring and encouraging the community to provide innovative solutions to various challenges.”

Engineer Sanad Humaid, official spokesperson of ADSF for ADEK, said: “We kick off UAE Innovation Month with the ADSF, one of the most important annual science festivals in the region, which includes exciting, interactive, and educational activities for all family members. The Abu Dhabi Science Festival inspires a spirit of discovery, innovation, and creativity in the fields of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics among the younger generation.

Engineer Humaid called on students and the public to participate in ADEK’s range of interactive and educational activities designed to inspire the younger generation. In this way, he said, they will learn more about the initiatives and innovations of government, academia, private sector institutions and the inventors who will drive the next phase of growth.

Obaid Al Dhaheri, Dolphin Energy CEO, sponsor of ADSF, commented: “We have sponsored the Abu Dhabi Science Festival since its inception and in that time have seen this event inspire, influence and engage many thousands of children across the UAE. The festival encourages our future generations to develop a keen interest in science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics and places creativity at the heart of their learning experience. We are proud supporters of the ADSF and will continue to support this event and the work undertaken to develop the country into a world-class centre for innovation.”

ADEK implements a range of innovative strategic initiatives, most importantly the ADSF, INNOVATOR 2020, the ‘Lema?’ (Why?) an interactive programme for schools, and the Rize Enrichment Programs, a unique after-school program that teaches cutting-edge science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) subjects. These initiatives aim to provide a learning environment in Abu Dhabi that inspires the next generation to apply innovation and creative knowledge in various scientific fields.