UAE Drones for Good semifinalists announced

Dubai: A total of 39 national, international and government contestants have qualified for the semifinal round of the UAE Drones for Good Awards and are now in the running for the prize money totalling Dh4.67 million.

The award, which was launched by the UAE Government during the second Government Summit held last February, seeks to promote unmanned technology to serve humanity and create happiness worldwide.

The semifinalists come from a variety of countries including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Sudan, Poland, Germany, the United States, Spain, Singapore and New Zealand.

The entries cover a wide range of potential drone uses, such as humanitarian assistance, emergency rescue and medical services, urban planning, agriculture and public health. The semifinalists were chosen from a pool of over 800 submissions from 57 countries.

The international entries include a Spanish-designed drone for use in de-mining operations in conflict zones, a Sudanese-designed drone that collects plant samples and plant seeds and a Swiss-designed model to aid in rescue missions.

One entry, designed by Spanish national Tays Ferrer Gomez and her team, is designed to swiftly transport organ transplants from donor centres to the recipient.

National semifinalists include entries designed for use in civil defence missions, help monitor the UAE’s wildlife, assist in law enforcement and the effects of climate change on water resource systems. Many contestants, such as Spaniard Arnau Garcia Terrades, expressed gratitude to the Government of UAE for supporting research into drone technology.

“The award is great idea that will encourage sharing of knowledge and raise the possibility of using this highly advanced technology to improve people’s lives,” she said. The national winner will be given a Dh1 million prize, while the international winner will win $1 million.

The winners of the UAE Drones for Good Award will be announced on February 6 and 7 at a ceremony in Dubai Internet City with live demonstrations by the contestants in front of a panel of high-profile international judges.— news@khaleejtimes.com

(With inputs from Wam)