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Inspiring the next generation of scientists

10-day Abu Dhabi Science Festival from November 13 to 22 to be held in Al Ain and Sharjah as well.

Saif Mohamed Al Hajeri, Chief Executive Officer, Tawazun Economic Council and Tawazun Holding; Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi; Ahmed Saeed Al Calily; and Dr Simon Gage OBE, Edinburgh International Science Festival, at a Press conference held to announce the schedule of Abu Dhabi Science Festival 2014. — KT photo by Nezar Balout

Held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and organised by the Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC), the award-winning Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) is back for the fourth consecutive year, promising to offer even more family-friendly fun to inspire the youth across the UAE.

The ADSF 2014 will return for a 10-day extravaganza to its popular Abu Dhabi Corniche (East Plaza) location, and for the first time at two new locations in Al Ain (Al Ain Zoo) and Sharjah (Al Majaz Waterfront). The festival will run simultaneously at all three venues from November 13 to 22.

The festival will build on the success of the previous editions with proven favourites returning to the venues at Al Ain and Sharjah, while over 60 per cent of the content at Abu Dhabi will be new. About 20 per cent activities are locally inspired.

Director-General of TDC Ahmed Saeed Al Calily said: “Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) is core to our nation’s future as a knowledge-based economy and it is vital that we inspire our young people to pursue careers in STI-related subjects so that it is embedded in the fabric of society. Science festivals are a global best practice format of science popularisation, and the success and popularity of the ADSF proves there is a thirst for such knowledge in the UAE. As a result, ADSF 2014 will reach out even further into the community than ever before, building on a rich record of success of igniting the interest of our youth in STI and I invite the youth and the families of the UAE to attend this educational extravaganza.”

New content

The ADSF 2014 combines proven and popular science-related activities with new content, as well as shows. Popular shows and workshops, such as Splat!, Arabian Aromas and Super Science Show, will return at the fixed locations in Al Ain and Sharjah.

The expanded number of venues will allow even more students to attend through organised schools tours which have become an essential feature on the Abu Dhabi calendar.

The ADSF is once again collaborating with the UAE Ministry of Education and its official education partner, the Abu Dhabi Education Council (Adec), on the Organised School Tours Program (OSTP) — an integral part of the festival that provides students with the opportunity to attend accompanied by their teachers. This partnership also ensures activities are aligned with the science curriculum.

Dr Amal Abdullah Al Qubaisi, Director-General of Adec, said: “STI is vital for the UAE to be competitive in a global market environment, so it is essential that we encourage students to pursue STI both as part of their learning and future careers. ADSF is an important vehicle for students to become independent thinkers as designated under the New School Model.”

This year, more than 1,000 university students, including ADSF Alumni, will be recruited locally as ‘science communicators’ to work onsite at all locations. A key factor in the success of the ADSF, they are provided with world-class expert training to deliver this celebration of science in uniquely engaging ways to excite the next generation of scientists.