Under the Patronage of HH Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed

March 27, 2013- The UAE's top science students will  display their latest innovations and get the chance to network with potential employers at the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development "Think Science" Fair in Dubai next month.

The Fair, under the patronage of H.H Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Foreign Minister Emirates Foundation Board Chairman will be held at the World Trade Center in Dubai during April 21-23, 2013.

Hundreds of high school and university students from across the UAE will display 165 innovative project proposals, designed and implemented by the students under the supervision of university teachers and business experts. 

Emirates Foundation Chief Programmes Officer, Maytha Al Habsi said the Fair was a culmination of the Foundation's efforts to promote the "Think Science" Programme, launched in September, 2012, which aims to inspire, encourage, and empower Emirati youth to choose science for their studies and career path. The initiative will help students maximise their potential and encourage them to continue their studies in vital fields such medicine, engineering and energy.

The event, said Habsi, will include two core areas, each of which aims to motivate science creativity and create networks between young scientists.

The two areas include: an exhibition displaying science innovations produced by Emirati youth through the "Think Science" Competition; and a "Forum", during which companies, business groups and universities can familiarise themselves with the most up-to-date scientific methods in teaching and science innovations. The Forum will include a variety of activities designed to encourage and strengthen interest in science entertainment for all members of the family.

The successful implementation of the programme, noted Habsi, relies on the participation and cooperation of all public and private organisations and the media to help explore Emirati students' science talents at an early age, and work with them to further develop their skills and knowledge.

"With this assistance the talented youth of today could become future scientists and scholars capable of serving their homeland in the long run," she added. 

Habsi highlighted the significant role already undertaken by some institutions to support the Emirates Foundation and the "Think Science Programme". These include: the Ministry of Education, Abu Dhabi Educational Council (ADEC), the Abu Dhabi Water and Electricity Authority (ADWEA) and the engineering and electronic conglomerate, Siemens LLC.

About the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development
Emirates Foundation (EF) was launched in April 2005 as an initiative from His Highness General Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces.

In 2012, Emirates Foundation was re-launched under the name "Emirates Foundation for Youth Development" as an integrated national initiative that seeks to invest in UAE youth. EF's strategy uses the model of venture philanthropy to develop nationwide programs that aim to impact the lives of UAE youth positively and permanently in a manner that is measurable and sustainable.

The Foundation works in three key areas: social inclusion - looking at some of the challenges facing young people; community engagement - encouraging youth to participate in a voluntary capacity in the civil society; and leadership and empowerment - helping to build young people's 'soft skills and prepare them for the work place.

EF seeks to identify, educate and inform the public about some of the challenges facing UAE youth while identifying opportunities for growth and development for young people themselves. We develop sustainable, enterprise-based solutions to social issues that help motivate and guide young Emiratis through programs that help them understand the value of giving back to society while developing their capabilities, confidence and leadership skills.

Emirates Foundation works in partnership with both the private and public sectors and aims to create a strong culture of giving among the business sector. It is funded through financial contributions from both the government and the private sector.

For more information, please contact
Doha Al Hamad,
Senior Coordinator for Organization Communications,
Emirates Foundation for Youth Development.
Telephone: +971 50 8258408 or +971 2 4042813
Email: dalhamad@emiratesfoundation.ae

© Press Release 2013