Dubai: The Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME) that Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) organises promotes using disruptive technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI); 3D printing; and unmanned aerial vehicles for designing solar-powered houses. This enhances the UAE’s position as a key platform for innovators and creative minds around the world. It also supports DEWA’s efforts to promote innovation in sustainability and encourage youth from around the world to develop innovative solutions that support global climate action as well as the transition to a more sustainable lifestyle to protect the environment and its natural resources. The SDME is organised under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of the Executive Council in Dubai.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, said that the second SDME has attracted innovative projects that promotes the culture of sustainability in the UAE and Dubai. The SDME promotes sustainable living by encouraging the design and operation of solar-powered houses that are highly efficient in terms of cost and energy consumption to protect the region’s environment.
“Our vision is guided by the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to empower youth and engage them in the development process as well as anticipate and shape the future. We also aim to enhance their contribution to achieving sustainable development goals through research using the latest innovative technologies,” said Al Tayer.
One of the most notable projects is by the University of Sharjah team, whose sustainable house focuses on enhancing cooperation between humans and machines to perform daily tasks for a comfortable living. The house develops the industrial, social and environmental skills of its residents, with spaces designated for virtual and physical workshops and a fabrication lab with flexible computer-controlled tools like 3D modelling and computer-aided design to meet home needs. The house alerts residents on energy and sustainability usage to preserve energy and resources. The design of the building is based on the concept of ‘a box within a
box’ where the outer layer provides protection from the external climate while attracting sunlight to generate solar power. Meanwhile, the inner layer maintains a moderate temperature inside the house.
The house offers ample scope for recycling and sorting kitchen waste, treating and reusing 100% of wastewater, as well as other resources. Various parts of the house can be converted into a design studio or into a virtual reality station to conduct further tests before starting the manufacturing and 3D printing phase.
“The Solar Decathlon Middle East offers an extraordinary opportunity for University teams to be challenged in an international real-life scenario, and for the students to be exposed to the industrial sector. For this reason, the University of Sharjah presents a project that combines sustainability and innovation, by stimulating environmental awareness among future professionals, with the aim of educating a ‘green’ generation that is ready for the world’s next challenges”, said Professor Maamar Bettayeb, Vice Chancellor for Research and Graduate studies from the University of Sharjah.
DEWA organised the first SDME in 2018, for the first time in the Middle East and Africa, and is organising the second SDME in conjunction with Expo 2020 Dubai at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park as part of a partnership between DEWA, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the US Department of Energy.
-Ends-
For more information, please contact:
Khuloud Al Ali / Shaikha Almheiri / Mohammad Almheiri
Dubai Electricity and Water Authority
Media@dewa.gov.ae / Shaikha.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae / Mohammad.almheiri@dewa.gov.ae
Susan Saidi / Mohammed Meshal
Hattlan Media
susan@hattlan.com / mohammed@hattlan.co
© Press Release 2021
Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.
The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.
To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.
