In support of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, Masdar in collaboration with the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, today announced it will host an interactive challenge – focused on science and the emerging field of renewable energy – aimed at inspiring students to pursue knowledge-based, advanced careers. From October 10-20 at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, students are encouraged to visit the Masdar booth and participate in the touchscreen challenge for a chance to win a ride in a driverless, automated electric vehicle and take a personal tour of Masdar City – Abu Dhabi’s cutting-edge clean technology cluster and sustainable development.

“The spirit of innovation and breakthrough ideas can come at any age,” said Dr. Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, CEO and Managing Director of Masdar, Abu Dhabi’s multifaceted renewable energy company. “We are committed to sparking the curiosity of students to become interested in emerging fields, such as renewable energy and sustainable development. Interactive, hands-on challenges are a good way to motivate students to take an active role in science-based careers – and hopefully become passionate leaders who will continue to advance our social and economic prosperity.”

The Masdar City tour will also include a site visit to the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology, the company’s pilot projects and a 10MW photovoltaic power plant that provides clean energy for the entire development.

“The tour of Masdar City is an opportunity for students to see how big ideas can become a reality,” added Dr. Al Jaber. “Education remains a top priority for our visionary leadership, who recognise the importance of promoting science education to support the transition into a knowledge and innovation-led economy. Masdar is committed to encouraging and introducing students to emerging industries, like renewable energy, that will support our economic growth in the future.”

In conjunction, Masdar is also launching an online competition on Facebook and Twitter for students who cannot attend the science festival. Masdar will post a series of online questions, challenging students in science and renewable energy. Students who answer the questions correctly will be entered into a raffle for a chance to win a tour of Shams 1 – the largest concentrated solar power plant in the Middle East and North Africa currently under construction. Students will see firsthand how Shams 1, an engineering marvel, generates 100 MW of electricity from the sun, enough to power more than 20,000 homes.

The Shams 1 online challenge will run for the duration of the science festival. Answers to the questions must be submitted by email to youth@masdar.ae. Winners of the Shams 1 tour will be announced October 25.

Dr Lamya N. Fawwaz, Executive Director, Masdar Institute, said: “Knowledge-building and human capital development in the renewable energy sector are the primary aspects that will characterise our activities at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival. The presence of so many students makes the event an ideal platform to showcase our initiatives and inspire them to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. We will continue with our efforts to instil the importance of clean energy technology among these students who will eventually become leaders of the future energy industry. We are confident with support from the country’s leadership our initiatives will generate adequate interest among the students and increase their participation in clean energy-related activities.”

More than 100,000 visitors are expected to attend the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, which will also feature other interactive activities, such as simulations of surgical procedures and a crime-scene investigation workshop.

For more information about the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, please visit: http://www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae/>

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