Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) has announced the launch of the 9th edition of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF), to be held at A'l Bahar, Abu Dhabi Corniche, Al Jahili Park in the Al Ain Region, and City Mall at the Al Dhafra Region, from 31st January to 9th February 2019, as part of UAE Innovation Month.

During UAE Innovation Month, ADEK will coordinate with governmental entities to promote a spirit of work, innovation, and excellence, in addition to presenting a series of strategic initiatives for the public and private sectors, academics and innovators in coordination with the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation at the Office of the Prime Minister. The announcement came during a press conference held at ADEK’s headquarters in the presence of a number of public sector officials.

During his opening speech, Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuaimi, ADEK’s Chairman, said, "UAE Innovation Month is fully supported by our wise leadership, primarily His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE; His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai; His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces, and Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates."

He commented on the genuine care of H.H. Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, highlighting the UAE leadership's keenness on implementing strategic initiatives that contribute to developing human capital in areas of science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM), while focusing on enhancing innovation skills among youth.

Dr. Al Nuaimi said, "The Abu Dhabi Science Festival is a strategic initiative planned by ADEK which correlates with Abu Dhabi's vision, the National Innovation Strategy of the UAE, and the UAE Centennial 2071. Through our involvement with the Festival, we have managed to attract and educate youth from across the MENA region as part of our efforts to position the UAE as one of the world's most innovative nations."

"UAE Innovation Month is a great opportunity to celebrate innovators from across the UAE, bringing them together to create initiatives that stimulate innovation in all areas of science, which is why we organized a series of strategic initiatives, bringing the government and innovators of Abu Dhabi together to contribute to the UAE's innovation strategy."

These initiatives will also contribute to enhancing student skills and creativity, while encouraging the young generation to participate in innovative projects and ideas."

"The UAE continues its pioneering global move towards innovation, offering initiatives that motivate the community members to innovate and move steadily towards a prosperous future, full of progress and success for future generations," he added.

During the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, 200 innovators are expected to participate, 20 signature innovations will be showcased, 70 workshops and scientific activities will be organised and 19,200 students are expected to attend. Simultaneously 6,500 students will be attending the 20 interactive workshops scheduled at the Al Jahili Park in the Al Ain Region, whereas 1,600 students are taking part in five interactive workshops in the Al Dhafra Region. A total of 120,000 visitors are expected in the three locations, during the ten day event.

Mr. Adel Ahmed Albuainain, Chief Executive Officer, Dolphin Energy Limited, sponsor of ADSF, said: "We are proud to be associated with ADSF, a truly world class event, whose vision is to inspire, nurture and develop a new generation of scientists, engineers, mathematicians and innovators. In the eight years of our involvement, we have played host to many young visitors and witnessed first-hand how they have been intrigued and excited by STEM. We are thrilled to continue our support and look forward to another great event."

ADEK will provide a range of initiatives and activities that stimulate innovation in all areas and provide a platform to showcase innovative projects in line with the vision and plan of Abu Dhabi and the UAE Centennial 2071.

Salem Al Shamsi, Acting Knowledge Management and Education Analytic Director at ADEK, said, "I commend the efforts made by our wise leaders to promote innovation and excellence. We are happy to open the UAE Innovation Month with the Abu Dhabi Science Festival, one of the biggest annual festivals in the Middle East, with its interactive and educational activities for all the family. It also contributes to promoting the spirit of discovery and innovation among future generations."

"Through the UAE Innovation Month and the ADSF, we build creative and innovative future generations to lead the way towards a successful future," he concluded.

Engineer Sanad Humaid, official spokesperson of the ADSF 2019 for ADEK, said, "I would like to extend my gratitude to the UAE leadership, for their continuous support and in providing all the factors that lead to the success of ADEK’s initiatives which contribute to preparing future generations, while focusing on using modern technology, science, engineering, arts and mathematics in the process of enhancing education."

"This 9th edition of the ADSF is a continuation of the successes of the previous eight editions. It reflects the efforts invested to build a generation that will contribute to the success of the UAE's innovative scientific and educational future,'' he added.

"UAE Innovation Month is one of the most important national events on the UAE government’s calendar. The UAE has maintained its top position in the Global Innovation Index (GII), among all Arab countries, according to the latest official data. The UAE ranked number one in the Arab World and 38th globally, and 24th in the innovation input pillar. In addition, the nation also demonstrated an increase in its innovation output pillar, rising from 56th in 2017 to 54th in 2018," he explained.

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