UAE science festival to feature 80 workshops in Al Ain

The UAE is preparing to put student innovation and scientific creativity in the spotlight as the eighth National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival opens at ADNEC Centre Al Ain from November 10 to 13.

The four-day event will bring together school students, university innovators, educators and families for a programme featuring 80 sessions and workshops, alongside research showcases, technology challenges and interactive activities. Organised by the Ministry of Education and the Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), the festival will involve students from public, private and applied technology schools, spanning kindergarten to Grade 12. University students and recent graduates will compete in separate innovation challenges.

The scale of participation is already drawing attention. According to an official announcement published on November 7, the festival's three major competitions have attracted more than 4,700 registrations, entries and applications, reflecting growing interest in science, research and technology among young people.

Three competitions put young innovators in the spotlight

The Emirates Young Scientist Competition has received 2,651 registrations from students in Grades 5 to 12, with 100 research projects shortlisted for the final stage.

The selected projects span a broad range of disciplines, including technology, biological and environmental sciences, chemistry, physics, mathematics, behavioural sciences and social sciences. Younger children will have their own platform through the Junior Innovators Challenge, which has attracted 1,402 entries from kindergarten to Grade 4. Its individual and team-based challenges are designed to encourage scientific curiosity, creative thinking, communication and collaboration from an early age. At the university level, the Advanced Technology Pioneers competition has received 707 applications from students and recent graduates.

Organisers have selected 210 participants, grouped into 58 teams, to develop prototypes and simulations addressing real-world challenges identified by the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi, EDGE Group and Emirates Nuclear Energy Company. Together, the three competitions highlight the festival's effort to nurture innovation across different stages of education, from early childhood to higher education.

Robotics, AI and renewable energy take centre stage

Beyond the competitions, the festival will offer families and visitors opportunities to experience science through hands-on activities rather than classroom learning alone.

The scientific conference and Family Festival will collectively host 80 sessions and workshops, covering robotics, coding, renewable energy and the arts. Live demonstrations and interactive artificial intelligence experiences will add to the programme. One of the featured attractions will be Path 2 A2RL, linked to the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League. It will introduce participants to practical challenges involving autonomous driving and artificial intelligence, offering a glimpse into emerging technologies and their real-world applications.

The programme will also provide private-school educators with an opportunity to explore student research, exchange ideas and engage with innovative projects developed across different educational settings. For families, the event promises an engaging introduction to science beyond textbooks, with activities designed to make technology and scientific discovery more accessible to younger audiences.

The festival is being held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Ruler's Representative in Al Ain Region. Families and educators planning to attend can consult the official ADNEC Centre Al Ain event listing for programme details and attendance requirements.