Dubai: The UAE’s biggest science fest concluded on its fifth day with a message to youth from ministers about the future and how they will be part of shaping tomorrow’s world.
The National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival welcomed ministers during a conference on the last day where they addressed youth on the need to keep up with the changes of the era.
Ahmad Abdullah Humaid Bel Houl Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills, encouraged students to pursue their dreams and not to be discouraged by any challenges that come their way.
Speaking to them about the recently launched Industrial Revolution X (IR-X) programme, he said: “The unique IR-X programme paves the way for future generations by equipping our Emirati youth with the knowledge, skills and mindset to excel in the fourth industrial revolution. We have invested in various programs and initiatives that aim to promote an innovative and entrepreneurial culture amongst youth and reiterated the importance of scientific research to build a competitive knowledge-based economy.”
Sara Al Amiri, Minister of State for Advanced Sciences, highlighted the importance of adapting to change and observed that programming is essential to keep up with the digital era.
She also highlighted how fast the UAE is adapting and changing from a user economy to producer. We live in a digital era and need to speak the language of programming, she said, adding that through the youth and our wise leadership’s UAE Centennial 2071 vision, the UAE will be among the best countries in the world.
Also participating was Omar Sultan Al Olama, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence, who pointed out that Artificial Intelligence is in its early stages and has a promising future with all the positive change that will come along with it. He also shed light on the UAE’s efforts in the field.
Addressing students, he said, “You can own the future if you have the ambition and skills. You are the future of the UAE and you are going to take the UAE to Mars, therefore, you need to be empowered. You are part of the new Industrial Revolution and have the opportunity and capabilities to own your future, as you are tomorrow’s scientists and innovators.”
The festival, which was organised at Dubai Festival Arena by the Ministry of Education, was held under the patronage of His Highness Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces. It was held as part of the ongoing UAE Innovation Month.
The event featured a science fair, conference, exhibition, awards ceremony, family festival, student retreat, hackathon, the Industrial Revolution X (IR-X) programme and the ‘Fikrati’ (my idea) competition.
Dr Amnah Al Dahak Al Shamsi, assistant undersecretary, activities sector, and director of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Education, said: “The sessions were very inspiring to the students and it was aligned with our target audience and the objective of establishing the NSTI Festival as a platform for students to flourish.”
