E-winners

School and university students had the opportunity recently to use their design skills to create their own websites as part of an e-competition held by the Dubai Naturalisation and Residency Department (DNRD). Websites varied widely in topics, ranging from religion to food and leisure.
The winners and runners-up received their prizes during the recently-concluded Gulf Information and Technology Exhibition (GITEX) in Dubai.

Lieutenant Colonel Khalid Al Ruzuki, Assistant Director for IT systems, DNRD, explained the importance of these competitions to foster local talent.

"We aspire to encourage the young people in the UAE to enhance their creativity and contribute fresh ideas to the digital media," he said. "There is no doubt that most of the pioneers of the digital world and the individuals who had the most input on the future of this pivotal industry were very young and talented."

A sense of accomplishment

Students' faces lit up as each one was called forth to receive their awards. Friends of winners, who couldn't make it to the prize-giving ceremony, enthusiastically offered to receive the prizes on behalf of their classmates.

"It's a great feeling of achievement," said Maitha Ahmad of Al Sufouh High School and competition winner. "I'm grateful for this accomplishment."

Maitha did her website on the Prophet Mohammad (PBUH). Asked why, she answered: "It's the only thing where you can say there is no better topic."

Power of youth

Students asserted that initiatives like this one motivate students to pursue their ambitions.
Today's youth represent the UAE's future, said Maitha. "Continued projects like this will help raise the name of the UAE."

Maitha wasn't alone in her opinions. Fellow competitors and students also stressed the importance of nurturing local talent.

"Students need something to give them confidence and inspire them to move forward," said Mariam Al Khayat from the Maria Al Quptiya High School. "This project helped give students that confidence."

Value-added experience

Besides giving these aspiring youngsters a taste of success, students said the competition had been a learning experience. Using their knowledge, students showed off their skills to create winning websites.

"I've always loved design, it's something I plan to pursue in the future," Maitha said. "And being able to use it in this project gave me a glimpse of what I'll be in for in the future."