ABU DHABI The Middle East’s biggest science fair opens at the Abu Dhabi Corniche on Thursday with a line-up of over 40 interactive workshops and five ‘Big Science’ shows.
On till November 22, the 10-day Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF) will take students into the fascinating world of science.
They can take a virtual trip to the moon and beyond, don the role of aircraft engineers and anthropologists, dabble with laser technology, space science and hydraulics, investigate a crime scene and even participate in a medical camp.
“The idea is to spark curiosity in young minds who could be future scientists and innovators,” Linda Abraham Silver, Associate Director, Content, Abu Dhabi Technology development Committee, told XPRESS.
Branching out
The Science Festival is in its fourth year and will run simultaneously in Al Ain and Sharjah for the first time. “This time the festival will run concurrently at Abu Dhabi Corniche (East Plaza), Al Ain Zoo and Al Majaz Waterfront in Sharjah,” said Linda. “It will be bigger and better with lots of new exhibiting content. This year we also managed to rope in 20 local companies.”
One firm is the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency which will hold a series of workshops showing how Abu Dhabi residents used water in the past.
Yahsat and Mubadala, both local companies, will take students on an immersive journey through the solar system while Adnoc will set up a mock oil rig. Etihad will conduct workshops on what it is like to be an aircraft engineer and allow students to laser-cut their own wing designs. Etihad Rail will teach students about forces, engineering and aerodynamics required to build a freight train.
“One of the focuses this year is to include more family-oriented activities. Parental engagement is at the core, and children can participate in these activities along with their families,” said Linda.
In addition to entertaining 40-minute shows like Glow Show and magic Andy’s Fire Show, there are numerous drop-by activities for children. Around 1,000 locally recruited science communicators will guide visitors at the fair.
The festival will be held under the patronage of General Shaikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
Ticket prices:
Children 0-4: Free
Children 5-15: Dh10
Adults( plus 16): Dh10
Venues & Timings:
Abu Dhabi Corniche (East Plaza)
Sun-Thursday: 4pm to 9pm, Friday - Saturday: 2pm to 10pm
Al Ain Zoo: Sun to Sat: 3pm to 10pm
Sharjah Al Majaz Waterfont
Sun-Thursday: 4pm to 9pm, Friday - Saturday: 2pm to 10pm
More info on shows and workshops, visit abudhabisciencefestival.ae
