Festival to ramp up expectations for students of science

ABU DHABI: The 7th edition of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival (ADSF), being organised by the Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge (ADEK) 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, is expected to witness an estimated 13 per cent increase in student participation to 17,000 students during its 10-day run from Nov 9 to 18 at both Khalifa Park and the Al Ain Zoo.

Among the essential features of the annual festival are its organised school tours which offer students the chance to enjoy the event alongside their educators and peers. Last year, ADSF welcomed a total of 15,000 students. The registered students for the 2017 edition have already reached 17,000 with still almost more than a week to go before the opening.

Attendance is rising due to the appeal of 71 unique activities designed to inspire innovation and a love for science among youths. The new festival location, Khalifa Park, is also boosting visitor footfall. Extending 500,000 square meters and close to the major communities such as Khalifa City, Bain al Jessrain, Al Maqta, Abu Dhabi Gate City, and Zayed City, the venue provides a bigger space to provide more memorable entertainment and learning experiences.

Engineer Sanad Humaid Ahmed, Vice Chairman of the Innovation Committee at ADEK, said: “We still have a few weeks to go before this year’s Abu Dhabi Science Festival and yet our student registrations to date have already exceeded last year’s total student participation. We are confident of achieving an increase of at least 13 per cent in our student attendance thanks to a more exciting lineup of activities plus a bigger main venue at Khalifa Park. We encourage schools to facilitate the inclusion of their students to ensure the festival’s success.”

Adel Ahmed Albuainain, Chief Executive Officer of Dolphin Energy Limited, one of the festival’s major sponsors, added: “We are very pleased by the strong student turnout at the festival’s registration points so far, indicating the great value that students and their schools place in this event. We expect a vibrant crowd of learners this year and hopefully the events prepared will inspire many among them to pursue careers in STEM subjects.” 

ADEK is coordinating with 15 universities and academic and scientific institutions across the UAE for participation in the event. More than 1,000 higher education students have volunteered to help present the festival – including ADSF alumni who will deliver workshops and shows in an engaging and distinctive manner. More than 40 per cent of the events of the 2017 Abu Dhabi Science Festival have been prepared by local science education organisations.

Read more: http://gulftoday.ae/portal/a70c1870-1d22-4f72-aeb6-cd2dc81ea344.aspx