Sharjah 24: Within its efforts aimed at fostering innovative generations across various domains, the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation (RQ) presented the "Rubu’ Qarn Tech Challenge" in its second edition. This event unfolded over two days at the Sharjah Research, Technology, and Innovation Park, coinciding with the UAE Innovation Month.

The second edition of the challenge sought to reiterate the Rubu’ Qarn Foundation's commitment to providing creative platforms that bring together a diverse group of its affiliated members. These members include talented children and young innovators in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), collaborating with their counterparts from the Emirates Science Club and STEMA Training and Development Centre. The primary objective was to showcase their skills in technical and programming innovation while supporting their inventive project ideas.

The challenge featured a diverse range of competitions, such as the "Mobile Robots Challenge" and an interactive zone simulating space rovers known as the "Rubu’ Qarn Explorer Challenge." It also encompassed the presentation of innovative projects amidst a competitive atmosphere, with the participation of over 45 teams and 250 individuals.

Participants demonstrated their prowess in the Mobile Robots Challenge by crafting and programming creative robots to execute specified tasks within a set timeframe. These projects incorporated modern technologies, artificial intelligence engineering, and smart initiatives focused on desert land reclamation, sustainability, security, safety, efficient utilisation and preservation of natural resources, and heritage conservation.

The technical challenge races were complemented by a series of engaging interactive activities, including driving space rovers, simulating drone control technology, and classic arcade games. These activities aimed to fuel participants' passion for science and technology, motivating them to shoulder their future responsibilities in contributing to the comprehensive development witnessed across various sectors in the United Arab Emirates. 

The challenge race outcomes saw the Waset Youth Centre in clinching the Teamwork Award, Dibba Al Hisn Youth Centre securing the Innovation Award, and the STEMA Training and Development Center receiving the Judges' Award. Additionally, the Sajaya Young Ladies of Sharjah in Khorfakkan secured the Judges' Award in the Mobile Robots Challenge (V5) category. The Hira Children Centre earned the Teamwork Award, the Youth Centre in Waset secured both the Teamwork and Design Award, and the Emirates Science Club team claimed the Judges' Award in the Robots (IQ) category

In the Rubu’ Qarn Explorer Challenge, Fatima Al Balushi, Salama Al Hammadi, and Fatima Al Mu’aini emerged victorious in the 13-15 age group. Meanwhile, Abdulrahman Al Kamali, Ayman Al Dakhil, Sara Al Mazmi, Ghalia Al Balushi, and Moza Al Mazroui secured the first position in the 16 and above age group

The Innovative Technical Projects Challenge witnessed the Children Centre in Al Dhaid, represented by Hamda Al Taneiji, Madiha Al Taneiji, and Mariam Al Ketbi, winning the Best Technical Project Award for the children's category with their project titled "Smart Cargo Transport." The Youth Centre in Waset team, comprising Sheikh Humaid Al Qasimi, Badr Al Ketbi, Saif Al Zarouni, Abdul Karim Ghazal, and Saud Al Harmoudi, claimed the Best Technical Project Award for the youth category with their project "Reclamation of Desert Lands."