Sharjah24: Community members of Zayed University (ZU) have come together to introduce a total of 58 unique events for the 6th edition of the annual festival of “UAE Innovates”. All of the selected events have been carefully curated to meet the national objectives in developing innovative solutions and ideas that contribute to the happiness index of the UAE from the 21st to the 27th of February 21st.

The “UAE Innovates” initiative, which is a part of the UAE's National Innovation strategy launched by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice- President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, is one of the largest innovation festivals in the world and a consolidated effort by the UAE government, private sector and individuals to help create a widespread culture of innovation in the UAE.

The Vice-President of ZU, Dr. Khalid Al-Khazraji, stated that Zayed University is featuring an array of diverse activities over the course of this week which have been planned by its students, faculty, and staff in order to generate and exchange creative ideas that embrace innovative practices and instill the culture of creativity in the hearts of young generations.

“We are pleased to take part in such a major national event and brings to the forefront the academic institution’s bright-minded innovative enthusiasts in large numbers. Zayed University prides itself on delivering innovative solutions, advanced research involvement, and much more, all of which seek to serve the UAE community, promote culture of creativity and positivity,” he said.

UAE Innovates this year aims to contribute towards strengthening the country's position as a global hub for innovation, enhance the development of innovative ideas and capabilities, celebrates innovation in the UAE and supports the national innovation strategy.

On the sidelines of the week-long celebration, ZU, a strategic partner with the Telecommunication Regulatory Authority (TRA), has landed the opportunity to digitally participate with four teams in the 4th edition UAE Hackathon 2021, which is taking place virtually during the month of February 2021.

The four teams have established four key projects that address diverse innovative solutions that could potentially benefits the UAE society as a whole. Most notably, the first project named ‘Hope’ aims to find a mechanism to reduce the negative influence of e-games on children's behavior and the impact on their mental and physical health. A second project ‘Eco-Healers’ investigates solutions around the increasing pollution in the marine and coastal environment. Another project called ‘SmartLab’ explores redesigned science labs and laboratory practices for digital and distance education. Lastly, the ‘Dominators’ project is a development of Wayfinding solutions for Paramedics within Dubai Airports.

The UAE Hackathon aims to find innovative solutions for different technical challenges that has emerged as a result of the pandemic, along with other challenges that could potentially help set the path to shape the future of the UAE in the next 50 years.