Ras Al Khaimah Innovation and Sustainability Challenge aims to educate and engage school and university students, challenging them to think of innovative solutions to global challenges.
12th Grade students from across the Emirate’s schools also attended the International Workshop on Advanced Materials to listen to some of the world’s preeminent scientists in the field.
Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates: More than 500 students from schools and universities across Ras Al Khaimah have taken part in the Ras Al Khaimah Innovation and Sustainability Challenge (RISC), which engages and educates participants on the environment and sustainability, challenging them to come up with innovative solutions to global challenges.
Organized in partnership between the University of Bolton Academic Centre – Ras Al Khaimah and the International Workshop on Advanced Materials (IWAM) science conference, RISC divides students into three categories – primary grades, secondary grades and university – with a total of six competitions in each category: poster, photography, project, presentation, case study and coloring and drawing. Winners in each category receive monetary prizes.
A separate category was created for businesses in the industrial sector of Ras Al Khaimah and individuals, who were tasked with finding solutions to a real issue, namely how to recycle or repurpose waste or used tires, with the winning idea having the potential to be implemented, benefitting local communities and the environment.
First up to fifth-placed winners of each category came from a range of universities and schools across Ras Al Khaimah, including the Higher Colleges of Technology, University of Stirling, Delhi Private School, GEMS Westminster School and Al Manar Private School.
A winners’ celebration took place at the 15th IWAM held in Ras Al Khaimah, where students discussed their ideas with some of the world’s preeminent Advanced Materials scientists.
Raj Nambiar, Campus Director at the University of Bolton Academic Centre – Ras Al Khaimah, said: “The success of the Ras Al Khaimah Innovation and Sustainability Challenge in its inaugural edition last year meant that we were keen to expand this enjoyable and educational competition to even more Ras Al Khaimah students this year, and I’m pleased to say that the participation this year has been beyond expectations.
“Ras Al Khaimah, through the vision of His Highness Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, UAE Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah, has a firm focus on sustainability and enhancing educational standards for all students in the Emirate, and the Ras Al Khaimah Innovation and Sustainability Challenge is just one of the many ways in which students of all ages are being engaged to become the thinkers and leaders of tomorrow.”
Part of IWAM’s remit is to involve young people in science, to encourage a new generation of scientists in Ras Al Khaimah, which is why 12th Grade students from schools across the Emirate were invited to attend the second day of IWAM to listen to presentations from some of the scientists in attendance, in collaboration with the Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi Foundation for Policy Research.
IWAM is sponsored by Ras Al Khaimah’s Stevin Rock, one of the largest quarrying companies in the world, with a production capacity of more than 80 million tons per year.
About Ras Al Khaimah:
Ras Al Khaimah (RAK) is the northernmost of the seven Emirates that make up the United Arab Emirates. It is known for its diverse landscape, from 64km of beaches, to deserts and imposing mountains, as well as its rich history, dating back 7,000 years. It has many archaeological sites, four of which have been shortlisted on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage Sites. The Emirate’s Jebel Jais, which is the highest mountain in the UAE, boasts attractions including Jebel Jais Flight, the world’s longest zip line at almost 3km, and 1484 by Puro, the UAE’s highest restaurant. Ras Al Khaimah is centrally located at the modern crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, with one third of the world’s population within four hours’ flying time, making it an ideal location for businesses to expand into the UAE, the Middle East and Africa region and beyond. The Emirate boasts one of the most diverse economies in the region, with no single sector accounting for more than 30% of the Emirate’s GDP – a critical advantage that enhances Ras Al Khaimah’s economic flexibility and strength. Ras Al Khaimah has been rated in the ‘A’ range by Fitch and Standard & Poor’s international ratings agencies for 15 years. Ras Al Khaimah is a multicultural society, with a population of 0.4 million people in 2023. With year-round sunshine, straightforward business set-up and a competitive and affordable cost of living, Ras Al Khaimah is the informed choice for business, lifestyle and exploration.
