Dubai, UAE, September 2026 – Ahead of the UAE-hosted United Nations Water Conference in December, AtkinsRéalis brought together 100 students at the 2026 School of the Future UAE Finals to present solutions to water scarcity and sustainability challenges.
Hosted at the University of Birmingham Dubai, the finals welcomed students representing leading schools from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including Al Ain Academy, Jumeirah College, Dubai English Speaking School (DESS) and Horizon International School, marking the culmination of a year-long challenge that engaged nearly 1,000 students. The event was attended by Her Excellency Sarah Shaw, CEO of MAJRA, and representatives from the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA), including Hiba Bahsoun, underscoring the importance of engaging young people in shaping solutions to some of society’s most pressing sustainability challenges.
Students were challenged to explore the future of water and develop solutions to water scarcity and sustainability issues facing communities today. As part of the School of the Future programme, they worked alongside industry professionals to apply their learning to real-world sustainability and infrastructure challenges. Throughout the academic year, participants researched complex issues, developed innovative concepts and refined their ideas before presenting them to a distinguished panel of judges.
The team from Jumeirah College was awarded first place after developing an innovative water-saving concept for their school that combined robotics and advanced engineering principles to identify opportunities to reduce water consumption and improve efficiency. Comprised of students aged 12 and 13 years old, the team was among the youngest in the entire competition, impressing judges with the strength of their solution and its potential for real-world application.
The finals also celebrated the outstanding contribution of educators. Lakmee Senadheera of Aldar Education’s Al Ain Academy was named Teacher of the Year in recognition of her exceptional commitment to supporting and mentoring students throughout the year-long programme. Her dedication helped her students make significant progress throughout the challenge, with her team recognised among the most improved participants in this year’s competition.
The finalist projects explored water conservation and resilience through technology, education, behavioural change and community engagement. Students presented their ideas before a panel of industry leaders, educators and sustainability experts, demonstrating the research and problem-solving skills developed throughout the programme.
The competition was judged by senior leaders from First Abu Dhabi Bank, Pinsent Masons, Innovo and Wood Couture, bringing expertise from across the finance, legal, development, design and sustainability sectors. Participants also heard a special address from Her Excellency Sarah Shaw who highlighted the importance of empowering young people to contribute to the UAE’s sustainability ambitions and future prosperity.
The impact of the programme will extend beyond the finals. Selected students will have the opportunity to contribute to activities linked to the upcoming United Nations Water Conference, helping ensure youth perspectives are represented in discussions around water resilience and sustainability.
Campbell Gray, CEO, AtkinsRéalis Middle East & Africa, said: “The future will be shaped by people who can solve complex challenges, and water scarcity is one of the most important. The ideas presented today demonstrated creativity, discipline and a strong sense of purpose. School of the Future is helping develop the skills and capabilities that will be needed to build a more resilient and sustainable future.”
Aldar Education spokesperson said: “We are incredibly proud of our students and the commitment they have shown throughout the AtkinsRéalis School of the Future programme. It has been a fantastic opportunity for them to build confidence, creativity, and an understanding of real-world challenges.
We are especially proud of Lakmee, whose passion and dedication to her students have been outstanding. Being named Teacher of the Year is a wonderful recognition of her efforts. We are grateful to AtkinsRéalis for creating such an inspiring programme and for giving our students the opportunity to learn, grow and showcase what they can achieve.”
Following this year’s finals, School of the Future will expand to more than 80 schools across the UAE during the 2026/27 academic year, including public charter schools and, for the first time, Arabic-language delivery. International expansion is also underway across Asia, Australia and Canada , bringing the programme to more young people and communities around the world.
