ADEC opens ‘Live Science’ programme

Abu Dhabi / EMIRATES BUSINESS

The Abu Dhabi Education Council (ADEC) and Mubadala Development Company (Mubadala), the Abu Dhabi-based investment and development company, has announced the commencement of Live Science, a joint initiative to bring together aspiring engineers, scientists and curious UAE youth.
Live Science launched at Mushrif Central Park in Abu Dhabi. The event welcomes Abu Dhabi’s youth to discover and learn about aerospace, science and technology innovations and runs until 5 March, 2016.
Live Science combines Boeing’s Above and Beyond—interactive science exhibition, exploring transformative innovations in aerospace, and a series of workshops presented by ‘lema?’, the informal science education programme, organized by Abu Dhabi Technology Development Committee (TDC) and held under the patronage of Her Highness Sheikha Shamsa bint Hamdan bin Mohamed Al Nahyan, wife of the Ruler’s Representative in the Western Region.
His Excellency Dr. Mugheer Al Khaili, Acting Director General at ADEC commented on the initiative. “ADEC’s priority is to provide interactive, knowledgeable, fun-loving yet challenging activities for its youth, with particular focus on their creative and critical thinking skills in fields related to Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM).
Providing students with such interactive educational experiences is part of Abu Dhabi’s plan to prepare students for tomorrow’s knowledge based economy. We look forward to witnessing the excitement of our students while they indulge in different activities related to aerospace, technology and science through the first ‘Live Science’ event.”
Homaid Al Shemmari, Chief Executive Officer, Mubadala Aerospace & Engineering Services, commented, “We are committed to encouraging young talent to explore, and pursue, an exciting future in aerospace and engineering fields. Live Science brings world-renowned innovations and technologies to the heart of Abu Dhabi in an interactive and engaging setting, and falls directly in line with the UAE’s long-term vision for economic diversification.”
At the Above and Beyond’s exhibition, visitors will get the opportunity to experience the edge of space in a simulated space elevator, design and test their own supersonic fighter-jet in a virtual high-speed flying competition, visit an immersive theatre, and learn about inspiring stories, in addition to
aircraft and spacecraft simulations from the first powered flights to the newest innovations on Earth and in space. The exhibition commemorates Boeing’s 100th anniversary in 2016, and was developed in collaboration with NASA, the Smithsonian Institution, and leading experts and institutions from around the world.
“A sense of discovery and the drive to change the world through innovation is woven into the fabric of Boeing and our industry,” said Bernard Dunn, president, Boeing Middle East, North Africa and Turkey. “Those values are reflected in the design and spirit of this exhibit. Our hope is that children in the UAE will leave the exhibit wanting to do things better and smarter, so they can contribute to the growth of UAE’s aviation sector for years to come.”
‘lema?’ programme takes an informal approach to science education, and comprises a combination of interactive workshops and shows designed to engage children in different grades. The programme follows global best practices in the methods applied to stimulate interest in science and technology amongst the youth. This is achieved through demonstrating exciting scientific experiences and creating significant lasting memories for students. The aim is to instil a passion for science, and ultimately to inspire youth to pursue education and careers in related fields.
His Excellency Ahmed Saeed Al Calily, Director General of TDC said: “We continue to invest in our youth through our different initiatives, such as the successful ‘lema?’ programme that supports and inspires young students to embrace science and technology as a key pillar of their learning and development. Equipping our youth with the right skills is crucial to creating the knowledge-based economy we are all striving to achieve. Our participation in ‘Live Science’ and similar events, will allow us with our stakeholders to develop the right innovative talent-base that will help realize Abu Dhabi’s vision to diversify our economy.”