Zayed University Champions Innovation With Over 50 Events In UAE Innovates 2025 Festival

Zayed University (ZU) is actively participating in UAE Innovates 2025, the nation's largest innovation festival. Throughout February, the university's campuses in Abu Dhabi and Dubai will host a variety of events, workshops, and competitions. These activities aim to inspire students and prepare them for future challenges. The theme for this year is "Empowering the Future Through Innovation," featuring over 50 activities focused on artificial intelligence, sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.

A key highlight is a hackathon organised by the College of Natural and Health Sciences. This event will bring together students, faculty, and staff to create AI-driven solutions addressing climate change, waste management, and biodiversity conservation. Such initiatives align with the UAE's vision of becoming a global innovation hub by encouraging practical solutions to real-world problems.

The College of Interdisciplinary Studies (CIS) is hosting an AI-Powered Learning Startup Competition. Aspiring entrepreneurs are invited to present AI-based ideas for gamifying education for children aged 3-16. Participants have the opportunity to win AED50,000 in startup grants. This competition aims to foster creativity and entrepreneurial spirit among students.

In collaboration with Siemens Advanta Middle East, CIS will conduct a workshop on digital innovation in smart cities. Vice-President Markus Schwarz will lead discussions on how AI and digital twins are revolutionising urban spaces. This workshop aims to provide insights into the future of city planning and management through advanced technologies.

The Centre for Educational Innovation is organising a forum titled "Assessment in the Era of AI." This event will delve into how artificial intelligence is reshaping academic assessments and learning methodologies. It seeks to explore new ways of evaluating student performance in an increasingly digital world.

Financial Expertise and Cultural Pride

The College of Business will offer a Bloomberg Terminals Workshop alongside a stock trading competition. Students will receive hands-on training with Bloomberg terminals and showcase their financial skills. This initiative aims to enhance students' understanding of financial markets through practical experience.

Additionally, the Zai Arabic Language Research Center will conduct an Arabic Public Speaking Masterclass for 30 selected students. This masterclass focuses on improving public speaking skills in Modern Standard Arabic, promoting linguistic excellence and cultural pride among participants.

Prof. Michael Allen, Acting Vice-President of Zayed University, stated: "At Zayed University, we are committed to fostering a culture of innovation that supports the UAE’s transition to a knowledge-based economy. This month-long celebration will turn our campuses into hubs of creativity, showcasing the talent of our students, faculty, staff, and partners as they develop groundbreaking solutions to global challenges."

ZU's participation in UAE Innovates 2025 underscores its dedication to nurturing innovation across various fields. By engaging students in diverse activities throughout February, the university aims to equip them with skills essential for addressing future challenges effectively.

With inputs from WAM