Children’s chance to tune in to the world of science
Abu Dhabi Science Festival promises a carnival of activities
ABU DHABI // T-minus 23 days. The countdown is officially on for the launch of the Abu Dhabi Science Festival.
The sixth edition of the popular carnival that introduces children to science, technology and engineering concepts through creative, interactive workshops, exhibits and stage shows, will blast into Umm Al Emarat Park and Al Ain Zoo from November 17 to 26.
“This festival aims to create a culture among our children about science and technology and to encourage them to be more interested in science,” said Dr Ali Al Nuaimi, director general of the Abu Dhabi Education Council, the festival’s organiser. “Believe me, this can provoke them to become scientists of the future.”
Dr Al Nuaimi said the festival is one of many initiatives by Adec to transform UAE youth from “consumers of sciences to producers of sciences”. The number of hands- on, drop-in activities at the festival this year will increase to 67 to meet demand, said Sanad Humaid Ahmed, acting division manager of knowledge management for Adec. “We are expecting 10 per cent more visitors, so between 120,000 and 140,000 this year,” Mr Ahmed said.
“Also, students from schools, we’re expecting 35 per cent more this year. ”
The festival is open to children aged 5 to 12. Many of the new activities also encourage family involvement, organisers said.
Crowd favourites such as the Secret Life of Corals and Dig Up A Dinosaur will return this year at Al Ain Zoo.
“Participants can uncover bones from when the dinosaurs ruled the Earth millions of years ago and can use some of the tools that paleontologists use in the field,” Mr Ahmed said. “Another big attraction this year will be a chance to build a robot and learn how to program and control it to avoid obstacles.”
For information, visit www. abudhabisciencefestival.ae.