DUBAI // Sixteen innovative entries have qualified for the semi-final stage of the Drones for Good awards and are on track to bag Dh1 million and possibly a further US$1 million (Dh3.6m).
The contestants came up with drone applications in health, rescue services, traffic management, tourism and agriculture. Contestants also offered practical solutions to environmental issues such as desertification and water shortages.
New ideas for the use of drones included mapping of buildings and fully automated paid-parking systems.
The 16 semi-finalists were picked from 300 entries for the next stage, which focuses on using unmanned aerial vehicles to deliver government services to the people of the UAE.
State news agency Wam reported that the largest number of entries came from Emiratis and, of the 16 semi-finalists, five were nationals. The contest was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
One project synchronises video photographed by the drone with GPS-based maps to identify all the tourist sites in the UAE. Entrants from Dubai Health Authority devised drones to deliver medicine bags, first aid and test results. They can also deliver licences and health cards.
newsdesk@thenational.ae
Electoral College Victory
Trump has so far secured 295 Electoral College votes, according to the Associated Press, exceeding the 270 needed to win. Only Nevada and Arizona remain to be called, and both swing states are leaning Republican. Trump swept all five remaining swing states, North Carolina, Georgia, Pennsylvania, Michigan and Wisconsin, sealing his path to victory and giving him a strong mandate.
Popular Vote Tally
The count is ongoing, but Trump currently leads with nearly 51 per cent of the popular vote to Harris’s 47.6 per cent. Trump has over 72.2 million votes, while Harris trails with approximately 67.4 million.
Our family matters legal consultant
Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Almnssa
Started: August 2020
Founder: Areej Selmi
Based: Gaza
Sectors: Internet, e-commerce
Investments: Grants/private funding
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
THE BIO
Family: I have three siblings, one older brother (age 25) and two younger sisters, 20 and 13
Favourite book: Asking for my favourite book has to be one of the hardest questions. However a current favourite would be Sidewalk by Mitchell Duneier
Favourite place to travel to: Any walkable city. I also love nature and wildlife
What do you love eating or cooking: I’m constantly in the kitchen. Ever since I changed the way I eat I enjoy choosing and creating what goes into my body. However, nothing can top home cooked food from my parents.
Favorite place to go in the UAE: A quiet beach.