President Sheikh Mohamed meets award-winning Emirati youth

UAE leader praises young citizens representing their nation in global competitions

President Sheikh Mohamed meets young Emiratis who secured success in global competitions. Abdulla Al Neyadi / UAE Presidential Court

President Sheikh Mohamed on Tuesday emphasised the vital role of the nation's youth in the UAE's development after meeting Emirati learners celebrating global success.

The UAE leader hailed the achievements of the young citizens who secured medals and awards at events including this year's Indonesia Inventors Day in Bali, the International Economics Olympiad in Hong Kong and the International Inventions and Trade Expo held in London. He commended them for their dedication and hard work during the meeting at Qasr al Bahr in the capital.

Sheikh Mohamed said their impressive efforts served to highlight the capabilities of the next generation. He wished them continuing success and urged them to continue to set their sights high for the betterment of themselves, their families and the UAE.

The President stressed that the UAE places great importance on innovation, science, technology and artificial intelligence, recognising the significant role they play in driving development and progress. Sheikh Mohamed said the UAE's goal was to shape a generation of people with exceptional abilities by equipping them with the necessary tools and the right environment in which to thrive.

The young Emiratis expressed their pleasure at meeting the President and said it served as motivation for them to add to their accomplishments in the future.

The UAE is committed to harnessing the potential of its young people so that they be a driving force for national development in the decades to come.

On Monday, Sheikh Mohamed announced that the UAE would mark Emirati Day for Education on February 28 every year.

“On this day in 1982, our Founding Father the late Sheikh Zayed witnessed the graduation of the first batch of teachers from UAE University, marking a historic step on the UAE’s journey of development and growth,” Sheikh Mohamed wrote on X. He said the day is a recognition of the vital role education plays in the nation’s progress and to honour those working in the profession.

Memorable meeting for schoolboy

Ali Al Loughani, 13, from Sharjah, was awarded a Leadership Medal and two gold medals at the International Inventions and Trade Expo last month. He was among the group of talented Emiratis granted an audience with Sheikh Mohamed.

“No words can describe my joy. I was in tears when the President hugged me. It is a dream come true by meeting my role model,” Ali told The National.

“My goal is to become one of the key figures in this country who leaves a lasting impact in serving the community," said Ali, who hopes to one day serve as a minister in the UAE Cabinet.

The eighth-grade pupil at Al Kamal American International School in Sharjah enjoys playing basketball, drawing and writing, when not pursuing his lofty ambitions to support the country's growth.

“Beside my hobbies, I spend my day studying, working on projects and improving my skills by attending workshops,” he said.

Ali is a member of both the UAE Children's Parliament and the Sharjah Children's Parliament – on which he serves as second vice president – and is part of an environment and sustainability committee.

The enterprising youngster has been blessed with an inquiring mind from an early age. He recalls asking his parents many questions to quench his thirst for knowledge.

“I was very curious and asked many questions,” he said. "Curiosity played the biggest role in making me love understanding how toys work. I used to dismantle toys and then design models from recycled materials. I would also assist in connecting lights and electricity at home, especially when fixing device malfunctions.”

Recognising his potential, Ali’s family enrolled him in science camps across the UAE, including those organised by Adnoc, the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority and Emirates Science Club.

Ali, supported by Digital Dubai, a government department promoting technology growth, was recognised for his innovative projects utilising AI and IoT technology to address marine safety and sustainability challenges.

He exhibited two projects in London, including a hybrid energy solution integrating solar power with hydrogen fuel cells, powered by IoT technology.

“The hydropower project aims to create a hybrid energy system combining solar energy and hydrogen fuel cells to provide a sustainable and efficient energy source,” he said.

It involves converting solar energy into electricity using solar panels and then using that energy to produce hydrogen through electrolysis.

He was also an award winner at the 2024 Silicon Valley International Invention Festival in California, for building a robot that serves as a first line of defence in health care.

The Doctor Robot project monitors vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure and temperature, transmitting the data to a secure cloud accessible to doctors through a website Ali also developed.

Digital Dubai will organise a scientific visit for him to Dallas, Texas, where he will participate in the Best Young Inventors Award and the Dr Robot competition.

“My country supports me in all aspects. They have instilled in us the love of learning, hard work and developing our skills. We live in a country that supports both the young and the old,” he said.

“I’m thankful for Dubai Digital who supported me to achieve success. We are the children of the late Sheikh Zayed, who taught us not to give up. Thanks to God, I succeeded in raising UAE’s flag in international forums.”