DUBAI // An idea to stop her children constantly playing computer games has changed the life of Rana El Chemaitelly.
The Lebanese mechanical engineer dreamt up an entertainment centre that introduces children between the ages of 4 and 16 to pre-engineering courses such as robotics, physics, electricity, electronics and renewable energy.
The mother-of-three won first place and US$50,000 (Dh183,630) two years ago at the MIT Enterprise Forum Arab Business Plan Competition for her idea, Little Engineer.
This year's competition launches tonight on Yas Island for entrepreneurs in the Arab region who want to turn their business idea into a successful company.
Since winning, Ms El Chemaitelly has set up four centres in Lebanon. She plans to expand into the UAE, Kuwait and Armenia with an expected 13 centres to open by 2013.
"I want kids to be active. This will help them bridge the gap between schools and universities," she said.
Teams of three - including at least two Arabs - can apply at www.mitarabcompetition.com until January 12. Companies must be set up in an Arab country.
Thirty teams will be shortlisted on February 14, 12 will be chosen on May 8 and the final awards will take place in Beirut on June 21.
cmalek@thenational.ae
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The Beach Bum
Director: Harmony Korine
Stars: Matthew McConaughey, Isla Fisher, Snoop Dogg
Two stars
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
The specs
Engine: 2.7-litre 4-cylinder Turbomax
Power: 310hp
Torque: 583Nm
Transmission: 8-speed automatic
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US tops drug cost charts
The study of 13 essential drugs showed costs in the United States were about 300 per cent higher than the global average, followed by Germany at 126 per cent and 122 per cent in the UAE.
Thailand, Kenya and Malaysia were rated as nations with the lowest costs, about 90 per cent cheaper.
In the case of insulin, diabetic patients in the US paid five and a half times the global average, while in the UAE the costs are about 50 per cent higher than the median price of branded and generic drugs.
Some of the costliest drugs worldwide include Lipitor for high cholesterol.
The study’s price index placed the US at an exorbitant 2,170 per cent higher for Lipitor than the average global price and the UAE at the eighth spot globally with costs 252 per cent higher.
High blood pressure medication Zestril was also more than 2,680 per cent higher in the US and the UAE price was 187 per cent higher than the global price.
The specs
Price, base / as tested Dh1,470,000 (est)
Engine 6.9-litre twin-turbo W12
Gearbox eight-speed automatic
Power 626bhp @ 6,000rpm
Torque: 900Nm @ 1,350rpm
Fuel economy, combined 14.0L / 100km
Info
What: 11th edition of the Mubadala World Tennis Championship
When: December 27-29, 2018
Confirmed: men: Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, Kevin Anderson, Dominic Thiem, Hyeon Chung, Karen Khachanov; women: Venus Williams
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre flat-six twin-turbocharged
Transmission: eight-speed PDK automatic
Power: 445bhp
Torque: 530Nm
Price: Dh474,600
On Sale: Now
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