The UAE has a unique position on the global innovation map. It puts science, technology, and innovation; therefore, at the heart of its plans to build a competitive, diversified, and sustainable knowledge economy, led by excellent national cadres, who are able to achieve the UAE Centennial 2071, the country's strategies in the areas of science, technology, and innovation, the vision of the wise leadership, and the country's global competitiveness.

The Ministry of Education (MoE) is exerting great efforts to promote the innovative skills of the students, build their capabilities in the various areas of science, technology, and innovation, and promote innovation as a lifestyle for the various segments of the community. This will achieve the main aim of the UAE; namely to make its people happy and become one the best countries in the world in terms of investing in its citizens and promoting their knowledge.

The National Science, Technology, and Innovation Festival (NSTI), which is organized by the MoE, is a unique, qualitative event that aims to promote the students, education staff, and all segments of the community's passion for science, technology, scientific research, and entrepreneurship. We are proud and happy to launch this year's edition from Dubai Expo 2020, the event that celebrates innovation and creation of minds. The Expo 2020 is regarded as a platform to share the best global experiences and practices, success stories, and future aspirations to inspire our students, boost their passion for the various areas, and engage decision makers in initiatives that promote innovation and leadership in the country.

The 5th edition of the Festival includes various useful activities and events and several sections, including two main competitions. The first competition is the "Emirates Young Scientist Competition", in which 459 schools have submitted 2,651 students' projects, out of which 100 elite projects have been qualified to compete for the grand prize. The second competition is the "Junior Innovator Challenge". In addition to a scientific conference that hosts keynote speakers and an Innovation Lab that includes the Sciencepreneurs Initiative for the first time. It is an initiative targeting students of higher education institutions, in which 40 students have participated this year.

The Festival's activities aim to enhance and build the students' capabilities in various areas of science, technology, and innovation and equip them with the skills of 21st century. This will eventually qualify the Emirati generations to possess the potentials of excellence and creativity and be able to effectively implement the UAE's plans for the next fifty years, shape its future, and participate in formulating effective solutions to local and global challenges.

Our country has taught us that every one of us has the right to dream. That is because we have grown up under a leadership and a teacher who believe in dreaming and working to make dreams come true. For our part, we have always been keen on harnessing the capabilities and launching innovative initiatives, according to the best global indicators. We have also activated all the possible means to achieve comprehensive development, instill the culture of innovation and thought, and promote the country's citizens passion for scientific and technological areas to maintain the UAE's leadership in the various areas of innovation worldwide. These endeavors are part of the Fifty-Year Charter and a translation of the unique vision of the wise leadership of the country.

Written by HE Dr. Amna Al-Dhahak Al-Shamsi,

Assistant Undersecretary for Care and Building Abilities Sector

at the Ministry of Education