3,000 School Students Compete in Abu Dhabi University's 4th Annual STEM Programming Competition

Abu Dhabi University’s (ADU) College of Engineering hosted its 4th Annual STEM Programming Competition, providing school students with the opportunity to tackle pressing engineering and technology challenges. This competition aligns with ADU’s commitment to empowering future innovators and supporting the UAE’s National Program for Coders, established by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai.
The competition witnessed the participation of over 3,000 students representing 200 schools across the country, held at ADU’s main campus and virtually. Participants engaged in real-world problem solving, fostering a culture of innovation in Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). 40 outstanding schools were recognized with trophies and monetary prizes.
The competition was open to students in grades six to 12, representing Cycles two and three, who showcased their coding skills and technical knowledge through several STEM challenges.
Dr. Hamdi Sheibani, Dean of the College of Engineering at Abu Dhabi University (ADU), said: “We are proud to witness the creativity and resilience demonstrated by school students, showcasing their capabilities to lead in engineering and innovation. Ranked among the top 200 universities globally in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings 2025, Abu Dhabi University remains committed to empowering young minds through innovation and hands-on experiences in STEM. This year’s competition reflects our dedication to advancing critical thinking and problem-solving skills, reinforcing the university’s support for the UAE’s national program for coders.”
Professor Mohammed Ghazal, Director of the Research Institute for AI and Emerging Technology and Associate Dean of the College of Engineering at Abu Dhabi University (ADU) said: “At ADU, we are committed to providing UAE students with a platform to showcase their creativity, talent and innovation. By hosting the 4th STEM competition, we equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary for their future careers. Competitions like this align with ADU’s goal of fostering a new generation of innovators who can contribute to global sustainability and technological advancements.”
All students received a certificate for participating and showcasing their problem-solving skills, with the top ten schools earning the prestigious College of Engineering ‘Top Ten Tournament Award.’ Additionally, schools that provided exceptional guidance and support to their students were honored with the College of Engineering ‘Outstanding Student Mentorship Award.’
The competition concluded with six teams from cycles two and three presenting their solutions to the jury, who then announced the winners. In cycle two, Al Farooq School claimed first place, followed by Al Bashair Private School in second place, and Cambridge High School in third place. For cycle three, Abu Dhabi Indian secured first place, with Horizon Private School in second and GEMS Cambridge International School in third.
ADU’s College of Engineering offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in engineering and technology, with new and innovative courses introduced regularly.