Al Ain:Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the UAE Ministry of Education and the Advanced Technology Research Council are set to host the 8th National Science, Technology and Innovation (NSTI) Festival. The event will take place from November 10-13, 2026, at the ADNEC Centre Al Ain.
According to Abu Dhabi Media Office, the festival is part of the UAE Innovates initiative and aims to promote a culture of innovation, inspiring future generations to engage with science, technology, and innovation. It will gather students from various educational backgrounds, including public, private, and applied technology schools, university students, and recent graduates. Participants will engage in three major competitions, with over 4,700 registrations, including the Emirates Young Scientist Competition, the Advanced Technology Pioneers, and the Junior Innovators Challenge.
The festival will also feature a scientific conference and a Family Festival, offering 80 sessions and workshops in fields such as robotics, coding, renewable energy, and the arts. Attendees will experience live science demonstrations, interactive artificial intelligence experiences, and activities integrating cultural identity with sustainability. The event will also serve as a platform for emerging entrepreneurs to showcase their ideas and projects.
Her Excellency Sarah bint Yousef Al Amiri, UAE Minister of Education, emphasized the importance of nurturing future generations' talents as a national priority. She highlighted the role of education in developing skills to address future challenges and the ministry's commitment to partnering with the Advanced Technology Research Council to identify promising talents and provide students with opportunities to realize their potential.
His Excellency Faisal Abdulaziz Al Bannai, Adviser to the UAE President for Strategic Research and Advanced Technology Affairs, stressed the importance of connecting young talent with scientific research and industry challenges through the NSTI Festival. The festival aims to prepare a generation capable of translating knowledge into impactful solutions, vital for strengthening the UAE's research ecosystem and technological capabilities.
The Emirates Young Scientist Competition, a flagship event of the festival, received 2,651 student registrations with 100 research projects selected for the finals. The Advanced Technology Pioneers competition saw 707 applications, with 210 participants working on projects for UAE entities. The Junior Innovators Challenge attracted 1,402 entries for team-based challenges in STEM fields.
Additionally, the festival will introduce the Path 2 A2RL initiative, linked to the Abu Dhabi Autonomous Racing League, providing students with practical experiences in autonomous driving and artificial intelligence. The festival aims to enhance collaboration between education, research, and industry sectors, preparing students for the UAE's ongoing scientific and technological advancement.