• Inaugural participation in the BRICS Forum emphasized the UAE’s commitment to addressing global challenges through youth-led innovation
• Multiple UAE Nationals nominated for the prestigious BRICS Young Innovator Prize, reinforcing the quality of emerging homegrown science and technology talent

The UAE’s first participation in the 9th BRICS Young Scientist Forum reflects its commitment to youth-driven innovation and global collaboration. Spearheading the delegation, ATRC plays a pivotal role in fostering the UAE’s advanced technology ecosystem, driving impactful R&D aligned with the nation’s strategic vision.

With 17 young Emirati scientists presenting projects on environmental technologies, digital humanities, and sustainable solutions, and 11 nominations for the prestigious BRICS Young Innovator Prize, ATRC underscores its dedication to nurturing talent and positioning the UAE as a global hub for innovation

Abu Dhabi, UAE – 5 December 2024: The United Arab Emirates (UAE) participated in the 9th BRICS Young Scientist Forum and the 7th BRICS Young Innovator Prize, held from November 25 to 29, 2024, in Sochi, Russia. Through the forum, the young participants presented concepts and visions from an Emirati perspective, according to the UAE’s vision, which aims to consolidate the UAE’s position as an international destination for technology and innovation.

The participation – the first of its kind since the UAE joined BRICS in January 2024 – highlighted the UAE's commitment to empowering its young and emerging talent to collaborate and contribute to global discourse in science, technology, and innovation.

Abu Dhabi’s Advanced Technology Research Council (ATRC), mandated to shape an R&D ecosystem that accelerates a knowledge-based economy, led the UAE delegation, which included representatives of entities and universities nationwide. The delegation comprised 17 young Emirati scientists participating in the BRICS Young Scientist Forum and Young Innovator Prize with 11 innovative projects nominated. These exceptional nominees presented pioneering projects categorized under the themes of the Young Scientist Forum: Environmental and Climate Technologies, Nature-like and Convergent Technologies, and Digital Humanities. Among the groundbreaking initiatives were autonomous drones designed for mangrove reforestation and advanced bioinformatics to improve immunotherapy.

Additionally, UAE representatives competed for the BRICS Young Innovator Prize with transformative solutions such as IoT-enabled smart agriculture and sustainable biodiesel production. These projects reflect the UAE’s commitment to addressing pressing global challenges through youth-driven research and innovation.

Furthermore, the UAE's participation was marked by its strategic role on the Science, Technology and Innovation BRICS Steering Committee and its leadership in the Young Scientist Forum and Young Innovator Prize programs, led by members of ATRC.

Aligned with the UAE’s Centennial 2071 vision, the delegation exemplified the nation’s strategic ambition to promote technological solutions that contribute to global advancements. The event, which included participants from countries such as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, also underscored the UAE’s efforts to strengthen partnerships across the BRICS nations and beyond, promoting equitable access to innovation and technological progress.

The BRICS Young Scientist Forum is critical for fostering global partnerships and driving cross-border innovation. Through its commitment to youth-driven research and development, the UAE is addressing local challenges while contributing to international advancements in science and technology. This initiative highlighted the importance of equipping young innovators with the resources, knowledge and networks required to lead the future.  By supporting and participating in the BRICS Young Innovation Forum, the UAE demonstrated its belief that technology is the new oil, a vital resource for achieving sustainable development and long-term economic prosperity.