The School of Engineering at the American University in Dubai (AUD) hosted its annual High School Engineering Competition, bringing together 84 students from across the UAE for a dynamic and engaging experience designed to bridge theory and practice.

The event provided students with the opportunity to explore engineering concepts through hands-on, interactive challenges that encouraged creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.

Dr. Wael Bazzi, Dean of the School of Engineering and Professor of Computer Engineering, said:
“At the School of Engineering, we are committed to inspiring the next generation of innovators by providing opportunities that bridge theory and practice. This competition reflects our mission to cultivate creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on problem-solving, even in a virtual environment. The level of enthusiasm and ingenuity demonstrated by the students this year has been impressive.”

Students also shared their excitement and appreciation for the experience. Tina Malak Rahrouh from Al Maarifa International School said: “Thank you for this opportunity. We learned a lot while designing and working on this bridge.”

The competition featured three main challenges designed to introduce students to different engineering disciplines in a practical and engaging way. The Game Design Challenge focused on coding and computational thinking, where students developed simple interactive applications or games, applying logic, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

The Tinkercad Challenge introduced participants to Computer-Aided Design (CAD), allowing them to explore engineering design using digital tools. Students developed spatial visualization and analytical thinking skills while learning how engineers transform ideas into real-world designs.

The Truss Bridge Design Challenge highlighted principles of structural and civil engineering. Working in teams, students designed and constructed truss bridges using limited materials, aiming to achieve the highest strength factor. The bridges were tested in AUD’s Structural Engineering Lab using specialized equipment, with the process live-streamed so students could observe the performance of their designs in real time.

Participating schools included Al Maarifa International School (Sharjah), Dubai National School – Al Barsha, Dubai International Academy – Emirates Hills, Uptown International School, Dunes International School, and Applied Technology Schools Dubai.

Winners of the Game Design Challenge were Ousama Alhenaawi and Anas Zidan from Al Maarifa International School, who secured first place. Second place went to Jassim Ahmad Ahli and Zayed Marwan AlMaramah from Applied Technology School, while Ahmad Rushed Al Meheri from Applied Technology School placed third.

In the Tinkercad Challenge, Ali Ghaffar from Al Maarifa International School won first place, followed by Ahmed Mohamed Samy, also from Al Maarifa International School, in second place. Faris Essam Shalash from Dubai National School – Al Barsha took third place.

The competition reinforced AUD’s commitment to experiential learning and early STEM engagement by providing high school students with a platform to apply engineering principles in real-world contexts. By combining creativity, teamwork, and technical problem-solving, the initiative continues to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators in the UAE.