H.H. Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, visited on Saturday the National Innovation Exhibition 2016, organised by the Ministry of Education at the Dubai Festival Arena.

The organisation of the exhibition is in conjunction with the UAE Innovation Week. About 74 innovative distinguished student works were presented in an interactive educational atmosphere.

During his tour, Minister of Education Hussain bin Ibrahim Al Hamadi briefed Sheikh Abdullah on the developed curriculum within the ministry's development plan. He also briefed Sheikh Abdullah on the ministry’s project, which includes the creation of 72 laboratories for manufacturing of the robot and three digital laboratories in various public schools.

Sheikh Abdullah was briefed on the Sheikh Zayed Complex for Future Educational Model adopted by the ministry to be a future model for a UAE school, which will provide a stimulating and attractive educational environment for students.

Sheikh Abdullah also visited the Mohammed Bin Rashid Smart Learning Corner, where he learnt about the contents of the smart learning portal and school tools used in the portal as well as programmes for parents to communicate with teachers to monitor the performance of their children, and interactive classrooms.

He examined the innovations displayed by the students and heard from them about their innovative achievements, including aircraft to detect mines, robot project, smart dustbin, and smart customs inspector.

Sheikh Abdullah then moved to the innovation ambassadors' workshop and listened to the discussions by students that centred on the experience they had acquired through their travel abroad to developed nations, innovation and industry centres, major institutions and international companies. They also spoke about the experiences during their travels, especially in the area of innovation.

He also attended the retreat session of students organised by the ministry, chaired by the Minister of Public Education and attended by 90 outstanding students to discuss their innovative ideas and aspirations on the future of education to come up with ideas and proposals that will advance the educational system.

The exhibition aims to provide an attractive environment that brings innovators together with concerned institutions to work together to build productive partnerships and develop products, which will be fruits of application of their innovative ideas.

It also aims to strengthen national efforts to accelerate the knowledge and innovation wheel which would contribute to the transition towards a sustainable knowledge economy.

Sheikh Abdullah was received by Al Hamadi; Dr. Thani bin Ahmed Zeyoudi, Minister of Climate Change and Environment; Jameela bint Salem Al Muhairi, Minister of State for Public Education; Razan Khalifa Al Mubarak, Secretary-General of the Environment Agency- Abu Dhabi, as well as a number of officials, and experts in area of education and creativity.