Emirates and Boeing Ignite UAE Students at Rocket Contest
UAE Students Showcase Engineering Ingenuity at Water Rocket Competition
Dubai, UAE – The eighth annual Water Rocket Competition recently took place at Emirates Aviation University (EAU), providing school students with an exciting platform to demonstrate their engineering skills. This engaging event, organized in collaboration with Boeing, aims to foster innovation, promote STEM education, and encourage hands-on problem-solving among students in the UAE.
Participants faced the challenge of designing and launching rockets using only water and air pressure. This initiative not only aligns with the UAE’s goal of nurturing future aerospace professionals but also empowers students to explore critical concepts in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Highlights of the Emirates and Boeing Water Rocket Competition
The Water Rocket Competition welcomed students from grades 11 and 12 to EAU’s Dubai campus, where they formed teams of four to construct their rockets. Using readily available materials, teams tapped into their creativity while ensuring the project was accessible to all participants. The rockets were launched at a specific 45-degree angle, relying solely on water and air pressure for propulsion.
Professor Ahmad Al Ali, Vice Chancellor of Emirates Aviation University, emphasized the competition’s significance in shaping the engineers and scientists of tomorrow. "The Water Rocket Competition is part of our corporate social responsibility initiatives," he stated. "It ignites curiosity in young minds and equips future industry leaders with the skills and passion needed to drive the world forward. We hope they are inspired to pursue careers in STEM fields, and we are proud to partner with Boeing in this endeavor."
Boeing’s Commitment to STEM Education
Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia, underscored the importance of investing in STEM initiatives. “As the UAE experiences growth in aviation and space exploration, there is a rising demand for aerospace talent,” he explained. “Partnering with Emirates Aviation University allows us to inspire the next generation of aerospace professionals and provide students with the opportunity to gain technical skills from Boeing engineers during this competition.”
Since 2017, Boeing has collaborated with Emirates Aviation University on several key initiatives, including the installation of a wind tunnel in the university’s lab. This partnership highlights Boeing’s commitment to nurturing young talent in aviation and engineering.
Competition Achievements and Records
A panel of judges from Emirates Aviation University and Boeing evaluated the rocket launches and announced the winning teams. The standout performance came from the team “It’s Not Rocket Science” from Dubai English Speaking College, whose rocket soared to a remarkable height of 120 meters, setting a new competition record.
Winners:
- First Runners-up: Rocket Riders from Dubai Scholars Private School (117 meters)
- Second Runners-up: Eagle 1 from Islamiya English School (115 meters)
Since its inception in 2017, the Water Rocket Competition has engaged over 1,000 students from 100 schools, fostering essential technical skills and problem-solving abilities. This event continues to inspire young minds and strengthen the UAE’s STEM education landscape.
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