DUBAI // Hundreds of entries for the Drones for Good Award have been assessed and 16 semi-finalists have been chosen.
Three hundred applications were evaluated for the national category and only the best 16 applicants were selected to go on to the next stage of the competition.
The semi-finalists were chosen based on select criteria, including how innovative their idea was, how easily it could be implemented and how it could improve the quality of life for everyone living in the UAE.
The applications looked at various government sectors, such as civil defence and infrastructure, as well as environment, health, logistics and tourism. The applicants included students as well as individuals and private companies.
“The applications were unique as they met the real needs, introduced new concepts and processes that can link directly with the services sector in the UAE Government and improve the quality of life,” said Saif Al Alili, project manager for the award.
“The award gave the opportunity for national universities to play a greater role in the recruitment of potential students and innovators, a chance to create products and services designed to improve life, creating a real demand within the services sector.”
“It also provided an opportunity for those interested in modern technology to take their creations outside the walls of their laboratory, and consider the possibility of their application affecting people’s daily lives, no longer limiting that to government agencies, but extending it to include individuals and private institutions.”
The award was launched by Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, Vice President and Ruler of Dubai at the Government Summit last February. The award is dedicated to transforming these exciting technologies into practical solutions for improving people’s lives.
There are three categories for the award. One is for residents of the UAE, one for international applicants and one is reserved specially for employees of the UAE Government.
The Government category has already closed, but the international category is still open for applicants and comes with a US$1 million (Dh3.67m) prize.
The 16 semi-finalists must now submit a detailed technical proposal that must include a short video, a 2,000 to 5,000-word write-up describing the service, plans and schematics of how it will work, and the estimated cost.
The semi-finalists will be judged by a dedicated international technical committee, based on their assessment of the feasibility and technical aspects of the proposed service.
Full technical documentation must be uploaded to the competition website, www.dronesforgood.ae, by October 15.
Five finalists will be announced on November 1. They will then enter the third and final phase of the competition. The winner will be announced on December 14.
mnalkhan@thenational.ae
Gothia Cup 2025
4,872 matches
1,942 teams
116 pitches
76 nations
26 UAE teams
15 Lebanese teams
2 Kuwaiti teams
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
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ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025, Thailand
UAE fixtures
May 9, v Malaysia
May 10, v Qatar
May 13, v Malaysia
May 15, v Qatar
May 18 and 19, semi-finals
May 20, final
Quick pearls of wisdom
Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
From Zero
Artist: Linkin Park
Label: Warner Records
Number of tracks: 11
Rating: 4/5
Jigra
Starring: Alia Bhatt, Vedang Raina, Manoj Pahwa, Harsh Singh
The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
Power: 398hp from 5,250rpm
Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
On sale: December
Price: From Dh330,000 (estimate)
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
EXPATS
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Mohammed bin Zayed Majlis
Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
ELIO
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Brad Garrett
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Rating: 4/5
KILLING OF QASSEM SULEIMANI
