Participants Gain Scientific Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, Enrichment and Technical Skills
A total of 105 students concluded their two-week virtual Estedad program, a selective summer initiative for high-achieving high school students in the UAE, hosted by Khalifa University in collaboration with the UAE Ministry of Education. The program provided students with opportunities for academic and personal growth, while fostering scientific research and innovation and developing entrepreneurial skills and mindset.
Organized under the theme ‘Leading the Future Through Our Students’ from 14-24 July 2025, the Estadad program offered three focused tracks – Scientific Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship, as well as Enrichment and Technical Skills. Participants engaged in hands-on workshops, team projects, and university readiness sessions to build future-ready skills in science, technology, and innovation. The participants – 78 UAE National and 27 international students – were shortlisted by the Khalifa University Outreach team based on stringent Ministry of Education criteria. Each track, led by experts, will have 35 students.Â
The ‘Scientific Research Track’ was led by Dr. Houda Majid, PhD researchers Ruba Islayem, and Marwa Ahmed who provided students with hands-on training in scientific research across science, technology and engineering (STE) disciplines through structured modules and projects. The participants learnt about developing a scientific research mindset, the hypothesis design and methodology, as well as data collection and analysis. They also gained insights into what intellectual property is and the road to commercialization.
Dr. Zainab AlAnsari and Dr. Seba Zakaria Al Areeqi led the ‘Innovation and Entrepreneurship Track’ that empowered students with innovation frameworks, design thinking, and entrepreneurial leadership. Participants learnt about ways to build creative confidence, insight generation, as well as ideation, journey mapping and prototyping, in addition to innovation leadership.
The ‘Enrichment Track’ was led by postdoctoral researchers Hamza Fiaz, Mughni Irfan Mohammed Abdul, and Mohammed Misbah Uddin and helped participants develop project planning, communication, collaboration, and engineering fundamentals through engaging activities. They also learnt about design thinking and technical skills, team dynamics, and prototype development.
A General Requirements Strand (GRS) facilitated by Dr. Nooreya Alobeidli and Kholoud Elayyan helped participants with an analysis of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality assessment. They also learnt about time management and study skills, critical thinking and communication, as well as essay writing and university readiness.
Alisha Roy
Science Writer
