Now in its third year, the Abu Dhabi Science Festival is bringing ten action-packed days to the city. If you’re a wannabe scientist, or are just fascinated by the world around you, then there’s heaps of all-ages entertainment to be found at this year’s event.
One of the best things about science is that there are so many branches to the subject that everyone is sure to find some aspect of it interesting, but the best thing about science is that it is fun! The Abu Dhabi Science Festival that’s rolling into town on November 14 is putting science front and centre in the capital’s attention. Taking place over ten days at both Du Forum and on the Corniche, the expo looks to invigorate a fascination with science over a range of attractions that tackle astronomy, health, mathematics and more.
Exposing children to the discoveries and marvels of our world is not only the focus of the science festival but of the Technology Development Committee, which was formed in 2009 to establish the presence of science in the Abu Dhabi emirate. Government-based, the committee aims to keep the young interested and involved with the region’s technological developments. The festival is their main instrument to do so, and senior manager of projects Lana Ghandour is excited about next week’s celebration of science, explaining that it ‘brings new interactive and engaging content that merges science into entertainment to excite youth.’ There’ll be an increase of over two thirds more exhibits, shows and workshops compared with last year’s festival, and on top of that a brand new area called ‘Launch Pad’ where friends of the ADSF will showcase different ideas and concepts to any and all visitors to the festival.
But despite all the fun your family and friends will have, why should a science festival still matter so much today, when our children are already so wired-in to technology with their smart phones, games consoles and personal computers? Lana points out that such events ‘inspire young minds to look at the world through inquisitive eyes’, and demonstrates the sheer number of fresh-faced students being exposed to ADSF this year – approximately 25,000 – which marks an increase over last year. Hopefully, a budding scientist or two will emerge from the festival, and Lana is confident about the event’s impact too. ‘I am really looking forward to witnessing our visitor’s engage with what we have in store for them at ADSF 2013’.
The Abu Dhabi Science Festival will run from November 14-23 at the East Plaza on the Corniche and at Du Forum on Yas Island. Tickets are per day and cost Dhs10 for children aged 5-15, Dhs5 for 16s and over and are free for children under 5. For the full programme visit www.abudhabisciencefestival.ae.
Show-stoppers
Possibly the most exciting part of the ADSF are its signature shows, where examples of science doing weird and wonderful things are showcased in theatrical, funny and frequently brilliant ways.
Do the robot
These are definitely the droids you’re looking for. Roboshow will bring a robotic spectacular to ADSF at the Du Forum, showcasing the amazing synchronized skills of the NAO troop robots alongside the spooky rope climbing skills of Skeletron.
Venue: Du Forum
Helium dreams
Using thousands of balloons, Jason Hackenwerth will provide a unique experience creating a bizarre and breathtaking sculpture that will leave you wonderstruck. His talent merges the lines between science, art and engineering.
Venue: Du Forum
The real Iron Man
The Zapata Flyboard show is something special, showcasing what is essentially a real-life Iron Man on the shores of Abu Dhabi. The show demonstrates propulsion in the most spectacular way possible – a giant hose and a jet pack worn by the pilot will make for an unforgettable lesson in flying.
Venue: The Corniche, East Plaza
Dr Hal returns
Back by popular demand, Dr Hal, Sideshow Dave and Fireworks Mike are back in Dr Hal Reloaded, bringing pops, fizzles and bangs with his new range of dastardly enjoyable experiments, such as Ruben’s Tube and the exploding Hydrox Bubbles.
Venue: Du Forum
… and what else?
Exhibitions
MathAlive! is the ADSF’s way of showing kids that maths lies behind some of their favourite things, such as video games and sports. With more than 40 interactive displays, prepare to be slyly educated while having great fun. But that’s even before you get to the Water Orchestra! Fans of both making music and getting wet will love creating an aquatic symphony with a 50-person assortment of tubs, sculptures and other apparatus. Looking to the future, Strange Matter takes a peek into the extraordinary science behind everyday materials and where we’re headed as technology progresses.
Workshops
Everyone loves Lego. That makes Lego MindStorm NXT Challenge perfect for all ages, in a hands-on introduction to robotics and programming. Give your robot your commands in order to complete an obstacle course and other missions. If electricity is your thing, then explore the ways in which it interacts with our world – and us – with It Lights Up!, a workshop that’ll have you illuminating a myriad of objects in no time. And possibly the most gruesome workshop on offer, Egyptian Mummy will have you examining the ancient Egyptian’s ingenious ways of looking after their deceased.
