Dubai Crown Prince Inaugurates Prototypes For Humanity Exhibition

The Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, inaugurated the 2023 edition of the Prototypes for Humanity exhibition on Tuesday.

The exhibition showcases 100 projects, offering practical solutions related to social and environmental issues. It accepted submissions from students and recent graduates from various disciplines including natural sciences, humanities, technology and creative studies from all over the globe.

During the inauguration, the Crown Prince of Dubai credited Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai and vice president and prime minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), for his vision and support for holding such events in the city.

Sheikh Hamdan went on to explain that the Prototypes for Humanity initiative is important for unearthing solutions amid the challenges countries around the world are facing, including climate change. He also praised the participating students, noting that the event gives them an opportunity to explore solutions and contribute to shaping the future.

"Youth are key partners and the most crucial factor in envisioning and designing the future. Their aspirations are taken into account in every developmental endeavor," he said, according to WAM.

"The future belongs to the youth, and they bear a significant responsibility to prepare for it with creative ideas and effective solutions that contribute to reinforcing comprehensive sustainable development," he continued.

The opening ceremony was also attended by Sheikha Latifa bint Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, chairperson of the Dubai Culture and Arts Authority (Dubai Culture) and member of the Dubai Council.

Sheikha Latifa said the Prototypes for Humanity initiative is a way to raise awareness of the importance of creativity and innovation, adding that it also provides a platform to showcase 100 of the world's best innovations that would make this world a more sustainable place.

"Today, the world unites to address shared global challenges and channels its efforts towards serving humanity by offering innovative solutions and embracing creative ideas to tackle present and future obstacles," Sheikha Latifa added.

"These endeavors not only showcase the seamless collaboration between scientific and academic institutions, but also highlight the significance of partnerships in bringing together stakeholders from governmental and private sectors, the venture capital community, and decision-makers," she said further.

The Prototypes for Humanity started on Tuesday and will end on Thursday.

Thousands of students and professors from 710 universities across 108 countries expressed their interest in participating in the event by submitting 200 research projects under various areas of expertise. However, only 100 projects from 92 universities across 46 countries were selected to showcase their projects at the exhibition.