Students from across the UAE are putting months of engineering, design and innovation to the test this week as the ADNOC Yas in Schools National Finals celebrates its 15th anniversary, highlighting the growing role of hands-on STEM education in preparing the country’s future workforce.

Hosted by Yas Marina Circuit and supported by ADNOC, the National Finals bring together students from across all seven emirates to compete in Formula Ethara and STEM Racing challenges after months of designing, building and refining their projects.

Over three days, participants will race their cars, present their engineering process and demonstrate their technical knowledge, creativity and problem-solving skills before a panel of judges.

The milestone edition reflects how the programme has evolved over the past 15 years into one of the UAE’s best-known STEM initiatives, using motorsport as a platform to engage students in science, technology, engineering and mathematics while exposing them to careers in engineering, innovation and advanced technologies.

Recognised as the region’s only motorsport-inspired STEM education programme delivered from a Formula 1 circuit, ADNOC Yas in Schools combines classroom learning with practical experience, encouraging students to apply engineering concepts through real-world challenges.

Expanding opportunities for younger students

This year’s competition also marks the expansion of the Formula Ethara pathway with the introduction of the 3ainawy Cup and Al Dhafra Cup.

The new competitions are designed for students aged 13 and under from Al Ain and Al Dhafra, introducing younger learners to engineering, design and motorsport while creating an earlier pathway into STEM education.

The addition of these grassroots competitions reflects growing efforts to engage students with science and technology from an earlier age and broaden participation across the country.

Building skills beyond the classroom

Unlike traditional academic competitions, the National Finals assess more than technical performance.

Teams are evaluated on engineering design, innovation, teamwork, branding, presentation skills and problem-solving, reflecting the range of competencies increasingly valued by universities and employers.

This year’s finals are being held in an online format, allowing schools from across the UAE to participate while maintaining the programme’s competitive element.

A nationwide STEM initiative

The 2026 National Finals include teams from schools in Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah, underlining the programme’s national reach.

Commenting on the milestone, Ali Al Beshr, General Manager of Yas Marina Circuit, said the programme has inspired thousands of young people by bringing engineering and innovation to life through motorsport while helping develop future talent for the UAE.

As the country continues to invest heavily in science, technology and innovation, programmes such as ADNOC Yas in Schools play an important role in equipping young people with practical skills and encouraging interest in STEM careers from an early age.

At a glance

• 15th edition of the ADNOC Yas in Schools National Finals.
• Students from all seven emirates are taking part.
• The programme is the region’s only motorsport-inspired STEM initiative delivered from a Formula 1 circuit.
• Students compete in engineering, design, innovation, teamwork and presentation challenges.
• New 3ainawy Cup and Al Dhafra Cup introduce STEM competition to students aged 13 and under.