Dubai, Business News: The 2nd Solar Decathlon Middle East (SDME), organised by Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA), promotes Dubai’s model for global futuristic city standards and supports its strategies for a green economy, sustainable development and future planning aimed at making Dubai a smart, sustainable and integrated city capable of preserving resources; providing a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment; and guaranteeing the best quality of life for the whole community.
The most competitive and challenging competition for international universities, SDME is held under the patronage of HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of Dubai Executive Council, as part of a partnership between DEWA, Dubai Supreme Council of Energy, and the US Department of Energy.
HE Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, MD & CEO of DEWA, pointed out that the competition supports Dubai’s pioneering and growing role in establishing sustainability standards and harnessing the latest smart and eco-friendly technologies and solutions, to enhance community happiness within an ideal and healthy environment to live and work.
“SDME plays a pivotal role in supporting our efforts to realise the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to embed sustainability, as one of the most important assets for global development. The competition highlights the qualities of sustainable smart cities and the standards of urban environment necessary to balance economic growth, energy sustainability, and a clean environment. Hosting both editions of SDME, for the first time in the MEA region, in Dubai, with a total prize of up to AED 20 million, reinforces the UAE’s position as an international hub for innovation, an attractive destination for creative minds, and an incubator for innovators from all over the world,” added Al Tayer.
Team Desert Phoenix from the University of Louisville (USA), Higher Colleges of Technology (UAE), American University in Dubai, and American University in Sharjah have designed an innovative low-cost housing solution with minimal energy bills for low-income urban and rural living. Their design seeks to provide a cost-effective, net-zero energy residential space with a low environmental footprint. The eco-friendly home incorporates the best of innovative architecture, combining local heritage with a modern design focusing on sustainability.
“The University of Louisville is proud to take part in the World Expo through the Solar Decathlon Middle East competition. Professors Sunkara and McGinley from our Conn Center for Renewable Energy Research have collaborated with our teammates from American University in Dubai, American University of Sharjah, and Higher Colleges of Technology to fashion an impactfully designed and thoughtfully considered house. It is our privilege to showcase progressive technologies and systems of living at a time when sustainability and our climate require our best and brightest solutions,” said by Dr. Neeli Bendapudi, UofL president.
“Through the 2nd edition of the SDME, Dubai and DEWA once again provided an exceptional opportunity for students and universities from around the world to devise innovative solutions for current global challenges and help in building a sustainable future. The American University in Dubai is honored to participate in the competition and to partner with an exceptional team of local and international universities in designing a unique housing concepts that will offer a green and more affordable lifestyle,” said Dr. David A. Schmidt, President of the American University in Dubai.
“We are proud to be part of a great team as we compete in the Second Solar Decathlon Middle East. This international competition could not have come at a more critical time, as we see the world coming together to address the climate crisis. We, at AUS, are committed to seeing our students involved in sustainable development processes and encouraging them to develop creative solutions that support global environmental efforts. We aim to support the UAE’s vision to transform into a sustainable and innovative world hub,” said Dr. Susan Mumm, Chancellor of American University of Sharjah.
The second edition of the competition has attracted 8 teams from 12 universities, including Team KU of Khalifa University; Team Sharjah of the University of Sharjah; Team Desert Phoenix of the University of Louisville, Higher Colleges of Technology in Dubai, American University in Dubai, and American University in Sharjah; Team HARMONY of The British University in Dubai; Team ESTEEM of Heriot-Watt University (UK) and Heriot-Watt University (Dubai); Team TAWAZUN of Manipal Academy of Higher Education Dubai Campus; Team Go Smart – University of Bahrain; and Team SCUTxCCSIC of South China University of Technology.
