The James Dyson Award, a global competition that inspires, encourages and celebrates the next generation of design engineers, returns to the UAE for its eighth year with an exceptional line-up of local judges. This year’s panel brings together leaders from academia, technology, media and innovation to evaluate the country’s brightest ideas.
The James Dyson Award invites student innovators to submit a product or concept that solves a problem and works better than available solutions. The competition is on the lookout for significant, practical and environmentally responsible inventions that have the potential to be commercially viable.
The UAE panel of judges will choose the best entries, allowing their creators to contend for a cash prize of £5,000 and gain recognition during the national selection rounds. Those who emerge victorious in the national heats then advance to the international stage, eagerly awaiting James Dyson’s personal selection of the global winner, who will receive £30,000.
This year’s UAE judging panel reflects the spirit of innovation and local expertise that the award nurtures.
Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, the UAE’s first female aircraft engineer
Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi was the country’s first female aircraft engineer and remains a dedicated advocate for women in aviation. Her career spans roles with global aerospace leaders, such as Airbus and Boeing. Beyond her technical expertise, she plays an active role as CEO of L2L consultancy and as Vice President of Shehana, an initiative established by HH Sheikha Mozah Al Maktoum to empower Emirati women in aviation. Having served on the James Dyson Award UAE panel since its launch, Dr. Al Shamsi brings continuity, mentorship and inspiration to the judging room.
Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the College of Engineering at American University of Sharjah (AUS)
Recognised as one of the world’s top two percent scientists by Stanford University and Elsevier, Dr. Aloul is a driving force behind advancing engineering education and research in the region. Under his leadership, AUS has launched new interdisciplinary programs aligned with market needs, significantly increased student enrolment, and expanded research collaborations with leading academic and industry partners. He has also championed initiatives promoting women in STEM and student entrepreneurship. A recipient of global awards and an author of more than 150 scientific papers, Dr. Aloul was recently named one of the Top 10 Voices for Higher Education in the UAE. His insights in cybersecurity, AI and education innovation will be pivotal in evaluating this year’s entries.
Anas Abbar, Co-Founder and CEO of 7awi Media Group
Anas Abbar has been at the forefront of the MENA region’s digital content revolution. Through 7awi’s network, he connects millions of Arabic speakers to impactful stories, fostering communities and empowering the next generation of creators and innovators. His entrepreneurial perspective and understanding of how ideas translate from concept to market traction make him a valuable voice on the panel.
Dana Alomar, Future Editor at The National
Dana Alomar leads coverage exploring how emerging technologies and societal trends shape tomorrow’s industries. Formerly a senior technology and business reporter for CNN Business Arabic and Arab News, she has interviewed global thought leaders, including royalty, ministers, AI pioneers and visionary entrepreneurs. A sought-after moderator, Dana has hosted high-profile discussions at COP28, Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week and the Dubai Future Forum. Her journalistic rigour and pulse on transformative innovation will add depth to the judging process.
Currently, the Middle East edition of the James Dyson Award is exclusively hosted in the UAE, experiencing an extraordinary influx of entries each year. The submissions are evaluated according to a set of criteria that emphasises problem solving, technical viability and commercial feasibility. This approach aims to motivate participants to refine their ideas in a manner that supports potential future endeavours to launch their own successful business ventures.
Entrants from the UAE compete first at the national level, where the judges select one winner and two runners-up. The winner will receive £5,000, and all three will have the opportunity to join an international shortlist of the top 20 inventions, from which Sir James Dyson himself will select the global winner, who will be awarded £30,000.
Past UAE winners have tackled diverse societal needs, from AI-powered sign language translation (Eshara) to wildfire control (FireOut) and child safety (Shield). Their ideas have demonstrated how local student inventors can impact communities and industries far beyond the region.
The deadline for entering the award is 17th July.The judges will then engage in thoughtful deliberation to determine the standout inventions, with the announcement of the national winners scheduled for 11th September. To find out more or submit an entry, visit www.jamesdysonaward.org
