Abu Dhabi seeks ideas on making the emirate a better place

ABU DHABI // A competition is offering young people with ideas on how to make the emirate a better place the chance to win seed money to turn their ideas into reality.

The Musahamati prize was announced by Abu Dhabi Awards yesterday. It is open to residents aged 16 to 23 and is aimed at encouraging social responsibility and generating creative solutions to local problems, the organisers said.

"The support and funding will be provided by us to see their ideas come to life," said Fatema Al Mulla, one of the contest organisers.

Entries can be in English or Arabic and must be submitted by individuals or groups of up to five before February 23.

There are five categories: environmental preservation and awareness; culture and heritage; technology and innovation; healthy lifestyle; and social responsibility.

Proposals will be judged on viability, sustainability, originality, research, cost-efficiency and adaptability to reproduction.

A shortlist will be announced in March, when a workshop will be held for those who made it past the first stage. They will submit final presentations in April, and a winner will be announced in May.

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