Abu Dhabi Science Festival to celebrate art and innovation

The ninth annual festival is set to attract 120,000 visitors to the capital over the course of ten days

The Abu Dhabi Science Festival began on Thursday
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Abu Dhabi Science Festival is changing up its formula by celebrating art alongside innovation for its ninth annual edition this year.

A designated space to perform will be given to young artists and musicians at schools in the capital, alongside those making a difference in fields of electronics, mechanics and aerospace.

The popular festival - which will run from January 31 until February 9 - will also host activities in Al Dhafra for the first time, as well as return to Al Ain and the Corniche in Abu Dhabi.

The event focuses on Steam subjects (science, technology,  engineering, arts and mathematics), with more than 120,000 people expected to attend.

Around 200 innovators will display projects at the three host venues over 10 days.

Sanad Ahmed, deputy chairman of the Innovation Committee at The Abu Dhabi Department of Education and Knowledge, said the aim was to "go bigger" than ever for the 2019 installment.

"We thought let's go bigger. We added the art aspect to the festival because the exposure is great and we have so many talented pupils who can showcase their pieces in terms of drawings, music, and playing instruments.

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"At the festival, we have seen very talented pupils coming forward and playing instruments and creating beautiful music."

"Let's explore more of the arts and get children involved in the arts. Let them develop their skills," said Mr Ahmed.

The festival will conduct 70 workshops - the largest number since the event was launched in 2011.

While based in the capital, the science gathering was previously hosted in Sharjah and organisers are keen to expand to other places in the coming years.

"The direction is to make the festival bigger. As of now, there are no plans to make it a travelling festival, but it can be," said Mr Ahmed.