Global AI competition held in Dubai

Authorities hope First Global Challenge will raise interest in technology and maths

epa07920041 Visitors interact with a robot during Dubai Artificial Intelligence in Sports (DAIS) Conference and Exhibition in Dubai, UAE, 14 October 2019. Reports state the two-day event is bringing together leading figures from the sport and Artificial Intelligence (AI) arenas for discussions on integrating AI into sports industry.  EPA/ALI HAIDER
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An international competition in artificial intelligence and robotics is set to take place in Dubai this week.

The First Global Challenge aims to foster a culture of innovation and creativity in students across the UAE.

The four-day event begins on October 24 at the Dubai Festival Arena and more than 1,500 young people are expected to attend.

The theme of this year’s contest is ‘Ocean Opportunities’, with students competing to tackle issues from pollution to sustainability.

“This event comes amidst repeated international calls to strengthen cooperation to find effective solutions to the issue of marine pollution by working on the adaptation of the latest technology,” said Ahmed Al Falasi, Minister of State for Higher Education and Advanced Skills.

“The issue of ocean pollution due to plastic has taken on a global dimension that requires coordination between different countries and serious efforts during the coming period.”

UAE ministers said it was the first time First Global Challenge had been staged in the Arab region.

The UAE team taking part in the event will include seven high school students from Fujairah and Hatta.