University students from the Middle East, US, UK and China have built solar-powered, energy-efficient homes at Dubai's Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, as part of a global contest.
The eight homes use creative designs – one structure is inspired by the UAE’s traditional wind towers – to build compact living spaces able to withstand the desert heat, dust and high humidity.
The teams from 12 universities around the world are competing for Dh10 million ($2.7m) in prizes for design, architecture and energy management, as part of the second Solar Decathlon Middle East, organised by the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority at the solar park.
The traditional atrium house and windcatcher show great experience of the olden times
Zhang Wenhao,
team leader of South China University of Technology
The houses are ready and open for public viewing until November 25.
Saeed Mohammed Al Tayer, chief executive of Dewa, said the challenge gave young people the opportunity “to develop innovative solutions that support global efforts to protect the planet from the effects of global warming, to ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for our generations to come”.
The houses will be evaluated over the next two weeks by a jury of experts from various sectors.
Emirati inspiration for Chinese design
The team from the South China University of Technology, in Guangzhou, in southern China's Guangdong province, has won an award for energy efficiency and scored high on sustainability.
Their one-bedroom space incorporates elements of the UAE’s wind tower design to control air flow into interior areas.
The students added panels and shutters to the wind tower – or windcatcher – on the roof to shield the house from sandstorms.
The boundary walls have solar cells that generate electricity and are also used to grow plants with drip irrigation.
“As architects we respect the past and first have to know the culture of the local area. We respect the older generation who did not have technology but used nature and we want to promote this,” Zhang Wenhao, team leader and PhD student from South China University of Technology, told The National.
“The traditional atrium house and windcatcher show great experience of the olden times.
“We built a prototype of a future house and have tried to cover every aspect from design to technology and also make people feel comfortable inside.”
As mandated by the contest rules, the houses are fitted with smart systems so equipment like the hob, washing machine and air conditioning units can be controlled via mobile devices.
The focus is for the model houses with living and outdoor areas to be cost effective, protect the environment and factor in the climate.
Competition celebrates sustainability
Mr Al Tayer said the contest was in line with the UAE's Year of the 50th celebrations, Expo 2020 Dubai and plans by the country to reach net zero by 2050.
“This supports the commitment to sustainability, its pioneering role in shaping the future, its relentless support to efforts to combat climate change, and its role as an incubator for creativity and innovation, especially among young people,” he said.
Students have assembled the homes on site using smart home solutions, energy saving technology and water conservation methods.
The participating teams are Team KU of Khalifa University, UAE; Team Sharjah of University of Sharjah, UAE; Team Desert Phoenix of University of Louisville (USA), Higher Colleges of Technology (UAE), 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; Team SCUTxCCSIC of the South China University of Technology.
The first contest was organised in 2018 as part of a wider focus to address the need for sustainable living in the Middle East.
It is held under the patronage of Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed, the Crown Prince of Dubai.
Dewa, the Dubai Supreme Council of Energy and the US Department of Energy signed an agreement to hold the awards in 2018 and 2021.
The houses are open for viewing at the Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park until 25 November 2021 from Sunday to Wednesday from 9am to 1pm and from Thursday to Saturday from 11am to 6pm.
Five of the most sustainable pavilions at Expo 2020 Dubai - in pictures
German intelligence warnings
- 2002: "Hezbollah supporters feared becoming a target of security services because of the effects of [9/11] ... discussions on Hezbollah policy moved from mosques into smaller circles in private homes." Supporters in Germany: 800
- 2013: "Financial and logistical support from Germany for Hezbollah in Lebanon supports the armed struggle against Israel ... Hezbollah supporters in Germany hold back from actions that would gain publicity." Supporters in Germany: 950
- 2023: "It must be reckoned with that Hezbollah will continue to plan terrorist actions outside the Middle East against Israel or Israeli interests." Supporters in Germany: 1,250
Source: Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution
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Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
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Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
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Publisher: EA Sports
Consoles: PC, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X/S
Rating: 3/5
How much sugar is in chocolate Easter eggs?
- The 169g Crunchie egg has 15.9g of sugar per 25g serving, working out at around 107g of sugar per egg
- The 190g Maltesers Teasers egg contains 58g of sugar per 100g for the egg and 19.6g of sugar in each of the two Teasers bars that come with it
- The 188g Smarties egg has 113g of sugar per egg and 22.8g in the tube of Smarties it contains
- The Milky Bar white chocolate Egg Hunt Pack contains eight eggs at 7.7g of sugar per egg
- The Cadbury Creme Egg contains 26g of sugar per 40g egg
Tips to stay safe during hot weather
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which can increase dehydration.
- Seek cool environments: Use air conditioning, fans, or visit community spaces with climate control.
- Limit outdoor activities: Avoid strenuous activity during peak heat. If outside, seek shade and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
- Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, loose and light-coloured clothing to facilitate heat loss.
- Check on vulnerable people: Regularly check in on elderly neighbours, young children and those with health conditions.
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- Recognise heat illness: Learn the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke (dizziness, confusion, rapid pulse, nausea), and seek medical attention if symptoms occur.
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Pool A Dubai Hurricanes, Bahrain, Dubai Exiles, Dubai Tigers 2
Pool B Abu Dhabi Harlequins, Jebel Ali Dragons, Dubai Knights Eagles, Dubai Tigers
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Thursday, December 5
6.40pm, Pitch 8, Abu Dhabi Harlequins v Dubai Knights Eagles
7pm, Pitch 2, Jebel Ali Dragons v Dubai Tigers
7pm, Pitch 4, Dubai Hurricanes v Dubai Exiles
7pm, Pitch 5, Bahrain v Dubai Eagles 2
Recent winners
2018 Dubai Hurricanes
2017 Dubai Exiles
2016 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2015 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
2014 Abu Dhabi Harlequins
What can victims do?
Always use only regulated platforms
Stop all transactions and communication on suspicion
Save all evidence (screenshots, chat logs, transaction IDs)
Report to local authorities
Warn others to prevent further harm
Courtesy: Crystal Intelligence
Sole survivors
- Cecelia Crocker was on board Northwest Airlines Flight 255 in 1987 when it crashed in Detroit, killing 154 people, including her parents and brother. The plane had hit a light pole on take off
- George Lamson Jr, from Minnesota, was on a Galaxy Airlines flight that crashed in Reno in 1985, killing 68 people. His entire seat was launched out of the plane
- Bahia Bakari, then 12, survived when a Yemenia Airways flight crashed near the Comoros in 2009, killing 152. She was found clinging to wreckage after floating in the ocean for 13 hours.
- Jim Polehinke was the co-pilot and sole survivor of a 2006 Comair flight that crashed in Lexington, Kentucky, killing 49.
THREE
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UPI facts
More than 2.2 million Indian tourists arrived in UAE in 2023
More than 3.5 million Indians reside in UAE
Indian tourists can make purchases in UAE using rupee accounts in India through QR-code-based UPI real-time payment systems
Indian residents in UAE can use their non-resident NRO and NRE accounts held in Indian banks linked to a UAE mobile number for UPI transactions
Pathaan
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