The AAU Second Inter-School Cultural Excellence Competition concluded at Al Ain University for the academic year 2013 – 2014 in which schools in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi competed.

The competition took place at AAU - Al Ain Campus in Yas Auditorium and lasted for ten days. Twenty five schools took part in the competition as they were divided into groups where one team from each group qualifies to the quarter finals, then the semi-finals, and the finals. Accordingly, the top three teams were named.

Ain Al Khaleej Private School came first winning twenty thousand dirhams, while the Islamic Scientific Institute School came second and received fifteen thousand dirhams, and the third place and the award of ten thousand dirhams went to Al-Dahmaa’ Secondary School.

On this occasion, Dr. Noor Aldeen Atatreh, AAU Chancellor, mentioned that the competition is part of AAU’s strong belief in its active role in community engagement and the support the university needs to give to excellent students as well as creating a positive spirit of competitiveness among school students. He also underlined that the competition has helped spread the culture of creativity through discovering talented and distinguished students; highlighting their ability for collaboration, planning, team-work, and responsibility; and enriching their knowledge.

Dr. Atatreh extended his appreciation to everyone who contributed to the success of the competition namely, Al Ain Education Zone representatives, Abu Dhabi Education Council, participating schools and students as well as coordinators. He said, “There are no limits for creativity, and creative minds require preparation, practice, and intensive training and skills-building in order to be able to shape their thoughts and accomplish them. Creativity and positive thinking are the key components to success and distinction, and creativity at university begins at school.”

Atatreh added that AAU is committed to its promise of fostering talented and distinguished students. The AAU Competition is considered the first of its kind among UAE universities targeted towards high school students. Twenty five schools in the eastern region of Abu Dhabi took part in the ten-day contests.

The Chancellor concluded saying that AAU is looking forward to your joining as students. In addition, we are keen on interacting with you as a patron of creativity and distinction through awards, grants, and incentives all directed toward students. Dr. Atatreh finally extended AAU’s gratitude to the students’ parents. “AAU’s mission aims to encourage competitiveness, challenge, and determination. You, the generation of tomorrow, truly kindle the torch of knowledge,” he said.