Do you want free training in robotics this summer?

UAE school and university students can sign up to a Dubai Future Academy programme

A maze runner robot developed by Tala Osama, and her siblings, Noora, and Zaid, at the Abu Dhabi Science Festival. Reem Mohammed / The National

This summer up to 50 youngsters can receive free training in robotics from experts at the Dubai Future Academy.

Officials said their two-week-long programme would accept any school or university student aged between 12 and 20.

Last year, the Dubai Future Academy focused on teaching 3D printing but this year the focus has shifted to robotics.

"Our main goal is to show technology is only a tool and we decide what we want to use it for,” said Saeed Al Gergawi, director of Dubai Future Academy.

“We give them [students] a specific challenge and they have to work on these on a deadline.

“We focus on problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.

“Last year, the age group from 12 to 17 was more ambitious, more excited [and] had more communication and critical thinking skills in comparison to those from the age group of 17-20.

“There must have been something that created that gap. This was a shock to us.”

Dubai Future Academy’s summer programme was announced a day before the start of Bett MEA, the region’s leading education technology leadership summit.

The two-day exhibition takes place in Abu Dhabi from Monday and aims to bring together leading decision makers within the education technology sector.

Dubai Future Academy also announced the launch of a new app which will be available from the first day of Ramadan.

The programme will streamline the process of signing up for the academy's programmes, and also allow the public to provide feedback.