Abu Dhabi // The UAE is famed as a host of international motor races – but the latest event does not champion the need for speed.
For once, the fastest car will not be the winner – it will be the one that travels farthest using the least fuel.
More than 100 students from across the GCC arrived in the capital on Thursday for the Taqa GCC Hybrid-Electric Challenge.
The teams competing in Friday’s main race were given only a basic kit and a few months to build a hybrid, one-seater vehicle.
They must use their own knowledge to ensure maximum fuel efficiency along the course, at Al Forsan in Khalifa City.
“We were very excited and wanted to be involved when we heard about it a semester ago,” said Hajar Rabie, 20, who is representing one of the three Petroleum Institute teams in the competition.
“Our main goal in the beginning was to just set the car up and get it running. It runs on electricity and we have the option of adding a fuel generator so we don’t have to stop and power the battery.”
During the heats, the cars were only allowed to run on their battery power and will begin the race on Friday using their remaining power.
Each car is allowed just 1.5 kilowatt hours of electrical energy and 3.8 litres of petrol.
“It all depends on how you fix the car together – if everything fits perfectly and is snug then you increase the efficiency,” Ms Rabie said. “We have taken it apart and put it back together a lot of times to improve the efficiency.”
Ms Rabie’s all-female team, the Mechanical Maestros, is aiming high.
“We had a battle to decide who would drive the car, but everyone who wanted to race had to test drive and we chose the best drivers to make sure we win. We are 100 per cent confident,” she said.
“It is not about speed – the main job is to keep the car running and make sure it runs efficiently.
“Using the brakes wastes energy, so we had to develop a strategy without much braking.
Sharouk Mohamed, 19, is part of a female team from Qatar.
“I am an industrial engineering student and this is the first time I’ve been involved in a competition like this,” she said.
“As engineers we are problem-solvers and care about the environment and sustainability. This hybrid car is a great idea to help the environment in future.
“It has been a lot of work. Every part of this car we have fitted ourselves.
“I started out as a safety officer but now I am a driver. At the beginning I was so nervous to drive it, but once you feel the air blowing past you it is so fun and so interesting.”
The event offers important environmental lessons for the team.
“The energy crisis that is facing all of us is here and world consumption of energy is growing exponentially, so everyone who is concerned about this knows the solution is to find new sources of energy,” said Dr Sami Ainane, a professor at the Petroleum Institute and organiser of the event.
“Eventually we will run out of oil, so we also have to be more efficient with the resources we have.
“My thinking was, let me take this group of future engineers and instil in them the idea that whatever they design, efficiency is the most important thing.
“It is very exciting and I am hoping next year there will be 10 times more teams – I’m sure many people hearing about this want to be involved.
“This is a wonderful vehicle for education and for bringing awareness to efficiency. Even if they don’t realise it, they are all learning.”
The students formed 11 teams. Three teams are from the Petroleum Institute, along with competitors from Abu Dhabi University, UAE University, Khalifa University, the Masdar Institute, Oman’s Nizwa College of Technology, Kuwait’s College of Technological Studies, and two teams from Qatar University.
The winner will be decided on Friday after a three-hour race.
The event has been organised and supported by Taqa, the Petroleum Institute, Global Education Energy Environment and the Emirates Foundation for Youth Development.
ksinclair@thenational.ae
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Focus on gratitude: And do so deeply, he says. “Think of one to three things a day that you’re grateful for. It needs to be specific, too, don’t just say ‘air.’ Really think about it. If you’re grateful for, say, what your parents have done for you, that will motivate you to do more for the world.”
Know how to fight: Shetty married his wife, Radhi, three years ago (he met her in a meditation class before he went off and became a monk). He says they’ve had to learn to respect each other’s “fighting styles” – he’s a talk it-out-immediately person, while she needs space to think. “When you’re having an argument, remember, it’s not you against each other. It’s both of you against the problem. When you win, they lose. If you’re on a team you have to win together.”
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
What vitamins do we know are beneficial for living in the UAE
Vitamin D: Highly relevant in the UAE due to limited sun exposure; supports bone health, immunity and mood.
Vitamin B12: Important for nerve health and energy production, especially for vegetarians, vegans and individuals with absorption issues.
Iron: Useful only when deficiency or anaemia is confirmed; helps reduce fatigue and support immunity.
Omega-3 (EPA/DHA): Supports heart health and reduces inflammation, especially for those who consume little fish.
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UAE squad
Esha Oza (captain), Al Maseera Jahangir, Emily Thomas, Heena Hotchandani, Indhuja Nandakumar, Katie Thompson, Lavanya Keny, Mehak Thakur, Michelle Botha, Rinitha Rajith, Samaira Dharnidharka, Siya Gokhale, Sashikala Silva, Suraksha Kotte, Theertha Satish (wicketkeeper) Udeni Kuruppuarachchige, Vaishnave Mahesh.
UAE tour of Zimbabwe
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Sunday, Sept 28 – Second ODI
Tuesday, Sept 30 – Third ODI
Thursday, Oct 2 – Fourth ODI
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Monday, Oct 6 – Second T20I
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Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
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Other simple ideas for sushi rice dishes
Cheat’s nigiri
This is easier to make than sushi rolls. With damp hands, form the cooled rice into small tablet shapes. Place slices of fresh, raw salmon, mackerel or trout (or smoked salmon) lightly touched with wasabi, then press, wasabi side-down, onto the rice. Serve with soy sauce and pickled ginger.
Easy omurice
This fusion dish combines Asian fried rice with a western omelette. To make, fry cooked and cooled sushi rice with chopped vegetables such as carrot and onion and lashings of sweet-tangy ketchup, then wrap in a soft egg omelette.
Deconstructed sushi salad platter
This makes a great, fuss-free sharing meal. Arrange sushi rice on a platter or board, then fill the space with all your favourite sushi ingredients (edamame beans, cooked prawns or tuna, tempura veggies, pickled ginger and chilli tofu), with a dressing or dipping sauce on the side.
MATCH INFO
Manchester United v Brighton, Sunday, 6pm UAE
