Deadline:
March 08, 2026
Program Starts: May 21, 2026
Program Ends: May 21, 2026
Location(s)
Online United Arab Emirates
This year, the competition will once again adopt a hybrid format, enabling students in the UAE to attend on campus and providing virtual participation options for those residing overseas.
Overview
Under the Patronage of HE Sheikh Nahyan Mubarak Al Nahyan, Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence, Abu Dhabi University is organizing and hosting the 13th Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC) on Thursday, 21st May 2026. This year, the competition will once again adopt a hybrid format, enabling students in the UAE to attend on campus and providing virtual participation options for those residing overseas.
Details
About the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition
Our mission is to propel scientific research to new heights, recognizing its pivotal role in advancing our nation. The Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition is dedicated to inspiring universities across the GCC and MENA region to integrate scientific research into undergraduate education. By doing so, we aim to cultivate lifelong learning, boost career prospects for the youth, and foster entrepreneurial mindsets in education, research, and innovation.
Aligning with National Goals
This competition aligns seamlessly with the United Arab Emirates government's commitment to fostering innovation. Globally recognized as a champion of knowledge-based economies, the UAE emphasizes the need for active student involvement in research to elevate the country's innovation systems.
History of the Undergraduate Research and Innovation Competition (URIC)
The competition has witnessed impressive growth over its lifespan, attracting undergraduate students from all over the UAE, GCC region and beyond. The URIC is the largest undergraduate research event in the GCC and MENA region and targets all major disciplines. Last year, approximately 650 research papers were presented from 27 disciplines, representing 1,300 students from 105 universities across 17+ countries, including the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Palestine, Pakistan, Syria, Turkey, Vietnam, and Yemen.
Essence of Student Research
At its core, student research embodies the essence of learning. It is a creative, absorbing, and challenging experience that provides students with a firsthand understanding of scholarly exploration—an integral aspect of academic thinking. The culmination of this academic pursuit is the one-day symposium, where student presentations will be evaluated by a distinguished committee representing academia and industry. Winners will be unveiled during the closing session, receiving awards that not only recognize their achievements but also support their research endeavors. These awards play a crucial role in fortifying the critical and analytical thinking skills of the winning students. By boosting confidence in their research abilities, the competition empowers them to explore new frontiers within their fields of study, laying a solid foundation for future graduate-level studies.
Networking and Collaboration
Participation in the research competition offers a unique chance to connect with some of the brightest young minds in the country. Leading student researchers from various universities across the UAE and GCC will attend, providing an enriching opportunity for interaction and collaboration.
Awards
Valuable prizes will be awarded for each sub-category in the undergraduate research and innovation competition.
Opportunity is About
Eligibility
Candidates should be from:
Description of Ideal Candidate
Dates
Deadline: March 08, 2026
Program starts:
May 21, 2026
Program ends:
May 21, 2026
Program Starts: May 21, 2026
Program Ends: May 21, 2026
Cost/funding for participants
All final lists of participants will receive a valuable Participation Award, and a Certification of Recognition. Winning teams over all categories will be awarded incentive prizes.
Over AED 100,000 will be distributed among the winning teams!
Un-save Opportunity
Internships, scholarships, student conferences and competitions.
