“The Arab world was home to one of the world’s most impressive scientific traditions, exemplified by the works of scientists like Jabir ibn Hayyan, Al Nafis, Al Razi and many others. Our students should be able to draw inspiration from their stellar achievements. Events like the Arab Chemistry Olympiad would provide an opportunity to recognize and nurture outstanding scientific talent from the region and also to foster academic cooperation and scientific engagement among various Arab countries,” Sheikh Faisal said.

Sheikh Faisal bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Chairman of RAK Finance Department and Head of the Board of Trustees of RAK Award for Creativity and Excellence, inaugurated the Sixth Arab Chemistry Olympiad which started off at the RAK Medical and Health Sciences University (RAK MHSU) here today (August 2, 2010). It is the first time that UAE is hosting the Arab Chemistry Olympiad, the previous editions of which were held in Egypt, Kuwait, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. 47 secondary students, representing 12 countries, are participating in the Arab Chemistry Olympiad which is being held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Saud bin Saqr Al Qasimi, Crown Prince and Deputy Ruler of Ras Al Khaimah. The Arab Chemistry Olympiad tests the knowledge and practical skills of secondary school students in chemistry by combining theoretical and practical testing. The competition involves two theoretical examinations and three practical experiments to be held over the three- day long competition.  Inaugurating the event, Sheikh Faisal said that the RAK Award for Creativity and Excellence considered it a great honor to host the Sixth Arab Chemistry Olympiad in Ras Al Khaimah. Mouza Saif Al Mattar, President of the UAE Chemical Society, said that the Olympiad would award four gold medals and ten silver and bronze medals. The gold medal winners would get prize money of USD 1000 and a laptop computer. She added that the team from UAE had won the second place in last year’s Arab Chemistry Olympiad held in Saudi Arabia. Good Luck to all and to the UAE Team !!!