Challenge 22 Roadshow Arrives at Final Stop in UAE
ABU DHABI, UAE: The Challenge 22 Roadshow will follow-up on a successful visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain with a three-day tour of the United Arab Emirates as the regional tour comes to an end.
During the trip to the UAE, the Challenge 22 team will visit Ziad University in Abu Dhabi on 15 February and Dubai on 16 February to encourage innovators in the region to learn more about Challenge 22. The session will include talks from the initiative’s ambassadors, Sami Al Jaber, famed former football player, Mohammed Saadon Al Kuwari, popular sports TV presenter, and Areej Al Kharafi, Kuwaiti business entrepreneur.
Fatma Al Nuaimi, Social and Human Legacy Manager at the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), said: “We are very excited about our trip the UAE, and very eager to meet with prospective applicants. The turnout in Bahrain was more than we expected, and we are very happy to conclude the GCC roadshow on a high note.”
Sami Al Jaber added: “Challenge 22 promises to motivate our youth on an opportunity unlike any other, where they can develop their idea and become a part of the 2022 FIFA World Cup, an event the region is anticipating.”
The Challenge 22 roadshow held three sessions in Manama, Bahrain, between AMA University, Al Ahlia University and Bahrain and Ebtikar Society with an attendance of over 300 students and entrepreneurs.
Areej Al Kharafi said: “I’m expecting a different range of solutions to the challenges presented in Challenge 22’s inaugural edition from the GCC. The winning ideas will be used as part of the World Cup and will also be an honour to each country from the GCC.”
Challenge 22 is seeking applicants within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), with solution based proposals related to three key themes that address challenges faced by Qatar and the world, when hosting major sports events. This award aims to encourage young people in the region to innovate and ultimately promote entrepreneurship across the Arab world.
The three themes for the inaugural launch of the award are Sustainability, Event Experience, and Sports and Health. Successful applicants have the opportunity to win a cash prize of USD $20,000 during Phase 1 of the competition and a grant to further develop their idea into a proof of concept during Phase 2 of the competition.
Challenge 22 is an innovation award developed to inspire and challenge the region’s brightest minds. All innovators, entrepreneurs and individuals with big ideas are invited to visit us to learn more about this exciting new competition.
Initiated by the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), Silatech and Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), Challenge 22 is an innovation award that was borne out of a desire to celebrate the 2022 FIFA World Cup QatarTM as a regional event.
The roadshow concludes on the 17 February, following the visit to the United Arab Emirates. For a full schedule of Challenge 22 activities and for more information about the award, please visit www.challenge22.qa.
