The UAE has been a pioneer in the region through its various renewable energy investments both domestically and internationally. It?s latest development in this regard is Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC).

To  promote education, energy efficiency, and environmental consciousness , Masdar (also known as the Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company- a renewable energy company based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates) is hosting an international competition ?Abu Dhabi Solar Challenge (ADSC)? as part of Abu Dhabi sustainability week .

In this challenge , over 20 of the top university solar car teams from Australia, Europe, America and Asia will compete head-to-head to travel approximately 1,200km in Abu Dhabi from  16-19th January 2015.

The solar challenge ADSC , which is the first of its kind to be held in the Middle East, aims to encourage engineering students to convert their knowledge into real-world solutions that promote energy efficiency. It brings together students with diverse backgrounds from six continents and enables them to compete their hand-built solar powered cars in one of the most exciting and progressive countries in the world.

Solar car teams from countries all over the world such as USA, Japan, Italy, Australia, KSA, Turkey and others will take part in a parade through the capital ending at Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (Adnec) during the opening ceremony of the World Future Energy Summit coinciding with Abu Dhabi Sustainability Week.

When teams arrive on site for the event, their first task is to pass several inspections, where race officials closely inspect every aspect of their vehicles to ensure full compliance with the regulations. Cars that pass move on the qualifying sessions, where they must complete a pre-determined number of laps with multiple drivers to qualify for the challenge. The cars would test the ultimate boundaries of energy efficiency and provide incredible insights into the capabilities of everyday vehicle technology.

These innovations are at the heart of all electric cars, whether that power comes from hydrogen fuel cells, hybrid engines or even fully-electric commuter cars that draw power from solar cells on the garage roof – they all use the technology that is continually honed to perfection in these solar challenges.

Sources :

http://www.adsolarchallenge.org/