Students Hamad AlAwadhi and Dawood AlAwadhi from Al Mawakeb School in Al Khawaneej showcased their innovative smart greenhouse system at the Expand North Star exhibition in Dubai. The system is designed to protect crops from the effects of climate change and global warming by providing the necessary energy, water, and heat for plant growth automatically and intelligently throughout the year. This initiative aligns with the UAE’s focus on sustainability, especially with the upcoming global climate change conference COP28 scheduled to be hosted in the country later this year.
The Expand North Star exhibition, part of Gitex Global, featured over 1,400 startups from around the world. The event highlighted sustainability as a key theme, with schools in the UAE encouraging young students to explore innovative solutions for environmental challenges. The smart greenhouse system developed by Hamad and Dawood addresses the pressing issue of food security by ensuring healthy plant growth and efficient resource management. The students’ project demonstrates the potential for technology to contribute towards sustainable agricultural practices.
The smart greenhouse system consists of four main components: an irrigation system that automatically waters plants based on soil moisture levels, a tank with sensors to monitor water levels and refill as needed, a smart ventilation system to regulate temperature and humidity inside the farm, and artificial lighting for plants that adjusts based on natural sunlight. The system is controlled through a smart app, making it user-friendly and cost-effective for farmers to implement in their own farms. Additionally, the students have incorporated a protection net to shield plants from external elements, such as dust and sand, while also collecting water droplets from fog for irrigation purposes.
The innovative features of the smart greenhouse system make it a viable solution for enhancing agricultural productivity while reducing water waste and energy consumption. By leveraging technology and automation, Hamad and Dawood have created a sustainable farming model that can be scaled up for larger agricultural operations. The system’s ability to operate autonomously without human intervention ensures consistent plant growth and yields, even in changing environmental conditions. This aligns with the UAE’s commitment to sustainability and food security, especially in the face of climate change challenges.
The students’ participation in the Expand North Star exhibition not only showcases their ingenuity and creativity but also highlights the potential for youth-led innovation in sustainability. By empowering young minds to develop solutions for environmental issues, schools in the UAE are nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainability and technology. Hamad and Dawood’s smart greenhouse system serves as an inspiring example of how students can make a meaningful impact through STEM education and hands-on projects. Their dedication to creating a more sustainable future through innovative technology is commendable and sets a positive precedent for others to follow.
Overall, the smart greenhouse system developed by Hamad AlAwadhi and Dawood AlAwadhi reflects the growing importance of sustainable practices in agriculture and food production. As the UAE focuses on sustainability initiatives leading up to COP28, projects like this demonstrate the potential for technology to drive positive change in environmental conservation and resource management. By promoting innovation and entrepreneurship in schools, the UAE is fostering a culture of creativity and problem-solving among its youth, ultimately paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. The success of Hamad and Dawood’s smart greenhouse system underscores the capacity of young innovators to shape a more sustainable world through technology and collaboration.
