AtkinsRéalis Expands School of the Future Programme in UAE

DUBAI, UAE: AtkinsRéalis’ School of the Future programme, which connects young people with industry through real-world challenges and helps students develop practical skills, confidence and awareness of future careers, will bring together 100 student finalists from leading schools across the UAE for its finals event on 16 September at the University of Birmingham Dubai. Now in its third year in the UAE, the programme has engaged nearly 1,000 students across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with further expansion planned for the 2026/27 academic year.

Representing schools from across Dubai and Abu Dhabi, including GEMS Education, Aldar Education, Cognita, Dubai English Speaking School, Dubai College and others, students will present innovative solutions designed to address one of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges: water scarcity.

The event marks the culmination of a year-long programme that has challenged students to explore the future of water, sustainability and resilient communities, while developing practical solutions to real-world challenges.

Focus on Water Scarcity

This year’s challenge comes at a significant moment for the UAE as it prepares to host the 2026 United Nations Water Conference in December. Through School of the Future, students have been encouraged to explore practical, community-focused approaches to water conservation, awareness and access. Representatives from the programme will also have the opportunity to present their ideas on the global stage at the UN Water Conference in December, ensuring youth perspectives form part of the wider conversation on global water security.

Finalist teams have developed a range of innovative and practical concepts, including sensor-enabled trees that help prevent over-irrigation, solar-powered desalination technologies for remote communities, educational tools that help students understand the journey of water from source to tap, and technology-enabled solutions that encourage sustainable water-use behaviours.

Beyond developing innovative ideas, participants have acted as “Water Warriors” within their schools and communities, helping to promote responsible water use and raise awareness of the importance of water conservation among their peers and families.

Programme to Expand Across the UAE

Access and inclusion will be a key focus of the programme's next phase. AtkinsRéalis expects more than 80 UAE schools to participate during the 2026/27 academic year, including expansion into public charter schools. For the first time, School of the Future will also be available in Arabic, broadening access and helping ensure opportunities to engage with industry, develop skills and explore future careers are available to young people from all backgrounds.

School of the Future is also expanding internationally, with new participating schools joining from Singapore, Hong Kong and Australia. In Canada, the programme will launch with First Nations communities, adapting its approach to local contexts while maintaining its focus on sustainability, future skills and career readiness.

Campbell Gray, CEO, AtkinsRéalis Middle East & Africa, said: “Water security is one of the most important challenges facing the region and the world. Through School of the Future, students have had the opportunity to engage with this challenge in a practical way, exploring how innovation, technology, and new ways of thinking can contribute to more sustainable communities. What has been particularly encouraging is the quality of ideas coming from students across the UAE. Their curiosity, creativity, and willingness to tackle complex issues reinforce why investing in the next generation matters. The solutions to many of tomorrow’s challenges will come from the talent we are developing today.”

Dan Heffernan, Community Programs Director, Asia, Middle East & Australia, AtkinsRéalis, said: “The growth of School of the Future demonstrates what can be achieved when education and industry work together. By giving students the opportunity to tackle real-world challenges, we can build career awareness, develop practical skills and help young people see where their talents could take them. As we expand into more schools, communities and countries, our ambition is simple- to make these opportunities accessible to as many young people as possible."

School of the Future UAE Finals

School of the Future was launched by AtkinsRéalis in the UAE in 2023 to help bridge the gap between education and industry by connecting students with real-world sustainability and infrastructure challenges. The programme supports the development of future-ready skills including problem-solving, collaboration, creativity and innovation, while increasing awareness of careers that will shape a more sustainable future.

The UAE Finals will take place on 16 September at the University of Birmingham Dubai, bringing together students, educators, industry leaders and stakeholders from the education and sustainability sectors. Finalist teams will showcase their solutions to water scarcity and demonstrate how young people can contribute practical ideas to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.