UAE, Abu Dhabi, 30 May 2024: Abu Dhabi University (ADU) - Al Ain campus, announced the winners of its fifth annual National Inter-School Public Speaking Competition, held between 18-19 May, in collaboration with Liwa International School – Falaj Hazza, aiming to advance public speaking and communication skills of middle and high school students across the UAE.

The 2024 edition of the competition welcomed 300 participants in groups of three to five from 40 private and public schools across the UAE. Topics of discussion for middle school students were focused on sustainability, resilience, bullying, and online safety for the youth. High school students tackled more advanced subjects, including the fossil fuel crisis, the impact of diversity and inclusion in schools, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid’s vision for future leaders, and the importance of media literacy today. In line with ADU’s commitment to help prepare the UAE youth for future endeavors, the competition serves as a world-class platform for local students to challenge themselves, collaborate, network, and build their communication skills.

The jury, consisting of ADU faculty, evaluated the presentations based on content, delivery, visual appeal, and presentability. Awards were presented to winning teams across four categories; middle school Arabic, middle school English, high school Arabic and high school English, in addition to four individual awards for Best Speakers.

In the middle school Arabic category, the Mohammed Bin Khalid Al Nahyan Generations School team was awarded first place, second place went to the Zayed Educational Complex team, and the Liwa International School – Al Qatara team won third place. In the English category, first place went to the Liwa International School – Falaj Hazza team, second place was awarded to the Amity International School – Abu Dhabi team, and third place went to the Al Saad Indian School – Al Ain team.

In the high school Arabic category, the American National School team won in first place, the Zayed Educational Complex – Al Qatah team won second place, and the Gulf International Private Academy team came in third place. In the high school English category, the Al Ain Juniors School Indian System team won first place, the Indian School – Al Ain team was awarded second place, and the Madar International School team was awarded third place.

The Best Speakers awards were presented to Marly Amir from Excel International School, Bhavish Arunkamar from Amity International School – Abu Dhabi, Amena Ziead from Mariam Bint Sultan School, and Gladis Babu from the Indian School – Al Ain.