ADNOC Yas in Schools National Finals return for a 15th edition
Students across the UAE will compete in the ADNOC Yas in Schools National Finals from 25 to 27 June 2026, marking the programme’s 15th year. Hosted by Yas Marina Circuit, the finals bring together school teams to race and present engineering work under motorsport-inspired STEM categories.
The event is designed to translate classroom science, technology, engineering and mathematics skills into practical design and problem-solving. It also reflects a broader trend in the UAE and wider region of using industry-adjacent experiences, including high-profile sports venues, to support education pathways that align with technology and engineering careers.
Motorsport-linked STEM, staged at a major UAE venue
Yas in Schools is positioned as a motorsport-inspired STEM education programme delivered from a Formula 1 circuit. Over the National Finals, participating teams compete in formats tied to the programme’s two main disciplines: Formula Ethara and STEM Racing.
Teams will not only race their cars, but also present their engineering journey. Judging includes technical design, creativity and innovation elements such as branding and other design considerations, according to the event outline shared ahead of the finals.
This mix of performance and presentation is aimed at rewarding both technical progress and communication skills, which educators and employers increasingly cite as critical for future engineering and technology roles.
Competition format shifts to online delivery
This year’s National Finals will be delivered in an online format, enabling teams across the country to take part while maintaining the programme’s competitive structure. Organisers say this approach is intended to broaden access to the finals experience for schools based in different emirates.
While the competition is virtual, the schedule still spans three days and includes categories within the Formula Ethara and STEM Racing streams, along with awards ceremonies.
Formula Ethara pathway expands for younger students
The programme’s Formula Ethara pathway is expanding at the grassroots level. Organisers have introduced the 3ainawy Cup and Al Dhafra Cup for students aged 13 and under, intended to extend motorsport, engineering and design learning to younger participants.
These lower-age competitions culminate in dedicated finals on 25 June as part of the wider National Finals programme. For the UAE education ecosystem, such tiered structures can help build continuity, moving students from early-stage exposure through more structured engineering challenges over time.
National Finals schedule (25 to 27 June 2026)
The announced schedule outlines competition blocks for Formula Ethara and STEM Racing. It also includes breaks and awards ceremonies. Key timings include:
- 25 June 2026: Formula Ethara, including a Rookie Competition (10:00 AM to 11:10 AM) and a Professional Competition (12:30 PM to 2:00 PM), followed by 3ainawy Cup and Al Dhafra Cup finals (3:00 PM to 3:45 PM).
- 26 June 2026: Formula Ethara Awards Ceremony (10:00 AM to 10:45 AM), plus a 4×4 Challenge (2:30 PM to 3:10 PM) and 4×4 Awards Ceremony (3:30 PM to 4:00 PM).
- 27 June 2026: STEM Racing Development Class (10:00 AM to 11:20 AM), Entry and Professional Classes (12:30 PM to 2:20 PM), and STEM Racing Awards Ceremony (3:30 PM to 4:00 PM).
Why the programme matters for UAE workforce development
STEM education initiatives are frequently evaluated on access, quality of learning experiences and how effectively they translate skills into longer-term learning and career interest. Motorsport-inspired projects, in particular, offer an applied context where mechanical design, sensors, data thinking and iteration are part of the learning process.
With the finals taking place at Yas Marina Circuit, the initiative also benefits from the credibility and visibility that comes from major sports infrastructure. That link can matter for recruitment and engagement, especially for programmes aimed at sustaining interest across multiple school years.
For the UAE business and technology community, programmes like this are notable because they can help build an early pipeline of students exposed to engineering challenges outside standard curricula. Over time, these efforts may support a broader national objective of strengthening skills relevant to innovation, automation and advanced manufacturing.
Participating schools across multiple emirates
The 2026 edition includes students from schools across Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Al Dhafra, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman and Ras Al Khaimah. Organisers say the national finals reflect continued growth of the Formula Ethara programme.
More information is available through Yas in Schools.
About Yas Marina Circuit
Yas Marina Circuit is a multi-purpose venue on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi, operated by Ethara. It hosts major motorsport events including the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, alongside year-round community and entertainment activities. The circuit also highlights sustainability efforts connected to motorsport operations.
