The James Dyson Award announces the 2024 UAE judging panel

(MENAFN- Weber Shandwick) • The judges include Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, pioneering Emirati female aircraft engineer, Professor Tadhg S. O'Donovan, Deputy Vice Principal and Chief Scientist at Heriot-Watt University, and Dana Alomar, technology Reporter at The National, bringing diverse expertise to the evaluation process.
• The James Dyson Award is a globally recognised design competition that celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers.
• The UAE winners will receive a cash prize of £5,000, alongside high-profile recognition for their idea, whilst the global winner will get £30,000.


The James Dyson Award, an international competition that celebrates, encourages and inspires the next generation of design engineers, is returning to the UAE for its seventh year with a new judging panel. The 2024 judges have been carefully selected to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience from the fields of engineering, academia and technology journalism.

The James Dyson Award invites student innovators to submit a product or concept that solves a problem and works better than available solutions. The competition is on the lookout for significant, practical and environmentally responsible inventions that have the potential to be commercially viable.

The UAE panel of judges will choose the best entries, allowing their creators to contend for a cash prize of £5,000 and gain recognition during the national selection rounds. Those who emerge victorious in the national heats then advance to the international stage, eagerly awaiting James Dyson's personal selection of the global winner, who will receive £30,000.

Among this year's esteemed judges, Dyson warmly welcomes back Dr. Eng. Suaad Al Shamsi, who holds the distinction of being the first Emirati female aircraft engineer. The trailblazer has been a judge since the award was launched in the UAE in 2017, bringing years of expertise and experience to the judging process.

Also returning to the panel is Prof. Tadhg S. O'Donovan, Deputy Vice Principal and Chief Scientist at Heriot-Watt University. His diverse background and profound knowledge of energy systems, storage and integration make him an invaluable asset to the panel.

A new addition among the judges is Dana Alomar, Technology Reporter at The National, who has a deep knowledge of and passion for technology. Known in the industry for her expertise in technology reporting, she will bring a wealth of insights on the ever-changing technology landscape to the panel.

Sharing the key factors that distinguish a winning entry, Prof. O'Donovan said: “We are really looking for students to answer the brief as best as possible, which is to try and solve a problem. Often, we see students go really big and try to solve huge world issues, however, we give weight to the value of the solution, rather than the weight of the problem. For example, if somebody solved a very simple age-old problem about cutlery, it’s not necessarily easier than solving world hunger. It’s impressive whenever somebody solves a problem which nobody else could. My best advice is try not to think too big and make sure that your solution is actually new and different.”

The James Dyson Award presents an incredible opportunity for aspiring student inventors to establish their presence in the field. In addition to securing a substantial cash prize, participants have the chance to garner extensive media coverage that can take their careers to the next level. Winning this prestigious award not only earns the admiration of their peers but also instils in them the confidence necessary to embark on entrepreneurial ventures or attract potential investors.

Currently, the Middle East edition of the James Dyson Award is exclusively hosted in the UAE, experiencing an extraordinary influx of entries each year. The submissions are evaluated according to a set of criteria that emphasises problem solving, technical viability and commercial feasibility. This approach aims to motivate participants to refine their ideas in a manner that supports potential future endeavours to launch their own successful business ventures.

The deadline for entering the award is 17th July. The judges will then engage in thoughtful deliberation to determine the standout inventions, with the announcement of the national winners scheduled for 11th September. To find out more or submit an entry, visit

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