Students from Curtin Dubai’s school of Engineering emerged victorious at the finals of the prestigious ADNOC Yas 4×4 in Schools Technology Challenge. The competition was held at Yas Marina Circuit’s innovation hub during the ADNOC Yas in Schools National Finals on 18 June 2025.
This national-level initiative challenges teams of aspiring engineers to design, build, code, and test a small-scale, remote-controlled 4×4 vehicle capable of navigating a rugged off-road obstacle track. The program emphasises technical creativity, Arduino-based coding, mobile interface integration, real-world vehicular engineering, sustainability, and teamwork.
Competing with over 1,400 students from 113 schools in various STEM challenges, the Curtin Dubai team – Curtin Vertex – presented a meticulously engineered vehicle featuring:
- Sustainable paper-mâché bodywork created from recycled materials
- Advanced suspension with dampers to minimise body roll
- A reinforced drivetrain and servo system to handle heavy towing
- A lightweight carbon fiber – infused 3D-printed polymer chassis, replacing aluminium to reduce weight and enhance durability
- Remote controls equipped with real-time tuning capabilities
In the finals, vehicles were tested on a demanding obstacle course that included steep inclines, uneven surfaces, and trailer-towing tasks. Each vehicle was evaluated on durability, speed, and coding performance. Curtin Vertex’s entry demonstrated consistent stability and precision throughout the course, showcasing the team’s strong technical skills and innovative design approach.
Curtin University Dubai’s Champion title at the ADNOC Yas 4×4 in Schools Competition represents more than just an award, as it reflects the power of innovation, sustainability, and collaborative teamwork to shape the future of engineering.
The innovation showcased at the ADNOC Yas 4×4 in Schools Competition reflects the kind of thinking nurtured through Curtin Dubai’s programs, starting from the Bachelor of Cyber Security and extending to advanced degrees like the Master of Cyber Security and Master of Artificial Intelligence. These programs empower students and professionals to push boundaries, future-proof their careers, and lead with impact in a digitally connected world.
To explore our programs and take the next step in your journey, click here.
