Doha's Stars of Science TV Show to Include Environmental Projects

The Doha based Stars of Science television program got underway May 30 on 17 Arabic speaking TV channels, it was announced by Doha TV.

The program originally had more than 5,600 applicants, of which 100 were selected to vie for the 16 positions to be aired on the program.

Of these, 3 are environmentally related and include Sarah al Samak’s ‘Canito’ which is a combination garbage and recycle bin that will give people incentives to recycle their wastes.

Another project, created by Hassem el Shadda is a tent filled with solar panels to make electricity; while a third project, by Hassan Deeb has a device that can generate electricity from ocean waves.

The projects will be aired on four episodes which include the engineering, design, and business aspects of the project. They will be judged by three prominent jurors:

Dr. Sadeg Fares, and engineer with over 500 patents attributed to him

Mr. William Sawaya, a renowned designer whose unique furniture designs are well known in France, Italy, Greece, Japan, Russia, and the USA

Dr. Mona Zaki, well known businesswoman and marketing consultant.

Mr. Sawaya, originally from Italy and a graduate in Architecture from the National Academy of Fine Arts in Beirut, said that the competition “challenges young Arab youth to pursue technological excellence.”

Renewable energy and environmental programs have made considerable progress in a number of Arab countries, including Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia.

Some areas of particular interest include desalination, solar and wind energy, and more recently, energy from ocean waves.

The audience will be able to follow the activities of the candidates and their inner impressions, in daily episodes of this original reality show, broadcast from Sundays to Thursdays.

Due to the increasing interest in the development and use of solar energy, Hassem el Shadda “solar tent” will of particular interest with viewers from the UAE and other Persian Gulf locations.

As in other television reality programs, the viewing audience will have to opportunity to vote by SMS messages and telephone to determine the prize winner.

The project contest is intended to emphasize the innovativeness of Arab youth in their various fields, including environmental related ones. The last episode will be broadcast live from the Aspire Sports Academy in Doha on June 26th in which two finalists will compete for a $300,000 prize. It pays to think green!

::for more see Qatar Foundation