UAE University Team Top at Shell Eco-Marathon Energy Race in Manila

Shell Eco-Marathon Energy Race UAE Team

"Made in the UAE" cars designed and built by teams from the Higher College of Technology Al Ruwais Colleges and Abu Dhabi Men?s College came in third and fourth respectively in the Asia chapter of the Shell Eco-marathon global race ? one in which cars push the limits to see who can go the furthest on a single liter of fuel.

Showing their commitment to energy efficiency after months spent building and tweaking their fuel-efficient vehicles, the two teams from Abu Dhabi were thrilled with their achievements.

"We are so proud of our team’s efforts and carrying the name of the UAE high in this global race. We are so honoured to have the support of our country and our sponsors and Shell’s technical teams every step of the way. Coming in third out of over 100 participating teams globally in the Shell Eco-Marathon has been amazing, especially as it was our first participation, but it won’t be our last!", said Abdulaziz Al Mehri from Al Ruwais Colleges.

"Being among the top winners in Manila is a dream come true. Coming into the race we knew we were up against very strong competition. Winning fourth place in the prototype diesel category is an honour that reflects the UAE’s commitment to the future of energy. We look forward to celebrating back home with our flags raised high. We also made friends, from Korea, India, and Singapore and we are proud to stand tall next to them with our now proven technology and engineering," said Ahmed Al Harbi from Abu Dhabi Men’s College.

The Shell Eco-marathon Asia took place for the first time this year on the streets of Manila, having traditionally been held at the Formula One Sepang International Circuit in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The new urban setting of Luneta Park, was designed to test the boundaries of fuel-efficiency in a real world environment, underpinning smarter mobility and fuel-efficiency as achievable realities.

"The teams from the UAE demonstrated great skill and commitment not only to the development of their fuel-efficient cars, but to a sustainable energy future for their country. These students are the backbone of the future and their stellar achievements are a testament to their abilities, teamwork and drive to succeed. We look forward to the participation of more teams from the UAE in this global initiative in the years ahead," said Andrew Vaughan Shell’s Country Chairman of Abu Dhabi.

A record 8 teams from the UAE, Qatar, Lebanon and Egypt joined over 100 teams from across Asia and the Middle East to take part in the Shell Eco-marathon Manila 2014 competition demonstrating the region’s ongoing commitment to the development of future leaders and to seeking solutions to smarter mobility.