Deira International School team, supported by Al Futtaim Education Foundation, recognized for innovation, design, and performance in prestigious global STEM competition.
In a groundbreaking first for the UAE and the wider region, a team of students from Deira International School (DIS), part of the Al Futtaim Education Foundation, not only participated in NASA’s 2025 Human Exploration Rover Challenge (HERC), but also brought home the prestigious Rookie of the Year award.
The DIS team’s recognition marks the culmination of months of technical development, problem-solving and collaboration, supported by mentorship from Al-Futtaim Automotive, which provided access to real-world engineering expertise and tools.
The award is presented to the top-performing first-time team that demonstrates outstanding innovation, rover design, and performance. DIS students earned recognition for their impressive engineering skills, problem-solving capabilities, and collaborative teamwork, distinguishing themselves among 76 elite teams from 16 countries.
Organized by NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, the annual challenge tasks student teams with designing, building, and racing human-powered rovers across terrain that simulates planetary exploration. The event is part of the Artemis Student Challenges, designed to inspire the next generation of space scientists, engineers, and leaders.
The team’s recognition came during the closing awards ceremony, which celebrated excellence across 17 categories, including design, performance, outreach, and team spirit.
Antoine Barthes, Vice President of Al-Futtaim Automotive, commented, “We are incredibly proud of the DIS team for not only representing the UAE but for setting a benchmark by winning Rookie of the Year. This recognition is a testament to the skills, dedication, and forward-thinking mindset we strive to nurture in the mobility leaders of tomorrow.”
Kerry Ross, Chief Operating Officer of Al Futtaim Education Foundation, added, “Our students have shown the world what’s possible when education is combined with opportunity and industry support. This achievement is a powerful moment not only for DIS, but for the UAE’s education and innovation sectors.”
Selected for their excellence in STEM, the six-member DIS team aged between 16 to 18 was mentored by the Head of Physics, Mr. Dominic Bourn, and supported by Al-Futtaim Automotive, who provided access to advanced tools, facilities, and engineering expertise.
The DIS team’s success in the 31st annual HERC aligns with the UAE’s vision to cultivate scientific talent and future-ready education, further cementing its growing role in the global space and innovation ecosystem.