Started in 2002 the Solar Decathlon is an international competition in which universities from all over the world meet to design, build and operate a grid-connected, energetically self-sufficient house.

The houses use solar energy as the only energy source and are equipped with all the technologies that permit maximum energy efficiency.

Since the first competition, the Solar Decathlon has expanded internationally to include four additional worldwide competitions: Solar Decathlon China, Solar Decathlon Europe, Solar Decathlon Latin America and Caribbean, and now Solar Decathlon Middle East.

The Solar Decathlon Middle East will raise the prestige and visibility of the selected participating universities as they are part of the small group of top institutions that will compete in the world’s most important Solar House Event. One of the main characteristic elements of the Solar Decathlon Middle East is its emphasis on sustainability, innovation and research. The participant teams will work not only to develop and build their houses, but also to enhance the systems’ integration and generation of knowledge on sustainable construction.

Solar Decathlon Middle East offers students a unique opportunity for learning, taking theory and putting it into practice, and doing so through a case study. Students working on the project will be challenged to use their innovation capacity, and their ability to design and build an energetically self-sufficient solar house. The projects are developed by multidisciplinary teams, giving the students the opportunity to learn not only about technical issues but also about teamwork, communication skills, a sustainable lifestyle and socio-economic issues in order to ensure the viability of their project.

MIDDLE EAST DESIGN SOLUTIONS FOR HIGHLY ACCESSIBLE & ADAPTIVE BUILDINGS