Essay
Competition
2026 UAE Ramadan Economics Essay Competition
About the Competition
After months of work, the Dubai Keynes Society is proud to launch the 2026 UAE Ramadan Economics Essay Competition, inviting students across the country to write essays on the given prompts and explore a wide range of economic issues!
Submissions Open
February 19th, 2026
Submissions Close
April 6th, 2026
Extended due to popular demand!
Results Announced
Mid-April 2026
The competition is open to anyone from Year 7 and above. Middle school students from Year 7–9 may choose to respond to the junior prompt.
Prompts for 2026
The 'Right to Burn' & COP30
At COP30 in Brazil last year, developing countries, notably India and China, championed the long disputed 'right to burn', arguing that continued use of fossil fuels is necessary for economic development. To what extent do you agree that developing countries should prioritize immediate economic growth at the expense of strong environmental action?
The Scandinavian Welfare Model
Often seen to the rest of the world as a 'utopic paradise', Scandinavia is well known for its exceptional standards of living and happiness levels - though these are directly tied to the massive welfare state fueled by some of the highest income taxes in the world. To what extent can these same policies produce similarly effective societies on a global scale?
AI & Economic Disparity
The rapid rise of generative AI and automation has significantly expanded access to knowledge and skills. However, some economists argue that the productivity gains and economic growth driven by AI disproportionately benefit firms and business owners rather than everyday workers. To what extent do you agree?
Junior Prompt (Year 7–9)
Emerging Countries & Future Potential
In today's world, we are seeing some countries rapidly developing while others are facing stagnation. Which emerging country do you think has the greatest potential in the near future, and why?
Submission Guidelines
- Standard submissions have a 1,200-word limit; junior submissions have a 700-word limit.
- Up to five images may be included to supplement analysis.
- Essays must not contain any personal identifying information.
- Written in Times New Roman, size 12, with 1.5 line spacing.
- Any referencing style is allowed as long as it is used consistently.
- Plagiarism is strictly prohibited and the use of generative AI is forbidden.
- Multiple entries are allowed — you may submit essays for more than one prompt.
- Essays must be submitted through the official form linked below.
Evaluation Criteria
Prizes
Prizes include economics book awards for the top 10 Honourable Mentions, with an additional opportunity for the best overall essay to have a 1-to-1 coffee chat with any of the judges. All our judges are highly experienced in their fields, so this would be an extremely useful opportunity to get great insight into their work, and also perhaps open up future opportunities and create important connections!
Competition Timeline
February 19
Submissions Open
April 6
Submissions Close
Extended!
March – April
Judging Process
Mid-April
Results Announced
Our Judges
Our panel of judges brings together decades of experience in corporate finance, banking, entrepreneurship, and strategy across the Middle East and beyond.
Harmit Sobti
Harmit is a Cornell-educated (Summa Cum Laude) corporate finance and M&A leader with 25+ years at major international investment banks, having executed over $100 billion in transactions across multiple sectors and now leading origination, strategy, and client relationships across the Middle East and Africa.
Ranveet Chowdhury
Ravneet Chowdhury is a globally experienced banking executive and CEO with over three decades in investment banking, treasury, and corporate finance leadership roles across Asia, the Middle East, and Africa, including senior positions at Standard Chartered, Bank One, and DTB Tanzania.
Hemang Kapur
Hemang Kapur is a Dubai-based entrepreneur and digital-growth executive, currently CEO at iContainers, with over a decade of experience leading marketing, venture, and technology-driven logistics businesses and scaling B2B and B2C digital platforms.
Aykut Tasel
Aykut Zafer Tasel is a MENA-based corporate finance and strategy executive with senior leadership experience at PwC, Dubai Investment Group, Turk Telekom, and Al-Futtaim, specialising in investment planning, M&A, restructuring, and large-scale strategic transformation projects across telecoms, real estate, and regional investments.
Submit Your Essay
Due to an overwhelming number of requests, we've extended the deadline to April 6th! This is an incredible opportunity you don't want to miss — submissions are open from February 19th to April 6th. Submit your essay through our official form below.
SUBMIT YOUR ESSAY