The National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC) recently released a list of the world's 50 smartest teenagers ... and an Emirati topped the list.
Inventor Adeeb Al Balushi ranked No.1 in the list, making the 13-year-old the smartest teen in the world.
"He already has a long history with science, mechanics, and inventing technologies to better society," a description of the teen reads.
When he was just six years old, Al Balushi created a device for his father, who had been diagnosed with Polio, to help him swim in spite of his prosthetic leg. He created a "waterproof alternative with an enhanced medical wax coating."
He then created a small robot to assist his mother with household chores. The UAE government noticed the teen's efforts and began supervising him and funding his inventions.
He has since developed five more inventions, "including a seatbelt that monitors a passenger's heart rate and sends an immediate alert to authorities if their heart reaches a dangerous rate."
Al Balushi is a member of the Arab Robotics Association and holds more than 60 certificates of achievements, according to Gulf News.
NACAC's list includes teenagers of all kinds - those who have been homeschooled, attended public schools or private schools.
The definition of a smart teen, according to NACAC, is "one who is not only theoretically intelligent, but they’ve applied their smarts in myriad practical, helpful, amazing ways… They are problem solvers."
"Mabrouk Adeeb, well deserved"
"God bless you"
"Mashallah Adeeb, wishing you one success after the other. You are the UAE's genius"
"The UAE pays attention to science and scientists"
In 2017, Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid wrote an open letter, which ultimately went viral, highlighting the importance of science and innovation in the UAE.
In the letter, Sheikh Mohammed told the people of the region "not to wait but to seize the initiative," warning that waiting can come with a "hefty price tag of wasted time and missed opportunities."
He also went on to highlight the historic significance of Arabic scholars and the Arabic language to science and innovation.
"Our Arabic language has always been one of learning and science; it will not fail to absorb and adapt to the sciences and discoveries of our day," he wrote.
Arab youth can recognize the bright future Sheikh Mohammed and other leaders of the UAE are striving for as well.
In the past 7 years, the UAE has retained its position as the top country Arab youth would like to live in, according to the latest Arab Youth Survey.