Three students from the University of Sharjah have won a prestigious award for their best-case legal scenario of two aircraft colliding in the air.

The award was part of a competition Russia's Institute of Air and Space Law (AEROHELP) had organized in collaboration with the Lomonosov Moscow State University at the International Air Law Moot Court Competition.

AEROHELP, which is a union of lawyers in Russia, is specialized in education in the field of law and aviation. It provides legal assistance in the application and interpretation of air legislation in Russia and other countries.

The theme of AEROHELP's competition was a scenario in which two aircrafts collide with the participants presenting their legal advice for the actors involved in the air crash.

Ms. Zeina Ahmad and Dr. Attila Sipos supervised the three students and guided them through the necessary legal deliberations. The coaching had helped the students come up with a comprehensive legal presentation covering all aspects of the air incident.

The students Ahmed Adnan, Osama Abdeljalil Alblooshi, and Hamad Rashid Alketbi from the College of Law's Air and Space Law program competed with 22 teams from different countries in a series of preliminary rounds, semi-final rounds and a final round.

They came first in the overall competition and won the top prize for the best legal scenario on how to deal with an air crash.

Asked on the significance of the competition, College of Law's Associate Professor Shadi Alshdaifat said: “The competition offered law students a significant platform to showcase their legal expertise and ability to handle complex international legal issues, particularly in Air Law.

Participating in such a prestigious event enabled them to apply theoretical knowledge in a practical, competitive setting, fostering critical thinking, legal research, and advocacy skills."

Dr. Alshdaifat, who won the best judge award in the competition, said: “Judging such competitions involves a profound understanding of the law, the capability to impartially evaluate arguments, and the skill to provide constructive feedback to participants.

This experience was an incredible opportunity for me to contribute to the legal education of future practitioners, ensuring the standards of advocacy remain elevated and reflecting on the practical application of legal theory."

AEROHELP's competition is part moot courts which law colleges and universities regularly organize to develop student careers as law practitioners.

The event was the first edition of the International Air Law Moot Court Competition organized by AEROHELP. It focused specifically on entries with a bearing on international law and air law.

Dr. Alshdaifat said it was quite an experience for him and the students to visit Moscow. “Visiting Moscow with the students for this competition was an enriching experience, offering a blend of academic challenge and cultural exchange.

The city's rich history and vibrant cultural scene, coupled with the intensity of international competition, would have provided a memorable backdrop for both learning and exploration."