Plekhanov Student Showcases Innovative Project at Future Leaders Competition 2026
13 February 2026
Plekhanov University in Dubai was proudly represented by bachelor's student Edgar Vasilzhevs and professor Dr. Ali Abou Abbas at the Future Leaders Competition 2026. This year, the competition's theme was "Culture, Sustainability, and Technology," bringing together over 200 students and professors from 20 countries for the highly anticipated finale held in Dubai.
The FLC is an annual international event aimed at giving students a platform to develop and present innovative projects in hospitality and tourism. Students from countries across MENA came together to present the culmination of months of collaboration. Split into groups by the FLC organizers, Edgar collaborated with his teammates from international universities to create a unique project named "Quest Quorum Solution." The project is an innovative app that transforms cities, markets, and villages across the Middle East and Africa into immersive escape game experiences. The concept turns tourists into active players, blending technology with culture while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities. With the multicultural perspectives, dedication, and ambition of Edgar and his teammates, their project directly applied this year's themes by integrating cultural heritage, sustainable development principles, and modern technology into one cohesive solution.
Beyond the project presentations, the competition featured dynamic panel discussions, in which Dr. Abou Abbas was an active contributor. Leveraging over 20 years of international experience, Dr. Abou Abbas joined fellow educators and professionals to explore the intersection of academia and industry in hospitality.
At Plekhanov University in Dubai, we are proud of the ambition and creativity our students continue to demonstrate. We remain committed to providing opportunities where they can explore their potential, interact with industry professionals, and build meaningful global connections in multicultural settings.
The FLC is an annual international event aimed at giving students a platform to develop and present innovative projects in hospitality and tourism. Students from countries across MENA came together to present the culmination of months of collaboration. Split into groups by the FLC organizers, Edgar collaborated with his teammates from international universities to create a unique project named "Quest Quorum Solution." The project is an innovative app that transforms cities, markets, and villages across the Middle East and Africa into immersive escape game experiences. The concept turns tourists into active players, blending technology with culture while promoting sustainable tourism and supporting local communities. With the multicultural perspectives, dedication, and ambition of Edgar and his teammates, their project directly applied this year's themes by integrating cultural heritage, sustainable development principles, and modern technology into one cohesive solution.
Beyond the project presentations, the competition featured dynamic panel discussions, in which Dr. Abou Abbas was an active contributor. Leveraging over 20 years of international experience, Dr. Abou Abbas joined fellow educators and professionals to explore the intersection of academia and industry in hospitality.
At Plekhanov University in Dubai, we are proud of the ambition and creativity our students continue to demonstrate. We remain committed to providing opportunities where they can explore their potential, interact with industry professionals, and build meaningful global connections in multicultural settings.