Drivers were racing solar-powered cars this week in Egypt's resort town of Hurghada, opening new horizons for future engineers in the country and enhancing their interest in science, technology and the use of renewable energy sources.

The United Solar Challenge (USC) — held March 19-22 for the first time in Egypt and for the second time in the Middle East — saw 12 teams from all across the world experience the ultimate challenge of an exciting experience using the sun as the only fuel.

The solar cars — with panels that absorb only sunlight to power their engines — crossed the streets of Hurghada's Soma Bay, giving the city a new taste of environmental sustainability.

Organizers and contestants said they aspired to convey the message that environmentally friendly technology is the future of a green planet. Organizers included the International Solarcar Foundation, the Global Education Energy Environment (EEE), and some nonprofit organizations supporting renewable energy projects like the Sharaf Foundation for Sustainable Development and Hadath for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.