23 May 2007 American University in Dubai students Mohammed Ayoub and Amirali Piadehbasmenj won first place at the Senior Design Project competition during the UAE Annual IEEE Student Day which took place at Etisalat University College (EUC). Over 200 students from 9 different universities across the United Arab Emirates participated in the event, which was held recently in collaboration with Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). Participating universities included Ajman University for Science and Technology, American University of Sharjah, BITS Pilani Dubai, Higher Colleges of Technology Abu Dhabi, Petroleum Institute, United Arab Emirates University and University of Sharjah.

The key objective of the event was to recognize students' achievement, to share experience, and identify and encourage the professional involvement of IEEE students. The Senior Design Project competition aimed at giving the senior students an opportunity to present their graduation projects through poster and prototype presentations. Ayoub and Piadehbasmenj's project, which was overseen by Dr. Boutheina Tlili, Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering, consisted of a voice activated system to control lighting and appliances in a "Smart Home" environment.