UAE Hackathon

Leveraging Open Data in the UAE Hackathon

Right from its inception, the UAE Hackathon harnessed the power of open data through the UAE government's official data portal, bayanat.ae. This portal was instrumental in creating smart applications and services for societal benefit. The hackathon showcased the importance of open data in application development and decision-making, introducing participants to a wealth of publicly available data from government entities.

Participation in the Hackathon

The UAE Hackathon, held annually in February across all Emirates, is open to individuals of all nationalities residing in the UAE with a valid Emirates ID. It invites a wide range of participants from various fields, allowing for registration and participation in both English and Arabic. Regardless of technical background, individuals compete for prizes up to AED 50,000. In addition to monetary awards, participants receive certificates and may secure internships from hackathon partners, with winners gaining access to incubation centres for further development of their innovative projects. The final winners are announced in March, culminating the month-long journey of creativity and innovation.

UAE Hackathon Mechanism:

Team Registration: Individuals or groups register as teams, typically consisting of 3 to 5 members. Individuals who register without a team will be connected with teams that are seeking additional members, ensuring all participants are included in a team setting.

There are four registration tracks available:

1. School Students Track: For individuals aged between 11 and 18 who have not yet enrolled in university.
2. University Students Track: For those aged between 18 and 25, typically with limited work experience.
3. Entrepreneurs, Startups, & Government Employees Track: Designed for individuals with significant experience in a specific field.
4. Researchers Track: For researchers working collaboratively on applied projects to develop solutions for the hackathon's challenges.

After the registration phase, the hackathon is executed over three days in each emirate throughout February as follows:

• First Day: Participants are informed about the areas of participation and challenges. They are given the opportunity to understand the challenges and start organizing their ideas.
• Second Day: Participants have the chance to work on their ideas in working groups with specialists and mentors in various technological fields.
• Third Day: The outputs of the working groups are showcased, ideas are evaluated, and nominees from each emirate are announced.
• Final Ceremony: All nominees are invited to the closing ceremony, which is organized at the end of February. Winners are announced according to the predefined tracks.

How is the UAE Hackathon Unique?

• Nationwide Span: The UAE Hackathon isn't confined to a single location. It is, in fact, seven hackathons taking place across the seven Emirates, making it a nationwide event.
• Collaborative Approach: It embodies a collaborative effort between government, private, and academic sectors. In each Emirate, the hackathon is organized with the participation of local universities, national companies, and under the supervision of various government entities.
• Annual Occurrence: The regular annual occurrence of the UAE Hackathon has transformed it from a mere event into a season of innovation, making it more significant than a one-time happening.
• Global Character: The UAE Hackathon has become a global message, welcoming participants from a multitude of nationalities.

Awards and Recognitions

• 2019 Recognized by Sharjah Innovates as a community innovation initiative.
• 2021 Received the Excellence Medal, Level Three, from the Global Innovation Institute, a world leader in providing professional certifications, accreditations, and memberships in the field of innovation.
• 2021 Commended in the Gartner ‘Eyes on Innovation’ contest for its distinction as a government innovation.
• 2023 The UAE Hackathon initiative was added as a best practice in the ‘Guide to Governments for Organizing Hackathon Events’.

Driving Future Innovation

The UAE Hackathon stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation and embracing the 4^th Industrial Revolution. It has become a vital platform for young innovators, blending creativity with practical problem-solving across sectors from healthcare to smart cities. This event not only sparks groundbreaking ideas but also embeds a culture of digital transformation, aligning with the UAE's vision of a technologically driven future. The Hackathon's role in nurturing new talent and ideas, particularly among students, has been increasingly recognized, marking it as an integral part of the UAE's forward-thinking strategy in technology and innovation.

Winners of the UAE Hackathon

2018 Winner

‘Life Saviours’ team from the Fujairah, Ajman University (Fujairah Campus), innovated a medical device and drug to slow down venom poisoning from snake and scorpion bites.

2019 Winner

‘Lift Off’ team from Ajman developed ‘Vita-Cam’, an AI-based app for diagnosing vitamin and mineral deficiencies. The app utilizes photos of various body parts, such as the eyes and tongue, to identify deficiencies and recommends appropriate dietary adjustments.

2020 Winner

‘Bus Team’ from Abu Dhabi, Khalifa University, concentrated on sustainable urban transport solutions by designing an intelligent public bus system. This innovative system is aimed at reducing traffic congestion and carbon emissions. It includes a smart professional bus that transports government employees from their homes to their workplaces.

2021 Winner

The ‘CommunoHealth’ app, developed by the Ras al-Khaimah team, encourages community service and improves healthcare. Users can volunteer, donate blood, and share medications to earn incentive points. These points can then be redeemed for rewards and gifts, benefiting both users and the community.

2022 Winners

• Entrepreneurs and Startups Track: ‘HCMA.ai’ team developed a skill analysis system based on supply and demand in the labour market. This enterprise-government collaboration empowers talents with the correct skillset, aligning educational institutions with the market's competency needs.
• University Track: ‘UAE-Pixel’ team from Umm Al Quwain University won first place with their AI system designed to reduce road accidents. It enables UAE police to transform traditional data handling processes into a more methodical and enriched approach.
• School Students Track: ‘META EDU’ team from Al Salamah Girls School employed technology to create a virtual reality learning environment. Their innovative approach enhances the quality of education, making it more communicative and interactive, especially in situations like distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.

To download the annual reports of UAE Hackathon, please visit UAE Hackathon website.