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“The key to transforming life, progressing civilization, and enhancing humanity is encapsulated in a single word: innovation." These words by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, resonate deeply with the concept of the UAE Hackathon. Launched in 2018 by DGOV, the Hackathon embraces the spirit of change and innovation, presenting fresh challenges and topics each year that reflect the dynamic nature of innovation and the evolving issues within the digital era under the motto "Data for Happiness & Wellbeing”.
In February 2018, the UAE government initiated a transformative journey with the launch of the UAE Innovation Month, organized by the Mohammed bin Rashid Centre for Government Innovation (MBRCGI). This initiative, aimed at establishing the UAE as a global hub for innovation, saw widespread participation from various sectors. It was during this vibrant period that the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) introduced the first series of the UAE Hackathon under the motto "Data for Happiness and Well-being” with themes that vary based on the government's annual focus areas and leadership announcements regarding prevailing trends.
The initiative was launched to align with the government's goal of engaging individuals in solving governmental challenges and fostering innovation in digital and technological realms to enhance life quality in the UAE. It serves to:
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.
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.
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:
After the registration phase, the hackathon is executed over three days in each emirate throughout February as follows:
The UAE Hackathon stands as a testament to the UAE's commitment to fostering innovation and embracing the 4th 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.
‘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.
‘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.
‘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.
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.
To download the annual reports of UAE Hackathon, please visit UAE Hackathon website.