Under the theme “Making Impact... Going Beyond the Idea”

Dubai, United Arab Emirates – 21 April 2026

The Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) has announced the launch of the 9th edition of the UAE Hackathon under the theme “Making Impact. Going Beyond the Idea,” marking the continued evolution of this leading national initiative and its sustained success since its launch in 2018. The hackathon has become a key platform bringing together innovators from across the community to develop technology-driven solutions that support digital transformation and build a sustainable future.

The UAE Hackathon 2026 is launched with a renewed vision focused on transforming ideas into implementable projects, reflecting a shift towards achieving tangible outcomes that go beyond ideation, and delivering innovative solutions with sustainable impact on society and the economy.

The hackathon is aligned with the UAE’s national strategic goals, including the Year of the Family 2026, the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, and the UAE’s vision in artificial intelligence. This edition aims to develop solutions that enhance quality of wellbeing, improve government service efficiency, and support the development of a knowledge-based digital economy.

H.E. Eng. Majed Sultan Al Mesmar, Director General of the Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority, stated: “The UAE Hackathon represents a leading national platform that goes beyond traditional competition to become an integrated environment for creating real impact. Through it, we empower creative minds and transform ideas into practical, implementable solutions that contribute to improving government services and enhancing quality of life.”

In addition, H.E. Eng. Mohammed Al Zarooni, Deputy Director General for the Information and Digital Government Sector, commented: “The theme of the 9th edition of the UAE Hackathon, ‘Making Impact. Going Beyond the Idea,’ reflects the hackathon’s direction towards transforming ideas into tangible and sustainable impact. The hackathon continues its role as a national innovation platform that supports the development of practical solutions contributing to digital transformation and improving quality of life.” Al Zarooni also encouraged innovators to participate and transform their ideas into impactful projects that benefit society.

The UAE Hackathon 2026 will be held under an enhanced model focused on the quality and sustainability of outcomes, featuring two main tracks. The first track targets entrepreneurs and startup founders seeking to establish and develop their ventures. Participants will benefit from a three-month post-hackathon support programme, including mentoring, business model development, investor matchmaking, and final pitching sessions to leading investors.

The second track targets school and university students as well as government employees with innovative ideas, aiming to promote a culture of innovation and community participation. It enables participants to develop their ideas into prototypes that address national challenges.

The hackathon also provides an integrated environment supported by artificial intelligence tools, including training workshops, expert-led mentoring sessions, and access to emerging technologies such as AI, data analytics, and the Internet of Things (IoT), enabling the development of impactful innovative solutions.

The UAE Hackathon 2026 will conclude with a closing ceremony during Innovation Month, where winning teams will be honoured and outstanding projects showcased, reflecting the hackathon’s role in strengthening the national innovation ecosystem and fostering partnerships between the public and private sectors.

Since its launch in 2018, the UAE Hackathon has attracted 18,373 participants and received 494 innovative ideas. This highlights its pivotal role in transforming ideas into impactful real-world solutions and reinforces its position as one of the UAE’s leading national initiatives supporting innovation and digital transformation.
For more information and registration, please visit:
https://hackathon.ae