Frequently asked questions

This page answers common questions about the UAE Hackathon. It covers who can join, how to register, event details, prizes, and more. If you're planning to take part, start here to learn everything you need.

General Overview (6)
Eligibility & Participation (3)
Registration (7)
Hackathon Journey (2)
Deliverables & Evaluation (3)
Awards & Recognition (4)
Intellectual Property (1)

What is the UAE Hackathon?

The UAE Hackathon is one of the UAE's largest innovation initiatives, bringing together entrepreneurs, students, professionals, government innovators, and creative thinkers to develop AI-powered solutions for real-world national challenges.

What's new in UAE Hackathon 2026?

AI integrated across all tracks
Secure, pre-approved data environments
Stronger collaboration with government partners
AI-supported judging process
Structured post-hackathon support for promising teams

Who organizes the UAE Hackathon?

UAE Hackathon is part of the innovative initiatives launched by Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA). It was launched in line with TDRA’s community role and its mandate to advance digital transformation at the federal level in the UAE.

Is the UAE Hackathon online or on-site?

The UAE Hackathon follows a hybrid format, combining both in-person and online elements to provide a comprehensive and flexible experience. The Hackathons, workshops and collaborative sessions will take place on-site, fostering hands-on learning and networking opportunities. Meanwhile, training and mentorship sessions will be conducted online, ensuring accessibility and convenience for participants across the UAE.

What are the Themes this year?

This year, the Hackathon focuses on five key themes under four pillars:

Pillar 1: Human-Centric Inclusion

Theme 1: Family-Centric Digital Society

Theme 2: Inclusive Digital Accessibility

Pillar 2: Cognitive Government

Theme 3: Responsible AI & Smart Cognitive Government

Pillar 3: Trusted Digital Ecosystem

Theme 4: Digital Trust & Cyber-Secure

Pillar D: Seamless Public Services

Theme 5: Zero Bureaucracy & Seamless Government

What are the dates of the hackathon?

The Hackathon's timeline is as follows:

Track 1: Aug 18-20: Startups & Professionals & Government Intrapreneurs

Post Hackathon Support for the finalists - Track 1: Aug 24 - Nov 9

Track 1 - Demo Day: Nov 11

Track 2:

Abu Dhabi Hackathon: October 19 - 20 October;

Sharjah and Ajman Hackathon: October 20 - 21

Umm al Quwain & Ras Al Khaimah Hackathon: October 21 - 22

Fujairah Hackathon: October 26 - 27

Abu Dhabi Hackathon: October 28 - 29

Innovation Summit & Awards Ceremony: Nov 11

Post Hackathon Support for the finalists - Track 2: Nov 16 - Nov 27

Who can participate?

Anyone residing in the UAE with a valid Emirates ID can apply, provided they meet the eligibility requirements of their selected track.

Do I need technical or coding skills?

No, Technical skills are not required, although teams are encouraged to include members with technical expertise.

What participation tracks are available?

There are four tracks:

Rising Stars

School students
Ages 11–17

Pioneers

University students
Ages 18–25

Entrepreneurs

Startup founders
Researchers or Professionals aiming to establish their startups

Government Innovators

Federal and local government employees

How do I register?

1.Visit the UAE Hackathon website.

2.Sign in using UAE PASS.

3.Select your participation track.

4.Choose a challenge.

5.Complete your registration.

6.Submit your application.

What are the registration requirements?

Valid UAE PASS
Valid Emirates ID
Eligibility for the selected track

Can I register in Arabic or English?

Yes, registration is available in both Arabic and English.

Can I register individually?

Yes, Registration begins individually, but project submissions must be made by a team.

How many members are allowed per team?

Minimum: 2 members
Maximum: 7 members

Can I edit my application?

Yes, Applications can be updated before the submission deadline.

I have a registration problem. What should I do?

Please contact: hackathon@tdra.gov.ae

How can I prepare for the hackathon?

We recommend that you:

Attend the pre-hackathon workshops.
Review the challenges carefully.
Build a diverse team.
Understand the judging criteria.
Review the expected deliverables for your track.

How can I attend mentorship sessions?

Registered teams will receive mentorship schedules and joining instructions by email after completing the required stages.

What should my team submit?

Deliverables vary by track.

Rising Stars & Pioneers: Innovative idea + Business Model Canvas (BMC)
Entrepreneurs: - At least a working Prototype.
Government Innovators: Reports, frameworks, recommendations, or solution proposals

When is the submission deadline?

Projects must be submitted before the designated Pitching Day.

How will projects be evaluated?

Evaluation criteria vary by track but are based on a set of core elements, including:

Alignment with the challenge and expected impact.
Effective use of data.
Innovative application of AI and emerging technologies.
Feasibility and implementation planning.
Market potential or solution usability (depending on the track).
Quality, clarity, and creativity of the final presentation.

Detailed criteria are available on the Criteria page:

What prizes will winners receive?

Cash prizes vary by track.

Rising Stars

1st: AED 10,000
2nd: AED 7,000
3rd: AED 5,000
4th–10th: AED 3,000 each

Pioneers

1st: AED 20,000
2nd: AED 15,000
3rd: AED 10,000
4th–10th: AED 5,000 each

Entrepreneurs Track

1st Place: AED 50,000
2nd Place: AED 30,000
3rd Place: AED 20,000
4th–10th Places: AED 15,000 each

In addition, AED 10,000 from the prize amount in the Entrepreneurs Track will be allocated to each winning team to support prototype implementation during the three-month post-hackathon phase.

Government Innovators

1st–3rd: AED 10,000 each

Additional eligibility conditions apply.

What will participants receive?

All participants receive:

Certificate of Participation

Track-specific benefits include:

Entrepreneurs

Cash prizes
Business support
Mentorship
Startup development opportunities

Rising Stars & Pioneers

Cash prizes
Entrepreneurship support
Continued mentoring

Government Innovators

Cash prizes
Professional recognition
Mentorship

Opportunities to further develop solutions within their organizations

When will results be announced?

During the Innovation Summit & Awards Ceremony.

When will prizes be awarded?

During the Innovation Summit & Awards Ceremony.

Who owns the ideas developed during the hackathon?

Participants retain ownership of the solutions they develop.

Please note:

Ideas alone cannot be legally protected.
Intellectual property protection becomes stronger once an idea is developed into a tangible product, prototype, or business.