UAE Hackathon 2019 – breaking boundaries 

The UAE Government’s annual hack fest, ‘UAE Hackathon’ is in its second edition this year. After its great success last year, UAE Hackathon returns with an updated umbrella theme - Data for happiness and wellbeing - and eleven new sub-themes: trending technology, environment, data for sustainability, security and safety, health, employment, education, social development, innovative solutions to serve justice, enhancement of lifestyle in the UAE and enhancement of social relations in the UAE community.

 

The sub-themes of UAE Hackathon complement the UAE Government’s efforts to go digital and promote an electronic lifestyle while preserving the environment and culture. They also aim to accomplish Vision 2021’s six national priorities which are: competitive knowledge economy, sustainable environment and infrastructure, world-class healthcare, first-rate education system, safe public and fair judiciary, and cohesive society and preserved identity.

 

So, what to expect from Hackathon 2019?

UAE Hackathon will comprise seven events to be organized in the seven emirates. It will see a bigger turnout than last year. It will also see a more diverse group of participants as this year, we at the TRA are encouraging individuals with non-technical backgrounds to participate and enjoy the experience.

 

This year's hackathon will incorporate the lessons learned from last year and we hope that the participants will have a great time meeting new people and improving their IT capacity. There will be more corporate training opportunities, access to more experts as mentors, and opportunities for potential recruitment from some of the private sector firms participating in the hackathons. 

Why you should attend the UAE Hackathon?

Hack fests are foreveryone! They are no longer limited to people with technical background. The UAE Hackathon is open to all people whether from technical or non-technical background. All that the participants are required to do is to provide an idea or a solution that will improve someone’s life.

 

This blog justifies why you must participate in a hack fest. It says:

1.       One learns more in a day than in six months

2.       Hackathons improve your potential by crossing your limits

3.       You will meet new people

4.       Not only will you have a great time going along the adrenaline rush to create something in 24 hours, you also win prizes and get fame.

 

This blog adds that hackathons create risk takers and help you discover passions you weren’t aware of. 

Tips to get started and survive a hackathon - a hacker’s survival guide

1.       Register

2.       Understand the requirements of the hackathon – your solution/s must fall under the defined themes and challenges

3.       Study the criteria to make sure your solution fulfills them

4.       Prepare your team

5.       Choose the sub-theme and challenge for which you want to develop a solution

6.       Plan your time and resources – divide tasks between team members and set a deadline for each task/stage of tasks

7.       Plan your budget

8.       Wear comfortable (and respectable clothing)

9.       Better bring your own laptops, chargers and other necessary devices

10.   Be calm and confident; it’s not a make or break event

11.   Make friends

12.   Learn!

13.   Eat on time

14.   Take regular breaks and stretch your legs

15.   Rest well before the hackathon.

Finally, what makes us so optimistic about Hackathon 2019?

Hackathons have proven to be powerful tools in bringing innovation in the government and providing solutions to everyday challenges. More and more youth are getting interested in developing solutions to beat everyday challenges. The UAE’s youth is a diverse crowd from various nationalities equipped with high educational qualifications and the will to empower lives and bring a positive change in society.

 

Happy new year and happy hacking!

(For more information, visit http://hackathon.ae.)

 

Useful resources:

         The8 Best Websites to Find a Hackathon — The HackLife Guide

         Top10 websites with upcoming hackathons and tech conferences for 2019