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UAE’s DUBAI — Gargash Group held the much-awaited AI Hackathon UAE 2025 at the Mercedes-Benz Brand Center in Dubai Design District, reaffirming its dedication to the UAE’s innovation-driven future. Over 100 developers, programmers, and tech pioneers gathered for the two-day event to design AI-powered solutions that would optimize the Group’s operational procedures.
The hackathon was a high-impact venue for accelerating digital transformation and showcasing the next generation of tech talent, which is in line with the UAE’s objective of developing a knowledge-based economy.
From an impressive pool of 88 registered teams—comprising 356 participants—28 teams with 114 innovators were shortlisted for a high-stakes 24-hour live competition. Among the finalists were acclaimed hackathon champions, AI researchers from leading global institutions, Emirati students, and budding tech entrepreneurs. These teams worked intensively to solve real-world operational challenges faced by Gargash Group, delivering solutions that combined technical excellence, creative problem-solving, and collaborative spirit.
The proposals were assessed on originality, viability, and business effect by a team of esteemed judges that included technical specialists and leaders in the sector. The winning team received a cash prize of AED 30,000 and was praised for their innovative and useful AI solution.
Elevating the National Innovation Agenda
AI thought leaders participated in a lively panel discussion throughout the hackathon, covering topics including the ethical application of AI, its future in business, and how new technologies may help solve local problems.
The Gargash Group’s managing director and group CEO, Shehab Gargash, highlighted the strategic importance of funding regional talent and innovation:
“Innovation has always been central to the UAE’s progress. At Gargash Group, we take pride in contributing to that journey by supporting homegrown tech talent. The AI Hackathon UAE 2025 not only empowered brilliant minds but also brought us closer to embedding transformative technologies into our operations.”
Echoing this, Walid Hizaoui, Group Chief Strategy Officer, described the event as a milestone in Gargash’s digital roadmap:
“This hackathon was a testament to the incredible talent within our ecosystem and our ongoing commitment to future-proof solutions. The innovations generated during this event will help sharpen our performance and strengthen our alignment with the UAE’s digital growth trajectory.”
Partnerships Powering Innovation
Strategic partnerships with top technological companies contributed to the hackathon’s success. In order to support participants’ ideation and execution, organizations including Adyen, Snowflake, Mesh, Transform UK, Villegas Recruitment Firm, Shorooq, and NextGenTechs were instrumental in offering resources and mentoring.
Gargash Group continues to take the lead in the UAE’s digital transformation process by organizing events like the AI Hackathon UAE 2025, fostering innovation, assisting local talent, and clearing the path for a more intelligent, flexible, and sustainable future.
