The second edition of the Sharjah Hackathon for Tourism Innovation 2026 was launched on Saturday, an initiative of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority in collaboration with the American University of Sharjah. This year, the event has attracted over 800 students from various universities across the UAE, focusing on leveraging modern technologies to devise practical solutions that contribute to the development of the tourism sector.
Objectives and Focus Areas of the Hackathon
In an exclusive statement to Sharjah 24, His Excellency Khaled Jassim Al Midfa, the Chairman of the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority, highlighted that the hackathon coincides with the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2026. This year’s event particularly emphasises the role of innovative technologies in supporting vital sectors, notably tourism, and aims to transform student ideas into actionable solutions.
Format and Expectations
Participants will work intensively over two days to develop their ideas and projects. The outcomes of this collaborative effort will be presented during the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum scheduled for October 28, 2023.
Previous Success and Future Prospects
Al Midfa also noted that the inaugural edition of the hackathon yielded projects that continued to evolve post-competition. One winner even transitioned into a specialised company, showcasing the potential of such initiatives to support students in converting their concepts into scalable and developed projects.