Al Ain University Students Rank Among Top 10 Teams Nationwide at Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon 2026
- Posted on:Oct 11, 2026
Students from the College of Engineering at Al Ain University (AAU) achieved an outstanding accomplishment by securing a place among the Top 10 teams nationwide at the Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon 2026. The competition brought together 200 teams and approximately 800 students from universities across the UAE.
The hackathon took place at the American University of Sharjah (AUS). Organized by the Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) in collaboration with AUS's Department of Computer Science and Engineering, the event followed the theme “Innovating the Sustainable Future of Tourism.” It aimed to inspire students to develop innovative, technology-driven solutions that advance the tourism sector and promote sustainability.
The Al Ain University team consisted of students Bilal Feroz, Mohammed Umer, Fuad Ahamed, and Farooq, under the supervision of Eng. Zaid Hadya. The team competed against students from universities across the UAE in a challenging environment that encouraged them to use technology and creativity to address emerging challenges in sustainable tourism.
The hackathon provided an interactive platform for participants to exchange ideas and develop innovative solutions to the tourism sector's evolving needs. It also offered valuable opportunities to strengthen creative thinking, teamwork, and problem-solving skills while connecting academic knowledge with practical applications and real-world challenges.
This achievement highlights Al Ain University students' technical capabilities and competencies, demonstrating their ability to compete at the national level and apply academic knowledge to develop innovative solutions aligned with technological advancements and key industry needs.
Al Ain University continues to foster a learning environment that encourages creativity and innovation by supporting students’ participation in specialized competitions and hackathons. Through these opportunities, the University aims to enhance students’ practical and research skills, strengthen their readiness for the job market, and prepare qualified graduates capable of contributing to sustainable development.
