Innovation Hackathon At American University Of Sharjah Redefines Tourism Experience With Student Solutions

The Sharjah Commerce and Tourism Development Authority (SCTDA) has initiated the Sharjah Tourism Innovation Hackathon 2025. This event, in partnership with the American University of Sharjah (AUS), aims to gather the UAE's top students to develop innovative tourism solutions. The hackathon took place on 1st and 2nd November at the AUS Main Building, as part of the Sharjah International Travel and Tourism Forum 2025.

During this two-day event, participants formed interdisciplinary teams to create practical solutions using artificial intelligence, data analytics, and new technologies. Their proposals included mobile apps, user interfaces, and prototypes that encourage community-based and eco-friendly tourism. The hackathon received applications from 500 students across 29 universities nationwide, with 80 finalists from 11 universities selected to advance their ideas for smart and sustainable tourism.

Khalid Jasim Al Midfa, Chairman of SCTDA, emphasized that the hackathon supports Sharjah’s vision for sustainable tourism driven by innovation. He stated, "This hackathon is a platform to shape the future of tourism and foster collaboration between students, academia, and industry to create solutions that align with Sharjah’s cultural heritage and forward-looking ambitions."

Dr. Imran Zualkernan from AUS highlighted how swiftly students could apply skills in artificial intelligence, web development, and blockchain to real-world problems. Dr. Salah Brahimi also commended the event for aligning with Sharjah’s strategic tourism goals.

AUS students secured the top two awards at the hackathon. The first prize was awarded to team Hayyakum for their project "Sharjah Quest," an augmented reality app that gamifies travel through interactive digital passports and heritage-based challenges. They received AED20,000 and will present their project at the upcoming forum.

The second prize went to team Nomad for creating a coral reef monitoring system using underwater vibrations to assess marine ecosystem health. They were awarded AED15,000. Ajman University’s team trail/s won third place with an accessibility platform integrating tourism with assistive technology, earning AED10,000.

Empowering Youth Through Innovation

The hackathon underscored SCTDA’s dedication to empowering young people and fostering innovation while reinforcing Sharjah’s role as a centre for sustainable and inclusive tourism. Participants gained mentorship opportunities, networked with industry leaders, and connected academic creativity with practical impact.

This initiative not only showcased student talent but also strengthened ties between academia and industry in developing future-ready solutions for the tourism sector in Sharjah.

With inputs from WAM