The second stage of UAE Hackathon 2019 "Data for Happiness and Quality of Life", organized by the Telecommunications Regulatory Authority (TRA) in close cooperation with the National Program for Happiness and Quality of Life, kicked off on Sunday (February 10th) with wide participation by those interested in data analysis, from students, teachers, employees and entrepreneurs from the public and private sectors.
Sharjah Hackathon follows the success of Abu Dhabi Hackathon, which received tens of competing teams that worked over 3 days to study and analyze data provided by concerned entities, with the aim of providing smart and innovative solutions to Hackathon challenges in a number of areas such as trending technologies, health, environment, sustainability, security and safety, employment, education, social development, justice, lifestyle enhancement in the UAE.
In this respect, H.E. Hamad Obaid Al Mansouri, TRA Director General, said: "Last week, our beloved capital, Abu Dhabi, witnessed a fierce competition between hundreds of innovators in developing ideas and practical solutions through data analysis. Participants demonstrated their high ability in analyzing data and leverage results in the development of innovative solutions for many important matters today and in the future. I would like to thank all those who participated in the success of Abu Dhabi Hackathon, and I invite them to continue the work to achieve more successes in the remaining challenges. I also thank the Government of Sharjah, which has put all efforts to make this event achieve its objectives. I also invite those interested in data to put more effort to reach effective solutions to the challenges set by the 2019 UAE Hackathon."
Al Mansouri stressed that all the solutions and ideas that will be produced by the UAE Hackathon will be the subject of interest and study by the concerned entities, with the aim of developing, improving and drawing upon them. “Today’s successful countries are devising their plans based on the analysis of their big data, and we in the UAE are striving to capitalize on our big data to develop plans that will help us realize UAE Vision 2021 and the National Agenda.”
In turn, Mr. Ahmed Obaid Al-Qaseer, Chairman of UAE Innovation Month Committee in the Emirate of Sharjah, stressed the importance of this event in shaping future economic and development plans, adding: “We are mindful today of the importance of relying on data analysis results in the development of our future plans, through which we can examine the market situation, needs and trends, so that we can make decisions and draw up appropriate strategies, which contribute to attaining the highest rates of sustainable development and thus the happiness of our people.”
Al Qaseer pointed out that the Government of Sharjah is keen to sponsor and support the UAE Hackathon for its role in informing the society of the importance of data being the oil of the future and added: "UAE Hackathon is motivating current and future generations to study and specialize in data, thus helping to provide human resources capable of investing in this vital field, and to come up with the best results that will help us advance the UAE in the race of progress and prosperity." Those who wish to participate in the remaining Hackathons can register through hackathon.ae. All participants will receive specialized training in data analysis as well as a certificate of participation from the TRA. The winners will be announced at a ceremony to be held for this purpose on March 3 in Dubai, in conjunction with the International Open Data Day, where the top 3 winners in each emirate will be honored. In addition to announcing the winners of the best media coverage of the Hackathon.
The Sharjah Hackathon will continue until February 12, while Ajman Hackathon will convene on 11-13 Feb, and Umm Al Quwain on 12-14 Feb. The UAE Hackathon will also launch in Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah from February 19 to 21. This year, the UAE Hackathon will be held in the Emirate of Umm Al Quwain independently of the Emirate of Ajman. The fourth week will see the Dubai Hackathon, which kicks off on February 24 until February 26.
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